Ghana’s Emmanuel Tagoe popularly known as Game Boy and “Confidence” made his nation proud when he boxed to fame and international recognition by outpunching Mzonke Fana of South Africa for the vacant International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Lightweight Title.

The verdict was a 3-0 unanimous decision by the referee and judges at the newly built Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra with the score cards reading 120-116, 120-117 and 120-116 in favour of Emmanuel Tagoe.

But before the announcement of the verdict was made by ring announcer Nathaniel Attoh, the hell broke lose at the corner of Mzonke who could not contain the severe punishment he got from Tagoe. He could not sit on his feet, and all of a sudden, he collapsed and fell on the canvas.

Ring side officials, doctors and even Team Tagoe had to find ways to revive the former IBF Super and WBC International Super Featherweight Champion, till the National Ambulance was called in to drive him to the hospital.

Emmanuel Tagoe was decorated with the IBO World Championship Belt by theMinister of Youth & Sports Hon. Nii Lantey Vanderpuye who is also MP for Odododiodoo where the new boxing arena is sited.

Tagoe dedicated his new belt to his Managers and Promoters Asamoah Gyan, Black Stars Captain and his Foundation members such as Samuel Anim Addo, Baffour Gyan and others.

He thanked all who contributed to his build up to the big fight like Nii Adote Otintor, Sempe Manste, the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) led by Lawyer Peter Zwennes and the fans who came out to support him.

In other supporting bouts Michael Pappoe stopped his opponent from the north in round 6, Ghana based Felix Williams knocked out Taofik Busuga of Nigeria in round 4 for the WBF and WBL International Featherweight title, while Obodai Sai retained his WBO Africa middleweight title, after beating Tanzanian Ibrahim Tambo over 12 rounds.

Tall USA based Nigerian Olanrewaju Durodola decided over Pascal Ndomba in round one in an international Cruiserweight contest over ten rounds.

South African boxing officials Allen Matakane and Terrence “Ace” Makaluza who officiated in a main bout commended the promoters for good organization.

Ataa Eddie Pappoe, the Ghanaian official congratulated Tagoe for putting Ghana’s name high in international boxing.

As usual, Tagoe came into the ring sitting in a palanquin to show that he is the king of boxing in Ghana.

Artistes like Stone Bwoy, Tinny, Jupiter, Nii Funny and Becca performed on the night.

 Sammy Heywood Okine