Black Rockets dominate early rounds at African Youth Championship

Ghana’s national youth boxing team, the Black Rockets, have made a strong start at the 2025 African Youth Boxing Championship in Conakry, Guinea, with three rising stars advancing in their respective weight classes.

The tournament, which runs from 20 to 25 May, has already seen impressive performances from Mathias Ashitey (51kg), Desmond Pappoe (75kg), and George Dowuona (54 kg)—all under the guidance of head coach Joseph Martey.

The young fighters are representing Ghana against some of the continent’s most promising talents in a high-stakes competition.

Dominant start for Ghana

George Dowuona set the tone early, securing Ghana’s first victory with a commanding win over Liberia’s Miftah Albinbagu in the 54kg preliminaries.

Teammate Desmond Pappoe followed suit, overpowering Seychelles’ Lade Micock in the 75kg division before outclassing Libya’s Albingagu Mftah to book a high-pressure showdown against Guinea’s Diallo Mamadou in the next round.

On 21 May, Mathias Ashitey continued Ghana’s winning streak, defeating Tunisia’s Ayoub Mouhamed in the 51kg category to progress.

Dowuona then returned to the ring, securing another victory to set up an electrifying clash against Guinea’s Aboubacar Camara—a bout that will test his mettle against a home favourite.

Road to the Finals

With the competition heating up, all eyes are now on Ghana’s young pugilists as they aim for podium finishes.

The Black Rockets’ success in Conakry not only boosts Ghana’s medal hopes but also highlights the country’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite boxing talent.