Samuel Takyi is ready to test himself.
The unbeaten prospect will face Victor Kuwornu for the vacant Ghana national lightweight championship Friday, December 30 at Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
In facing Kuwornu (11-1, 8 KOs), the 21-year-old Takyi (3-0, 3 KOs), an Olympic bronze medalist, is taking on the toughest test to date.
“I am ready to fight anybody at lightweight because I know my capabilities and what I can do in the ring,” Takyi told BoxingAfrica.com.
“I am going to win on December 30 to start next year on a bright note. That is the focus and the plan and I can’t wait for that day.”
This will be the first scheduled 12-rounder of Takyi’s career. The precocious slugger has yet to fight beyond the second round thus far as a pro. Kuwornu won’t be a pushover. The 30-year old veteran had been out of the ring for three years when he ended his layoff with a 12-round decision loss to the unbeaten Richard Fenyi last April.
It was the first loss of Kuwornu’s pro career but also allowed him to shake off any rust that had accumulated. This will be his second attempt at a national title.
“My defeat to Richard Fenyi was a mistake and I’m here to correct them against Takyi. It is not going to be easy but I’m determined to do it,” Kuwornu told BoxingAfrica.com.
“I had personal issues in the past and that was what caused my career in the past but I’m not threatened going into this fight.”
Takyi, however, believes this is his destiny. After ending Ghana’s 29-year medal drought in the Olympics, all eyes are on him to continue to bring Ghana glory now as a professional.
“I want to make history in the ring on the night to let my critics know that I am ready to take in the world when the time comes,” said Takyi.
“My opponent is very good and I want to win convincingly by going the distance with him just to prove a point.”
Takyi has been in training camp for the fight under the tutelage of legendary Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey, the former WBA welterweight world champion who also promotes Takyi.
Having made a successful pro debut in April against veteran Kamalrudeen Boyefio in Accra, Takyi traveled to South Africa and Nigeria to destroy Mandlenkosi Sibuso and Samuel Moses in June and August respectively.
The fight against Kuwornu for the national lightweight title is a major leap in opposition.
“He is ready to make us proud and training has proved that. I am confident that he will come out victorious at the end of the fight,” said Quartey.
In response, respected trainer Lawrence Carl Lokko, the man behind Kuwornu, questioned whether Takyi was ready for this test.
“I want to warn Takyi not to be complacent going into this fight because he could be shocked by what Kuwornu is capable of doing to him,” Lokko noted.
