Ghana super lightweight Benjamin Lamptey suffered an eight-round majority decision loss to Nigeria’s Opagun Samuel on Saturday at Ashalaja in the Ga West district.
It was the biggest attraction on the ‘Afi ooo afi 2 all’ boxing extravaganza put together by Ambition Boxing Promotions at the residence of the chief of Ashalaja, Nii Obeney Akwanor IV, to commemorate the Homowo celebration of the Ga community in the area.
Spurred on by an encouraging crowd that included the chief of Ashalaja and Azumah Nelson, Lamptey undoubtedly was the better boxer in the first two rounds, connecting with his jab.
He slowed down from the third round which saw the Nigerian become more aggressive and applying pressure.
From the fourth round, Samuel was clearly in control with his heavier jabs and punches although Lamptey was never overawed by those attacks.
As fatigue set in, both fighters resorted to a few rough tactics that forced the referee to step in to separate them.
The last two rounds belonged to Samuel who showed much aggression and chased the Ghanaian around the ring but with his solid defence, he warded off the punches and attempted to fight back.
In the end, the referees awarded Samuel a majority decision by scores of 78-74, 78-71 and 76-76, attracting a fierce protest from the Ghanaian and his camp.
In another Ghana-Nigeria line up, Mubarak Abubakar earned a unanimous decision victory over Rasheed Abolaji in another fierce clash in a middleweight contest over eight rounds.
All three judges scored it 79-74 on behalf of the Ghanaian in what was the most explosive bout of the evening.
It was Abolaji first defeat in seven outings but left the ring as a gallant loser as he thrilled the fans with the manner he jabs and able to connect with his right hand shots.
But the Abubakar was the better of the two as he also jabbed effectively delivered punches that were thought could have stopped Abolaji.
Nigeria’s Olagede Tunde lost to Togolese opponent, Wari Razak in another Majority Decision verdict. Razak was awarded a 74-75, 75-75, 74-75 verdict over Tunde.
Beninois fighter, Abbul Sabou made an impressive debut against Saddick Musah who he defeated via a Unanimous Decision.
Holy Dogbator also recorded a first round win in his scheduled lightweight contest.
–allafrica.com
