By Peter Quao Adattor
Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, known in the ring as Theo Lopez, delivered a masterclass performance to seize the WBO Africa Bantamweight title, defeating the previously unbeaten champion Daniel Selasi Gorsh, popularly called The Emperor, on a memorable night billed as Battle of the Beasts.
The bout, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, co-headlined a high-stakes fight card that drew fans, pundits, and stakeholders from across the continent. It was more than a world title fight; a clash of undefeated warriors, with pride, legacy, and career course hanging in the balance.
The champion, Gorsh, entered the ring with an imposing record of 15 straight wins and was widely considered the favourite. Pundits gave him a 62 per cent chance of victory compared to the challenger’s 38 per cent.
However, Theo Lopez had other plans. Once the bell rang, Lopez flipped the script.
The 22-year-old southpaw exhibited exceptional tactical maturity, timing his punches with surgical precision and maintaining relentless pressure throughout the twelve rounds. He controlled the pace of the fight, neutralised Gorsh’s advances, and showcased superior footwork and ring intelligence. What stunned many observers was Lopez’s composure and accuracy, especially given the high-pressure environment and his relatively short professional experience.
By the mid-rounds, it became clear that the tide had turned. Gorsh, increasingly frustrated, resorted to wild swings and even foul punches, signs of a dethroned champion unravelling under pressure. Lopez remained unfazed, sticking to his game plan and outpointing his opponent in nearly every round.
The final scorecards read 110–108 from all three judges—a unanimous decision that confirmed Lopez’s total dominance. With the victory, Theo Lopez becomes the new WBO Africa Bantamweight Champion, marking a significant chapter in his blazing career.
From Debut to Dual Continental Champion in 11 Months
What makes Lopez’s story remarkable is the speed of his rise. Having made his professional debut just 11 months ago, the Bukom native has now compiled an undefeated record of 11 wins, captured a national title, and secured UBO and WBO Africa titles across different weight divisions.
Boxing insiders are already touting him as one of Ghana’s brightest prospects for global stardom, perhaps a future contender for a world title belt.
Lopez’s promoter, Wisdon Boxing Promotions, expressed confidence that the young boxer’s journey has only just begun. ‘He is coachable, disciplined, and laser-focused. Theo Lopez is not just a local gem; he’s a continental star with world-level potential,’ said Coach Ofori Asare.
Promotional Success and Crowd Response
The Battle of the Beasts event lived up to its billing, attracting a near-capacity crowd to the Bukom Arena. From political dignitaries to former champions and boxing enthusiasts, the atmosphere was electric.
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), represented by President Abraham Neequaye, praised both fighters for upholding the spirit of the sport and reaffirmed the GBA’s commitment to developing boxing talents and securing international recognition for Ghanaian boxers.
What’s Next?
With this win, Lopez’s stock continues to rise, and the WBO may soon consider positioning him within the world top-15 rankings. Talks are already emerging about a possible title defence in December or a jump to the international circuit for a shot at an intercontinental belt.
Meanwhile, Gorsh, now 15-1, will have to go back to the drawing board after tasting defeat for the first time. While still young and talented, he faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence and refining his strategy for a comeback.
For Lopez, the journey is only getting started, but already, Ghana may be witnessing the birth of a new pound-for-pound star.
By Peter Quao Adattor
