Ghanaian featherweight Holy “The Jaw Breaker” Dorgbetor (14-0-1, 9 KOs) delivered a standout performance at the World Boxing Council (WBC) Grand Prix, defeating previously unbeaten Ukrainian Oleksandr Solomennikov (16-1, 8 KOs) in a tense round-of-32 clash.
The victory, secured via unanimous decision, marked a significant milestone for Dorgbetor, who called on his compatriots to “keep Ghana’s flag flying high” as the tournament progresses.
Meanwhile, middleweight contender Shakul Samir (9-0, 8 KOs) faces a pivotal test on Saturday against Mexico’s Saulo Morales Saldivar (14-1-1, 13 KOs) in another round-of-32 matchup. Samir, weighing in at 156.1 lbs, will need to counter the power and experience of Saldivar, who holds a 13-KO record and a slight weight advantage at 161 lbs. The bout underscores Samir’s bid to solidify his unbeaten streak on the global stage.
In earlier action, Ghana’s Enoch Tetteh (12-2-1) struggled against American prospect Tyshawn Denson (5-0-0), succumbing to a fifth-round technical knockout. Denson’s superior speed and precision overwhelmed Tetteh, who had aimed to advance in the super lightweight division.
Super lightweight Samuel “No Chance” Quaye’s result against Canada’s Wilcox Spencer remained pending at press time, while Gabriel Cofie of Accra’s Jamestown Boxing Gym readies for his tournament debut later today.
The WBC Grand Prix, hosted in Riyadh, has emerged as a critical platform for Ghanaian boxers seeking international recognition. Dorgbetor’s triumph against an undefeated European rival highlights the nation’s enduring boxing pedigree, while Samir’s upcoming clash offers a chance to showcase Ghana’s rising talent. With the eyes of the boxing world fixed on Saudi Arabia, Ghana’s contingent continues to balance the pressures of prestige and the pursuit of career-defining victories.
