Ghana boxing has been a traditional sport which you can always rely on when it comes to boxers giving you results. From James Town to Bukom and its environs, boxers have been feared and respected at the same time any time they mounted the ring but this is gradually changing to a gimmick only to know to a few who really follow the game.
Isaac Dogboe, Seth Gyimah among others have fought from the diaspora and have made name for themselves until they faced the real test. Conditioning, endurance, stamina, will power are factors that contribute to the win rate of a boxer as well as luck which many see to play no part.
Seth Gyimah AKA Freezy McBones tasted the real power of African boxing when he joined the league to qualify for the Olympic games after being flowed in the most bizarre manner. Isaac Dogboe after winning world titles started to fade away after losing a couple of fights and came from being the fans favourite to the prodigal son.
The current twist is the shifting of attention to another diasporan who has had eight fights since his professional debut from 2022. Joel Kodua is a British Citizen with Ghanaian decent and is currently building his fanbase in Ghana following his recent victory.
Boxing as a sport is one of the most dangerous yet loved sport by name with little support when thing turn sour. Joel Kodua who always appears to be dressed in Ghanaian traditional kits has been fighting as an English who is honouring his decent.
A bit into Kodua’s professional records and how he is shaping himself for the future is what many should be concerned about as boxing is not only about the boxer but his corner and trainers as well.
Kodua who has fought in the United Kingdom through his entire professional career has started making waves in Ghana as many have started realising his potential and future prospect for Ghana.
Joel has a record of eight fight all wins in the welterweight division and still got some ladder to climb with the likes of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. (33-0-0), Eimantas Stanionis. (15-0-0), Mario Barrios. (29-2-1), David Avanesyan. (31-5-1), Brian Norman Jr. (26-0-0), Giovani Santillan. (33-1-0), Shakhram Giyasov. (16-0-0), Alexis Rocha. (25-2-1) fighting in the same weight.
The trending prodigy who seems to take his craft very serious has battled through some names from his pro debut. His journey started with a win over Joe Hardy at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, Dale Arrowsmith at the Copper Box Arena, Berman Sanchez, Eligio Palacios, Dario Borosa and George Sutcliffe all at the York Hall.
His recent fight is what has got many talking after he defeated Lloyd Germain a former Welsh and Celtic champion at the Wembly Arena, flooring Germain twice before securing a daring win. The fight which lasted for three rounds got many talking of the power Kodua possesses and how hungry he enters the ring. Aside adding to his unbeaten record in the welterweight division, Kodua made approximately USD$9.7m and looks to make more following his explosive exploits.
Shuaeeb Is a seasoned sportswriter, social worker, and philanthropist. He has been renowned for his support of disabled sports persons and championing for equal rights and opportunities for all sports persons. He is also a father of 4 children and married to His partner Moana who is of Australian descent. He currently does sports volunteering and disability support work aside from writing for this August media.
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