Black Bombers 7 Benin 3

The Black Bombers, Ghana's national amateur boxing team defeated their counterparts from the Republic of Benin by seven bouts to three in an international contest at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday night.

The tournament, which was sponsored by Nestle Ghana Limited and tagged Nescafe International Amateur Boxing Competition, was to test the preparedness of the Bombers who are in camp for the Commonwealth Games slated for the City of Manchester in July.

Mr Eddy Duplan, chairman of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) told the GNA Sports after the competition that he was satisfied with the performance of the team because the Beninois boxers offered good opposition, which tested the ability of the Ghanaian team.

He said the competition, however, exposed a few flaws in some of the bombers and the technical team will tackle them in time for the Games, adding that such competitions would give the boys the necessary exposure and put them in top form for Manchester. "Our chances are very bright, we hope to do well at the Commonwealth Games," Mr Duplan said.

When hostilities began, Joseph Martey sparked the victory machine when he beat Ahorsu Marcel 4-1 in the light flyweight category. Adjaho Roberto evened scores for the visitors when he pummelled Moses Afum to earn a 4-1 decision in the flyweight class.

Jonathan Yartey put Ghana back into the lead with a 4-1 verdict against Savy Justin in the bantamweight duel and Thomas Aryeetey maintained the rhythm with a second round technical knockout win over Sodessi Antoine. The referee stopped the featherweight bout to save Antoine from further punishment.

In the lightweight division, King Abbey widened Ghana lead with a 5-0 decision against Scholy Comlan and Emmanuel Lartei Lartey was declared the winner against Amoussou Franck by a 4-1 decision in light welterweight class. Boco Jules stopped the one-way traffic when he gave Benin a victory in the welterweight division as he won on the cards of the five judges against Ahmed Akrong.

Thomas Awinbono restored Ghana's pride with a 5-0 score against Sossou Coffi Martin in the light middleweight division and Ernst Amuzu anchored Ghana's victory run with a similar margin against Fiakpe Brice who stood in for Hounsa Toussaint in the middleweight category.

Boco Alexis gave Benin their third win when he won on the cards of all five judges against Issah Akrong in the light heavyweight division. Michael Bannor and Fassinou Fatou engaged in a non-scoring bantamweight contest to make the evening an 11-bout thriller for fans.

Nestle Ghana Limited donated prizes to all the boxers from both sides while the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the GABA rewarded winners with 100,000 cedis each while each loser got 50,000 cedis. In addition Mr. Benson T. Baba, President of the GOC donated 100,000 cedis to Jonathan Yartey for his wonderful performance. Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion was, Mr Joe Aggrey, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports.