According to reports, Ghana’s Emmanuel “Game Boy” Tagoe will take on former world champion Paulus Moses of Namibia on October 20th for the WBO Africa lightweight title in the first “Asamoah Gyan Fight Night” at Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana.
Even at the advanced age of 40, Moses, 40-4 (25 KOs), represents the toughest fight of Tagoe’s career. The lanky Namibian won the WBA world lightweight title in 2009, defending it once before losing it to Miguel Acosta in 2010.
His career has had its share of ups and downs since. In February, he lost another world title bid, dropping a close unanimous decision to Ray Beltran in Reno, Nevada.
Tagoe, 28-1 (14 KOs), hasn’t fought since January, when he stopped the overmatched Fernando Saucedo in the 10th round. He was subsequently stripped of his minor IBO world title. But he’ll be looking to redeem himself against Moses in what is likely the best matchup to take place in Ghana this year.
This will also be the inaugural show for the “Asamoah Gyan Fight Night” series–named after Asamoah Gyan, Founder of card promoter Baby Jet Promotions and captain of the Ghana national soccer team. Tagoe is Baby Jet’s sole client.
Tagoe has been much-maligned by fans and media for his choice of opposition and unwillingness to test himself on the world stage. But in Moses, he’s chosen a formidable opponent. A victory here could pave the way for international bouts and, should he continue winning, a world title shot.
Moses, on the other hand, will be looking to redeem himself as he attempts to climb his way toward another world title opportunity. The wily veteran has seen better days but is still capable of pulling off an upset, as he proved last February, when he gave Beltran all he could handle for 12 rounds. Many observers believed the bout was closer than the judge’s scorecards.
