Robert Quaye AKA ‘Stopper’ suffered his first career defeat at the hands of George ‘Red Tiger’ Ashie on Sunday, March 6, 2022 when he was pummeled and dropped twice on the canvas in the 8th before surprisingly abandoning their scheduled 12-rounder for the IBF Continental Africa junior welterweight title.
Quaye, holder of the UBO Intercontinental title who had predicted to end the bout in round 7 was dragged from the ring and sneaked home by his apparently protesting team who wanted Ashie disqualified for his corner allegedly throwing an object into the ring.
Ashie, a former African Boxing Union (ABU) and Commonwelath champion was decorated with the IBF belt by Dr. Mahamadou Bawumia, the vice president of the Republic of Ghana, with the support of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif.
Indeed the Bukom Boxing Arena was full to its capacity, and yet still boxing fans were trooping in to watch the much anticipated show down staged by Box Office Sports Promotions to celebrate the 65th Independence anniversary of the nation.
Quaye now 19-1 entered the ring first sitting on a white house and spotted a Roman soldier attire, while Ashie now 28-5 was carried by his coach, Wadada.
In the end, Ashie emerged winner of what clearly was the biggest fight in Ghana this year.
Ashie was awarded $1,000 (one thousamd US Dollars) for winning the title, and he will also ride a Boxer motorbike which was donated by Somoco Ghana Ltd, sponsors of the fight dubbed ‘Rumble to Freedom’.
On the night that all the boxers representing the red corner won, super lightweight Faisal Abubakar was too strong for Emmanuel Aryee. Daniel Gosh won against Johnathan Pappoe, while Moses Adjei Selvi forced Alfred Quaye to give up in round 2.
In other fights, Henry Manly also won against old Ben Ankrah the Congo soldier and Enoch Tettey Tetteh exhibited real skills to win over Edward Kambassi.
South paw Mike Abban was too much for Isaac Quaye in their Flyweight contest.
Ghana’s veteran female boxer, Yarkor Chavez was defeated by Zambian Lolita Muzeya in round one.
Nigerian Oto Joseph also beat Ghana’s Tackie Annan to win the ABU Lightweight title.
Mr. Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, President of the Promoters Association of Ghana who is CEO of Box Office Sports needs to be commended for the organization of the bill with adequate security who ensured that every thing went on as scheduled.
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) President, Mr. Abraham Neequaye and his executives must also be hailed for bringing a new life into boxing as the whole weekend was full of boxing action and the fans really enjoyed themselves.
Credit: Sammy Heywood Okine.
