Bukom: The Birthplace of Boxing Legends in Accra, Ghana

"When you're in Jamestown," according to Abdul Wahid Omar, "you gotta toughen up."

In a disadvantaged community where kids have endless energy but limited opportunities for growth, boxing emerges as a potential pathway to a brighter future. With dedication and perseverance, it can lead to success in the sport and beyond. This timeless story unfolds in neighborhoods worldwide, from Havana to Manila to Philadelphia.

However, there are few places that embody this story better than Bukom, Jamestown. Located in a coastal district of Accra, Ghana, Bukom is known as a hub for boxing and a training ground for fighters like 29-year-old Omar. With six national titles under his belt, Omar competed for Ghana in the Rio Olympics and currently leads the national team as they prepare for the upcoming Paris Games.

Omar is following in the footsteps of legendary boxers such as Azumah “The Professor” Nelson, who held world titles in the featherweight and super-featherweight divisions in the 1980s and 90s. He is widely regarded as the greatest African boxer of all time. Another notable champion from Bukom is DK Poison, also known as David Kotei, who became Ghana’s first world champion in the 1970s. These champions, like Omar, sharpened their skills in Bukom, a neighborhood that has produced an impressive total of eight world champions from its humble collection of boxing gyms.

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The Ghanaian community with boxing at its heart

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Local boxing legend and trainer Charles Quartey proudly proclaims, "We have a passion for fighting, it's in our blood."

In March, Ghana was the proud host of the African Games, showcasing a vibrant boxing scene centered in Bukom. CNN had the opportunity to speak with both seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent before the tournament.

In Bukom, gyms spill out onto the streets and squares turn into makeshift rings. Ropes are not needed, as a gathered crowd is enough. Sun-bleached posters of past champions watch over the low-rise housing, witnessing their legacy in action. The neighborhood has a deep love for boxing, with resident Kodzo Gavua stating that it is more than just a sport - it is a part of their heritage.

Gavua, an associate professor at the University of Ghana, has conducted thorough research on boxing in Jamestown as part of his anthropology studies. He believes that boxing plays a significant role in fostering social unity and peace in the community. Despite the initial perception of violence associated with boxing, Jamestown is actually one of the most peaceful areas in Ghana, especially in Accra.

However, life is not without challenges for the young people in this coastal community. Quartey, a former amateur boxer turned gym owner, highlights the difficulties faced by the youth. Many struggle to afford their education, making their lives tough.

Charles Quartey, left, was a well-known amateur fighter.

Quartey considers himself fortunate. His boxing career led him to join the military and even travel to the US. Upon returning home, he noticed that his peers were still stuck in the same jobs. This realization prompted Quartey to focus on the younger generation. He decided to open a gym to provide a safe space for children, both in and out of the boxing ring. "We look after them," he explains. "We provide them with clothing, food, and education. Our goal is to ensure that these boys have a bright future and do not end up wasted in our community."

Bukom is known as the "Home of champions" due to its highly competitive gyms. Some of the top clubs, such as the Black Panthers Gym and the Wisdom Gym, participate in the Ghana Professional Boxing League. This league is a team event held at the Bukom Boxing Arena, which opened in 2016 as the first purpose-built venue of its kind in Ghana. The arena has become a focal point for the community and a popular spot for the nation's up-and-coming boxers. Events like the boxing league are broadcast on MAX TV Ghana, making it a must-visit location for boxing enthusiasts.

"I see Jamestown as a university for boxing. According to Ofori Asare, coach of the national team known as "The Black Bombers," if you're a talented boxer from another part of Ghana, you should definitely come here."

The Black Bombers have been the most successful Olympic team in Ghana, winning four out of the country's five total medals since they first competed in 1952. In March, the team participated in the Africa Games, a significant competition that serves as a crucial stepping stone towards the Olympics.

The finals took place on March 22 at the Bukom Boxing Arena, where the program was hosted.

One of the victorious athletes was Samuel Takyi, a featherweight boxer who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This marked Ghana's first Olympic medal since 1992.

Takyi, who hails from Bukom, began his boxing journey at the tender age of nine. Now 23 years old, he trains at the renowned Wisdom Boxing Gym. He proudly refers to Bukom as the "home of champions", citing the success of past boxing legends who have emerged from the neighborhood. According to Takyi, "the boxing grows itself here."

One of the esteemed figures from Bukom is two-time world champion Joseph Agbeko. When asked about the key to his success, Agbeko emphasizes the importance of always being prepared. He recalls receiving just three weeks' notice before his first world title fight in 2007. Despite losing the title in 2009, Agbeko's determination led him to regain it the following year. This serves as a testament to his unwavering fighting spirit and the resilience of Bukom.

Samuel Takyi recently took gold at the Africa Games, held in Ghana.

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Olympic dreams

Ghana’s Olympic aspirants will need to maintain their fighting spirit. Currently, no Ghanaian boxers have qualified for the Paris Games due to the complex selection process. This process includes continental qualifiers, world qualifiers, and a quota system that is not favorable to African fighters this year. Their last chance will be at a second world qualifying tournament in Bangkok, Thailand in May.

Despite the challenges, there is still hope for boxers like Joseph Commey. He achieved gold at the Africa Games in March and a silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. There is potential for even greater success, as he had to withdraw from the final at the Commonwealth Games for medical reasons, possibly missing out on a gold medal.

Commey, the latest in a line of Bukom boxers, inherited his nickname “The Jaguar” from his grandfather, a champion in the 1960s. He is dedicated to his training, working hard three times a day. His goal is clear: first, to compete in the Olympic Games and win a medal, and then to turn professional.

Despite the challenges that may surround him, Commey has proven himself in Bukom. The saying goes, if you can succeed in Bukom, you can succeed anywhere.

“I think this year, I’ll be the greatest boxer in the world,” he adds. “I promise.”

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Editor's P/S:

The article paints a vivid picture of Bukom, Jamestown, Ghana, as a boxing hub where young people find hope and a path to success. The community's passion for boxing is palpable, with gyms spilling onto the streets and makeshift rings forming in squares. The neighborhood has produced numerous world champions, including Azumah "The Professor" Nelson and DK Poison, inspiring generations of boxers.

Boxing plays a vital role in Bukom, fostering social unity and peace. Despite the challenges faced by the youth, organizations like Charles Quartey's gym provide a safe space and support for aspiring boxers. The Black Bombers, Ghana's successful Olympic boxing team, have also emerged from Bukom, showcasing the neighborhood's unwavering fighting spirit. As Joseph Commey, a rising star in boxing, sets his sights on Olympic glory, the legacy of Bukom continues to inspire and empower young people to dream big and fight for their aspirations.