James Town was the action spot on Saturday with chills and thrills from the “Charley Wote” Street Carnival and the Special Homowo Kick Boxing Competition between Ghana and Togo organized by the Bukom Gym in collaboration with the Ghana Kick Boxing Federation (GKF).
As the chills were moving on the streets, people were being thrilled by exciting Kick Boxing with Togo winning the first two amateur bouts with ease. Ghana’s Samuel Dodoo had to quit without throwing his leg or a punch when he had an arm dislocation after dodging a blow from Togo’s Duada Seygod who won by a TKO.
Dauda Amadu of Togo also had it tough, but managed to overwhelm his shorter Ghanaian opponent Enoch Annan to win on points.
Daniel Adjei beat Togo’s Zikli Adamu to put Ghana ahead when the bouts were getting hotter and interesting with fans cheering, clapping and jumping from their seats.
Lebanese fight under the flag of Ghana Ahmed Charban of took out Hamadou Mounurou of Togo with little effort because he had the fans backing him to win and he did it in style. He danced kpanlogo to celebrate his victory.
Sadou Halidou of Togo brought some life into his team as he beat Ghana’s Abbey Hakin by TKO when the latter had a cut on his leg in a professional encounter.
Hero Jonathan was not the hero as expected as he lost to Ibrahim Moro. Moro tried to redeem his country, but they lost the last five fights.
Professional Solomon Amedepe of Ghana retained his title as his opponent, Sadou Hamidou failed to turn up.
John Asamoah displayed real Kick Boxing and resilience to win over Nouhou Toujanie over three rounds in a hot contest.
Francis Dodoo beat Hamadou Ridouane in stylish fashion to prove to the fans that Ghana Kick Boxing is alive, silencing the loud shouting Togolese fans. Dodoo sent his bearded opponent down to the ground going through the ropes off the ring with a dreadful flying kick.
Home boy Selom Darko enjoyed the home support very well and out punched and over kicked his opponent into dreamland. Osuman Ganiou had to be revived by doctors including the President of Ghana Kick Boxing Federation.
In the final bout, Ghana’s Alfred Adjartey retained his crown against a much heavier opponent, Moussa
Nouhou. Togolese Nouhou wanted to win at all cost and resorted to fouls, so he was cautioned often by the referee and lost the favour of the fans. However his supporters thought he won.
President of the Ghana Kick Boxing Federation Nii Adotey Gyata I, Mankralo of Sakaman of Sempe Stool congratulated all who participated to make the event successful. He commended the Togo team who are learning and practicing the sport very fast.
He appealed to corporate Ghana for sponsorship and support as many people are interested in the game.
Seth Mensah, a coach and referee/ judge who spoke to yours truly after the bouts urged Ghanaian Sports authorities to take sports very serious, because disciplines like Kick Boxing are beneficial to the security agencies. He encourage the youth to do sports and not be idle roaming about and wasting their time and talents.
W O Boye Joseph of the Ghana Armed Forces, an official of the GKF pleaded with the media to promote Kick Boxing in Ghana for companies to come forward or accept proposals from the Federation. He commended Capital TV, Gold TV and Radio Gold for their publicity on the game.
Credit: Sammy Heywood Okine
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