Ghana’s Benjamin Lamptey and Emmanuel Mensah, who are billed to fight at GOtv Boxing Night 16, have vowed to disgrace their Nigerian opponents in the latest revival of the traditionally fierce Nigeria/Ghana sporting rivalry. Both boxers spoke on Friday after their arrival in Lagos for GOtv Boxing Night 16, which holds at the Indoor Sports of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Lamptey , who is billed to fight Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu for the West African Boxing Union (WABU) lightweight title, bragged that everyone would enjoy the fight except his opponent, who will be beaten like a child.
“Rilwan is, way, way below my class. I will prove that on Sunday by defeating him with ease. It would be like I’m fighting a child. In boxing terms, he is a child. I am here for the title. I will disgrace him before his fans. Ghana has better boxers than Nigeria and that will be demonstrated,” he said.
Mensah, Lamptey’s compatriot billed to fight Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, the African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion in a lightweight challenge bout, also spoke in similar vein. Despite being a replacement for Anama Dotse, who pulled out through injury, Mensah said he is sufficiently prepared to defeat his opponent as a step to challenging for the continental title.
“Joe Boy is in trouble. I always train hard, so it was not a problem when I was asked to fill in for Dotse. I can say with confidence that I’m ready, willing and able to see off Joe Boy. In fact, I’m determined to do that, as that will improve my chances of going for the ABU title. It will be Ghana all the way on Sunday. Mark my words,” he boasted.
The best boxer at the event will go home with the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of N1.5million. GOtv Boxing Night 16 will be beamed live in 47 African countries by SuperSport.
