Former Olympian Tetteh drops Ernest Akushey twice before a 7th-round stoppage, eyeing next bout with UK-based Ghanaian sensation Freezy MacBones.
Former Black Bomber Jonathan Tetteh, known in boxing circles as ‘Worldwide’, is the new Ghana National Light Heavyweight Champion after forcing Ernest Akushey, alias Baubali, to quit at the start of the seventh round in their headline clash at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday.
In a bout hyped as the ‘Battle of the Brave Hearts,’ Tetteh delivered a clinical performance, flooring Baubali in rounds one and five before his opponent’s corner waved it off at the start of round seven.
A visibly exhausted Baubali admitted after the bout that he had focused too much on roadwork and neglected gym preparation. He apologised to his fans and pleaded for a rematch.
Tetteh, who represented Ghana at the 2024 Olympic qualifiers, had other ideas. In a post-fight declaration, he called out UK-based Ghanaian boxer Seth Gyimah, better known as Freezy MacBones, stating bluntly: “You’re next.”
However, Tetteh praised Baubali’s heart, noting that despite the knockdowns, he kept coming forward and made it a real contest.
The referee, Neequaye Kotey, had little trouble officiating the fight, which had been preceded by weeks of pre-fight trash talk between the two camps.
As part of his reward, Tetteh received ₵2,0000.00 from the member of parliament for Odododiodoo, Alfred Kotey Ashie, fulfilling a promise he made to the eventual winner during a road show earlier in the week.
The MP additionally gifted Baubali ₵1,000.00 in recognition of his effort.
GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye was on hand to decorate the new champion.
Tetteh was backed by former teammates from the national amateur team, the Black Bombers, including Henry Malm, Joseph Commey, and Abu Kamoko.
Undercard Highlights
In the undercards, Alfred Lamptey, aka ‘Show Time,’ was taken the full distance by Wali Imouro of Benin in a gritty encounter while Joseph Commey scored an early first-round technical knockout over veteran Nurudeen Boyefio.
Isaac Nettey fell short against his Nigerian Olympian opponent in one of the night’s most technically thrilling matchups as Dolapo Omole secured a third-round technical knockout in 2 minutes 3 seconds.
The bout between Isaac Aryee and Isaac Commey was hastily halted by the referee after Aryee was at the receiving end of a flurry of unanswered attacks, leading to a prolonged protest from Aryee’s corner.
The outcome was a deferred decision as the GBA opted for a review panel to assess the bout, particularly the moment of the stoppage.
The event, promoted by Box Office Sports Promotions with support from Base Pharmacy and Papa’s Pizza, drew a good crowd of boxing purists and local fans to the Bukom Arena.
By Peter Quao Adattor
