Akaba Grabs Interim Title

15-Oct-2011 Accra, Ghana - After lacklustre showings in local rings all year, former WBC International Featherweight champ Osumanu Akaba (26-5-1) really caught on fire in his two most recent fights looking very sharp in pounding vet warhorse Theodore Lokossou of Benin forcing the visitor to retire on his stool after six rounds of exchanges.

Although Lokossou had already lost twice to the rejuvenated Akaba early in their careers, he nevertheless came to rumble and gave a good account of himself until Akaba's brutal body punishment took its toll. Akaba collected the vacant WBO Africa Super Featherweight belt, but only the interim version leaving the real champion, world rated fellow Ghanaian Maxwell Awuku a chance to lobby for a world title shot.

The semi to the main event on this, the maiden show of newcomer Victor Ahiakpor's Heart of Lions Promotions, showcased what was a mouthwatering showdown for the National Super Bantamweight Title pitting up-and-coming brawler Raymond Commey defending his belt for the first time against vet Commonwealth title challenger and former IBF Africa champion Isaac Nettey of non-stop action fame. Alas Nettey, having just witnessed his brother Razak drop a twelve round war against Commey back in June, decided to use his vast edge in experience to fight a smart, tactical fight that put most of us to sleep and looked to have a slight edge after twelve rounds of mauling, missing, and grabbing. However, the three judges thought otherwise, giving the surprised Commey his fifth win in six fights. Isaac deserves a rematch, if any promoter cares to put it on.

Ashie braces for a counter from Nurudeen,

In a bonus attraction, top Lightweight George Ashie (22-3-1), fresh off a one round annihilation of local rival Abdul Malik Jabir just two months ago, stayed busy for a promised Commonwealth title shot as he systematically wore down Nigerian champion Prince Nurudeen who kindly stepped in on three days notice after original opponent for the vacant title, Innocent Anyanwu, could not make it. The visitor, showing controlled movement and a sharp counter punching style that could have given Ashie problems had the fight wore on, gamely tried to implement his will, but after five rounds, the lack of conditioning, and Red Tiger's constant tactical pressure, compelled the Prince to live to fight another day. Nurudeen returns home with his first loss after ten straight wins.

Brilliant Super Bantamweight hope, amazing John Amuzu, added another "win" to his heavily padded record with a one round decapitation of repeat victim and perennial loser Samuel Adotei to score his ninth "official" win, all by knockout. Padding the record of a superb fighter such as Amuzu is doing a disservice to the development of his career as it does nothing to prepare him for the very tough fights he will encounter at the international level when his handlers are sure throw him to the wolves.

Faded local idol Bukom Snake, alias Abdul Malik Jabir, attempting to regroup after his recent embarrassing opening round exit against George Ashie, was made to struggle in a keep busy fight against mismatched neophyte Tackie Annan. The former Black Bombers' team captain and multiple regional titlist was extended into the fifth round with his delusional die-hard adherents chanting "Malik is back, Malik is back" near ringside. Jabir "improves" to 17-8 while Annan remains winless in two outings.

Smooth punching welterweight contender Kofi Manu made it five straight so far in 2011 with a two round dismantling of jaded journeyman Nii Akrofi for his tenth win against six defeats. Though Manu has some decent scalps to his credit, he has come up just short against the cream of the crop having dropped decisions to the likes of Obodai Sai, Patrick Allotey, and most recently, Felix Lawson. An excellent clash between two young unbeaten Super Feathers saw Michael Pappoe overcome an early deficit to score his third win with a fifth round stoppage of George Krampah, now 4-1.