Slugfest At Complex: Ali Baba v Anyetei

After many years of life at the world level of boxing, Alex Ali Baba returns to local action on Friday when he takes on national flyweight champion, Anyetei Laryea, in a 12-round slugfest that has so much pride at stake.

The national champion has constantly taunted the former WBC International flyweight champion.


It was Alex Baba, then the national amateur champion, who delayed Anyetei’s entry into the national boxing team, the Black Bombers.


And since turning professional, Anyetei has gone all the length needed to reach out at Alex Baba and do it at the world level.


But all the efforts could not get him into the rankings of the World Boxing Council where, at his peak, Alex Baba was ranked third.

Somehow, inaction set Baba on the downward slide, at a time Anyetei ascended, although at the local level. And somehow the two have met at a point of each other’s need.


A win for Alex Baba is sure to re-launch his impressive career while a loss will be a signal to its twilight. For Anyetei Laryea, there is little or nothing to lose by way of pride and honour. But his title is on the line and there is everything to gain, even by way of a narrow loss.


In other fights on the Friday bill, Moro Tijani will take on Sakordie Addo for the West Africa superlightweight title; Osumanu Adama will take on Ayitey Powers, while Joshua Okine takes on Jamel Tyson.


Julius Obiri against Philip Kotey and Isaac Quartey versus Zakaria Salifu conclude the night’s bill.