Another thrilling night of boxing is beckoning on Boxing Day as two Ghanaians, Obadai Sai and Robert Quaye headline the maiden Don’s Promotions fight night at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra Ghana.

Sai, now nicknamed the Miracle Python will face South Africa’s France Ramabolu for the WBO Africa middleweight title, while Robert “The Stopper” Quaye slugs it out with Vincent Mbilinyi of Tanzania for the WBO Africa Junior Welterweight belt.

The fight night, christened the ‘Battle of the Titans’ has five other attractive bouts which promoter, Nii Yarboi Annan describes as high-quality fights. At the first media event to announce the fight night, Mr Annan said “We need to show the fans quality fights. We are aiming at the ultimate achievements for or boxers as managers and promoters and need to ensure quality at every stage of the process. It will be an indictment on us we put in all this effort and bring in opponents who lack the needed toughness to test our boxers.” he told Joy Sports.

Don’s promotions are collaborating with Box Office Promotions and the local representatives of Adidas and Reebok, Tech Foods (producers of Number 8, Snappy and Cornelly Snacks) and De Luxy Paint for this event.

The Sai Factor

With his record of 34 wins and three losses, Obadai Sai is picking up the pieces from a disappointing loss last year to Walter Kautondokwa and has since recorded two straight TKO wins. “I want to show to everyone that Obodai Sai is back. Obodai is not done yet and will prove to all that I have something special to give to Ghanaians.”

Of course, Sai is returning to a place he has previously been as he annexed the same belt in 2016 after defeating Idrissa Kabore of Burkina Faso via a technical knockout. He defended the title six months later against Ibrahim Tamba of Tanzania whom he defeated by a unanimous decision.

In terms of fight strategy, Sai, a former Ghanaian super welterweight Champion, has the build, a good reach, a jab which can get ugly depending on how and where it lands on the opponent.  This was the case when he knocked out the likes of Nii Akrofi, Osumanu Adams, Cudjoe Dara and Eric Adams.

The Accra-based boxer understands his circumstance and knows this is the time to move forward for good if he wants to make an impact in the division that is dominated by Jamie Muguia at WBO, Jermell Charlo at the WBC and Jarret Hurd at the WBA and IBF. The 31-year-old boxer, who will be fighting before the home fans and is expected to deliver a classy performance to fuel his dream.

And France Ramabolu, who is the best middleweight boxer, in his native South Africa, the orthodox boxer will bring a big test. With his record of (10-3, 5KOS), Ramabolu will look forward to causing an upset in Ghana, similar to what Walter Kautundokwa did.

The Quaye factor

Robert ‘The Stopper’ Quaye was very emphatic and probably sent the most piercing message of the news conference.  “I am already targeting the title. The truth is that I am the one supposed to be in Maurice Hooker’s place. I am the true champion and all I’m waiting for is the opportunity to fight for it. So Mbilinyi is not part of my worries at all,” he said.

According to Quaye, Nii Yarboi Annan the promoter has done a great deal of good to his career and it’s revival. “His support over the years has made me a good boxer among boxers and my fans have also been loyal. All they need to do for me on the fight night is to arrive at the arena early enough. Anyone who walks in late may miss my fight because I will knock Mbilinyi out,” he said in his usual confident tone.

Robert Quaye’s confidence is drawn from his performance in his last bout against compatriot Patrick Allotey in what was a heated grudge bout. Quaye won by a ninth-round technical knockout. He was ferocious in his punching and kept the heat on Allottey. If he should apply the same, it could work for him. However, Mbilinyi could prove a tough customer considering that he has lost only once in 14 fights. Out of the wins, five are knockouts with three draws. Mbilinyi who is 29, will rest on his durability and conditioning to pop some surprises during the 12 round bout. His mental toughness is yet to be tested as he will be fighting for the first time outside his home country Tanzania. Before a Bukom Arena that will be filled with 98% of Quaye’s fans.

Other attractions

The WBC International championship bout between Aliu  Lasisi, the Lucky Boy (10-0) and Mchanga  Yohana (8-1) of Tanzania will be another must-see while the Ghanaian super featherweight championship between Felix ‘Alvaro’ Ajom (10-1-1) and Michael ‘One Bullet’ Ansah (15-9-2) will draw massive attention from the fans who have asked for this for some time now. Also on the bill will be the featherweight championship between Felix Williams and a yet-to-be-announced opponent. Beijing 2008 Olympian Prince ‘Octopus’ Dzanie (18-0) will face Ekow Wilson (18-3) in a bantamweight contest over 10 rounds. Another special attraction will be the ladies pro-amateur Muay Thai championship between Natacha De Almeida of Sweden and Julie Grande of Italy.

Award-winning media personality Nathaniel Attoh will be in the ring announcer. 

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