Riots mar Homowo boxing tournament

Accra, Aug 13, GNA - Intense rioting by some boxing fans believed to be supporters of Malik Jabir forced the Homowo Boxing Extravaganza organised by Will Power Promotions to terminate abruptly with four more bouts to go.

The event, which was taking place at the Mantse Agboona, James Town, to climax this year's festival by the chiefs and people of Gamashie turned sour as fans, including some high ranking chiefs and civil society big wigs and ring officials had to run for cover.


The rioters, who were disappointed at the performance of their ward in a national featherweight title fight against youthful Emmanuel Tagoe hurled chairs into the ring and chased ring officials out of their seats to ensure the fight did not end.


The shameful act of hooliganism took centre stage at the end of the 10th round when referee May Mensah Akakpo got ready to invite the pugilists to commence round 11.


Suddenly, the lights went off and chairs and other missiles flew all over the place, compelling organisers and fans alike to desert the open-air venue of the fight with alacrity.


The fight, which was wildly publicised, with both boxers swearing to win by all means lived up to expectation as a grudge duel, but the trend was against the expectation of most of the fans who were rooting for Malik.

Emmanuel, the younger brother of Joe Tagoe, popularly known as "Bobby Short," who plays football for Accra Hearts of Oak put up a plucky performance to steal the show from Malik, whose only desire in the fight was to look for the big punch, which he could not find. Tagoe jabbed persistently and kept his hands popping out at every given time, thus piling up points at will to take a commanding lead by the fifth round.


From the sixth he decided to trade punches with Malik and here again the, the frail looking youngster went a cut above his opponent as he guarded his chin very well and connected the more precise punches to the chagrin of Malik's fans.


In the ninth and tenth rounds, Tagoe went full throttle and hammered Malik with left, right combinations, which left no one in doubt about who the winner would be if the fight went the distance. Indeed, Malik hit the canvas after Tagoe had connected about four punches to his head, but surprisingly, referee Akakpo ruled it a slip. Eaelier, Thomas Aryeetey had won the national super featherweight title with a unanimous verdict against Odarlai Lamptey. Judge Clement Ashong made it 119-111 while Emmanuel Brenya scored it 118-112 and Dan Nonoo Mensah had it 119-110 all in favour of Aryeetey.


Sam Amoako gained a unanimous points' decision over Dan Tindana when they fought in a super lightweight contest over eight rounds, while Ben "Congo Soldier" Ankrah won by a third round TKO over Eben Ayivor in a lightweight fray over eight rounds.