By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey stopped Namibia’s Jonas Erastus in the seventh round on Friday night to win the WBA Africa Super Flyweight title and sent a clear message to rivals.
Headlining the Legacy Rise showcase at a packed Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, the 23-year-old prodigy overcame both a bloody cut and a tough opponent to secure his fifth professional title in less than two years.
The victory solidifies Allotey’s standing as one of Africa’s most lethal prospects, moving him significantly closer to a shot at a major world strap across the big four sanctioning bodies.
Ringside seats were occupied by boxing royalty Azumah Nelson and Joshua Clottey, alongside Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams, football icon Asamoah Gyan, and prominent members of parliament (MPs) Edem Agbana of Ketu North, and John Dumelo of Ayawaso, who also doubles as the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture.
They witnessed a battle that tested Allotey’s grit as much as his skill. In the third round, a clash of heads left the Ghanaian with a jagged cut above his eye. Despite the blood, Allotey remained surgically focused, refusing to let Erastus’ awkward, lunging style dictate the pace.
The breakdown
While Erastus resorted to clinching and negative tactics, eventually losing a point in the sixth round, Allotey stayed technical.
By the seventh, Allotey sensed the finish and unleashed a blistering barrage of combinations that left Erastus stationary and defenseless.
The end came with a touch of drama; as referee Roger Barnor stepped in to assess a reeling Erastus, the Namibian literally collapsed into the official’s arms.
The contest was immediately waved off, handing Allotey a technical knockout (TKO) victory.
Other fights
The night was a resounding success for the home stable, with several other major titles remaining in or returning to Ghanaian hands.
At the Cruiserweight level, national hero Ahmed Abdula dismantled Nigeria’s Obaro Eradajaye over ten rounds, earning a unanimous decision (99-91 across the board) to claim the WBA Africa Cruiserweight belt.
Bloody Battle: Super Lightweight king Jerry Lartey overcame a horrific eye injury to outpoint Sherif Quaye, maintaining his unbeaten streak in a gritty domestic clash.
John Abaja Laryea lived up to his nickname (Expensive Finish), stopping Tanzania’s Lazarus Namalambo in five rounds to retain his IBF Continental Africa title.
UK-based Ghanaian female boxer, Sedem Ama, also successfully defended her WBA Africa title to round out a golden night for the local contingent.
International mixed results
While the local stars shone, the undercard provided some setbacks for the home crowd. Dutch fighter Jursly Vargas silenced the arena by dropping Ghanaian police officer Isaac Dowuona three times in a first-round blitz.
Similarly, Belgium’s Ibrahima narrowly edged out Godson Amuzu in a tight unanimous decision.
For Allotey, however, the path forward is singular. Now ranked in the top 10 pound-for-pound by Ring Magazine, the new WBA Africa champion is no longer just a local hero but a global prospect.
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