Olympic bronze medalist Samuel Takyi is set to make his pro debut—with an African boxing legend by his side.
Takyi’s first pro bout will take place Saturday, January 29, in Accra. The fight is expected to headline a card organized by Bazooka Promotions, an outfit owned by retired long-time world welterweight champion Ike “Bazooka” Quartey.
“I will be making my pro debut on January 29 against a yet to be announced opponent,” Takyi disclosed to BoxingAfrica.com.
“I have signed with Ike Quartey to start my professional journey and I believe his experience and vast knowledge in the sport will help my growth.”
Takyi also revealed that Quartey will not only serve as his promoter, but his trainer as well.
“A lot of thinking went into this decision and I am convinced that this is the best for my young career,” Takyi said.
“I believe Ike Quartey has what it takes to take me far in my career with the rich experience he has garnered from his own career.”
Takyi’s decision comes on the heels of his impressive performance at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo which saw the 20-year-old featherweight end Ghana’s 29-year drought at the Olympics by bringing home the bronze medal.
Many of Ghana boxing’s movers and shakers insisted that Takyi continue his amateur career following the Olympics. Takyi would heed to their pressure, rescinding his initial decision to turn pro by announcing that he would avail himself for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
But after further consideration, Takyi has opted to go with his first reaction and is now set to make his pro debut.
One month shy of his 21st birthday, the talented boxer now joins forces with Quartey, not only one of Ghana’s greatest boxers, but the one who earned the most money during his lucrative professional career which included epic bouts versus Mexican-American boxing legends Oscar De La Hoya and Fernando Vargas.
Quartey has been vocal about the issues with boxing in Ghana, particularly the amateur program. He is now in a position to effect change as he works with Takyi, one of the finest boxing talents the nation has produced in recent years.
