Olympic bronze medalist Samuel Takyi of Ghana is ready to make a statement in his pro debut.
Takyi, who became a national hero following his run at last summer’s Olympics in Tokyo, will face Kamarudeen Boyefio this Friday, April 15 in Accra’s Bukom Boxing Arena.
The bout tops a Bazooka Promotions and Management event, the outfit headed by Ghana boxing legend Ike Quartey, who also promotes Takyi.
Both were on hand at Monday’s final press conference at Bukom Boxing Arena. The 21-year-old Takyi is brimming with confidence, promising to celebrate Good Friday by knocking out trial-horse Boyefio (11-10, 11 KOs) inside four rounds.
“I can promise you that this will be the end of his career because I am going to destroy him in the ring,” Takyi told BoxingAfrica.com.
“He does not have the strength to match me in the ring even though he is more experienced. I am looking forward to the fight and I believe I will stop by the fourth round.”
Much is expected of Takyi following his impressive performance at the Olympics where he became the first Ghanaian in 29 years to medal at the hallowed games.
Major local managers and promoters eagerly sought to sign the talented boxer but Takyi opted to become the first big name in the stable of Quartey, who has largely kept away from the boxing scene since retiring from the sport 15 years ago.
Quartey will also handle training duties for Takyi. The former WBA welterweight titlist refused to speak at Monday’s presser, preferring that the media attention be focused on his fighter.
Meanwhile, Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) president Abraham Kotei Neequaye described Takyi as one of the nation’s prospects who must be supported to become a world champion.
“The GBA believes in his qualities and will do everything possible to help him win a world title,” said Neequaye.
“As you know, Takyi is one of our prospects in Ghana so I want to humbly call on the entire nation’s support for Friday’s bout to help him win.”
In other bouts, Mosses Adjei Selvi will face Emmanuel Otoo in a super bantamweight contest, and Ezekiel Annan takes on Nathaniel Nukpe in a super featherweight bout. At super lightweight, Derrick Quaye will battle Daniel Quaye.
