Five of Ghana’s top professional boxers have arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to compete in the 2025 World Boxing Council (WBC) Grand Prix, a high-stakes tournament running from April 17–20.
The athletes, including reigning champions and an Olympian, will vie for titles, trophies, and a chance to elevate Ghana’s profile in international boxing.
Leading the contingent is Holy “The Jaw Breaker” Dorgbetor, the undefeated IBF Africa Featherweight Champion (13-0-1, 8 KOs), who faces a critical test against Ukraine’s Oleksandr Solomennikov (16-0, 8 KOs) in the featherweight division. The bout marks Dorgbetor’s first encounter with another unbeaten contender, highlighting the tournament’s competitive intensity.
Super lightweight contender Samuel “No Chance” Quaye seeks to solidify his reputation in a round-of-32 clash against Canada’s Wilcox Spencer (140.8 lbs). Quaye, known for his aggressive style, aims to leverage the global stage to advance his career. Meanwhile, compatriot Gabriel Cofie, also in the super lightweight category, emphasized his determination to “defend his name and nation” during the event.
Enoch Tetteh (12-1-1), another Ghanaian hopeful, enters the ring against America’s Tyshawn Denson (4-0-0) in a challenging debut at the Grand Prix. Tetteh’s camp acknowledges the difficulty of the matchup but remains confident in his preparation.
Shakul Samir, who represented Ghana at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, rounds out the team. Samir, accompanied by coach Elvis Robertson, pledged to deliver a “presentable performance” for fans. His participation underscores Ghana’s blend of seasoned professionals and rising talent.
The WBC Grand Prix offers more than accolades; it serves as a gateway to lucrative opportunities in the sport. For Ghana, a nation with a storied boxing history producing legends like Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey, the tournament represents a chance to reignite its prominence on the global stage.
Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a host for major sporting events adds prestige to the competition, attracting fighters from over 30 countries. Ghana’s delegation, backed by experienced trainers, aims to capitalize on this visibility, blending technical skill with the resilience that defines the country’s boxing ethos.
As the fighters prepare for their opening bouts, anticipation builds among Ghanaian supporters. Success in Riyadh could not only secure individual careers but also inspire a new generation in a nation where boxing remains a symbol of perseverance and pride. With the eyes of the boxing world fixed on Saudi Arabia this week, Ghana’s contenders carry both national hopes and the weight of history into the ring.
