Agbeko beats Tanzanian, eyes world title

Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko (35-5, 26KOs), retained his World Boxing Organisation (WBO), Africa Bantamweight title, after beating Shabani Hashimu Zuberi of Tanzania by unanimous decision at the Aborigines Beach Resort at Keta in the Volta Region.

The judges scored the bout 120-107, 120-108 and 120-107, all in favour of the two-time former International Boxing Federation (IBF) world titleholder.

Agbeko outclassed Zuberi, but the “stubborn” Tanzanian took him to the 12 rounds with no signs of tiredness.

Agbeko kept his work rate high throughout the bout, but failed to get the much desired knockout, as the 23 years old Zuberi, who has fought 18 times, winning 15 and losing three, with five knockouts, kept coming.

The Tanzanian displayed some flashes of speed but was kept at bay with some heavy jabs from Agbeko developing cuts on his left eye with his face visibly swollen.

The bout, under the Aborigines Promotion and dubbed, “The clash of the titans” was well patronized, with former President Jerry John Rawlings gracing the occasion.

Agbeko told the GNA that, “it was a good fight. Zuberi is much younger and energetic so it is good for me. Now I have to get back, train more and find out what my management has for me. Definitely, I am eyeing a world title,” he said.

In other bouts, a Ghana-based Togolese Boxer John ‘ Africa Mike Tyson’ Koudeha (15-0, 12 knockouts) defeated Tanzanian Boxer Manyi Issa (16-2, 9 knockouts) in a knockout in the third round.

Also Richard Amenfu gave Ho based Boxer, Dotse Anama popularly known as “Polo Pala” a knockout at round 11 for the National Super Lightweight title.