In a landmark event for Ghana’s boxing community, Gianluca Di Caro, President of the British and Irish Boxing Association (BIBA), made a historic visit to the Bronx Boxing Gym in James Town, Accra, on a Friday in April 2022. The visit marked a significant moment for the gym, which is the only boxing training center in Ghana affiliated with BIBA. To commemorate the occasion, Di Caro was presented with souvenirs from the gym, symbolizing the warm welcome and strong ties between BIBA and the Ghanaian boxing scene.
Bronx Boxing Gym: A Hub of Talent
Under the stewardship of Coach Carl Lokko, the Bronx Boxing Gym has established itself as a powerhouse in African boxing. The gym is home to several prominent fighters, including WBO Africa Lightweight Champion Sheriff Quaye and WBO Africa Featherweight Champion John Laryea. Other notable boxers training at the facility include Daniel Gorsh, Felix Ajom (the national Super Featherweight Champion), Kpakpo Allotey, a well-known figure in Ghanaian boxing, and Jacob Dickson, the national Cruiserweight Champion. Additionally, world-rated lightweight Emmanuel Tagoe hones his skills under Lokko’s guidance, further elevating the gym’s reputation.
During Di Caro’s visit, the boxers showcased their skills through a series of training exercises. The session included shadow boxing, power punching, and work on punching bags to demonstrate hand strength. Sparring sessions and general fitness drills were also part of the program, highlighting the athletes’ discipline and readiness. Coach Lokko praised his boxers for their dedication, commitment, and adherence to discipline, which have been instrumental in the gym’s success.
Strengthening International Ties
Gianluca Di Caro, on his first-ever five-day visit to Ghana, expressed his delight at the warm hospitality he received. He commended the efforts of African boxing stakeholders in promoting the sport as both a competitive discipline and a viable business. Di Caro lauded Coach Lokko and his team for their remarkable work in maintaining the Bronx Boxing Gym as one of Africa’s premier training facilities. He also extended an invitation to Lokko to attend a program in The Gambia, recognizing the coach’s contributions to the sport.
The visit provided an opportunity for Di Caro to connect with key figures in Ghana’s boxing community. Among those he met were Your Truly, President of the Boxing Writers Association, Dauda Fuseini, Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Sammy Gyan, Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union, Solomon Otoo, an executive member of the Ghana Boxing Federation, and several executives from the Bronx Boxing Gym. These interactions underscored the collaborative spirit driving boxing’s growth in the region.
A Vision for African Boxing
Di Caro’s visit highlights the growing international recognition of Ghana’s boxing talent and infrastructure. The Bronx Boxing Gym, with its roster of champions and disciplined training environment, stands as a testament to the potential of African boxing. By fostering partnerships with organizations like BIBA, the gym is poised to elevate its profile on the global stage. Di Caro’s praise for African coaches and ring assistants further emphasizes the importance of grassroots efforts in nurturing the next generation of boxers.
As Ghana continues to produce world-class fighters, visits like this one reinforce the country’s position as a key player in international boxing. The Bronx Boxing Gym remains a beacon of excellence, blending rigorous training with a commitment to discipline and professionalism.
