Ghanaian boxer John Laryea suffered the first defeat of his professional career in dramatic fashion after he was disqualified in the ninth round of his WBA featherweight title eliminator against Argentina’s Adrian Maximiliano Robledo on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Laryea entered the bout unbeaten and looking to take a major step towards a world title opportunity but his night in Buenos Aires ended in disappointment.

The Ghanaian started brightly at Casino Buenos Aires before Robledo gradually gained control of the contest. The Argentine reportedly scored knockdowns in the third, fourth and fifth rounds as Laryea came under increasing pressure.

Laryea was also warned by referee Janny Guzman for repeated low blows, with one offence resulting in a point being deducted.

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The decisive moment came in the ninth round.

Another low blow from the Ghanaian prompted the referee to stop the contest and disqualify Laryea, handing Robledo the victory without the fight going to the scorecards.

The defeat ended Laryea’s unbeaten professional record and dealt a blow to his hopes of moving closer to a WBA featherweight world title shot.

Robledo, meanwhile, strengthened his position in the division with the victory.

Watch the video below:

🎥🇬🇭 How John Laryea was disqualified and eliminated from his WBA featherweight world title eliminator against Argentina’s Maximiliano Robledo. pic.twitter.com/ifsdWdqFxG

— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) August 16, 2026