The Black Hitters, Ghana’s national women’s boxing team, have begun their preparations for the 2025 International Boxing Association (IBA) Women’s World Boxing Championships, set to take place in Belgrade, Serbia, from March 8-17.

A 15-strong squad has been called up for intensive training, marking an exciting step in the country's growing presence in women's boxing.

For the first time in history, Ghana will compete at the prestigious event, with the spotlight on the team since Janet Acquah made history as the first Ghanaian woman to win a medal in boxing at the 2023 African Games in Accra. 

Acquah is set to lead the team to Serbia, having successfully overcome Margaret Owoo in a trial competition held by the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) at Akoto Lante, Accra, on Christmas Eve.

Young talent Owoo, who impressed during the trials, will also be part of the team. The team has begun their non-residential training at the Bronx Boxing Club, Accra, where they will be fine-tuned by experienced coaches Abdul Rashid Williams, affectionately known as ‘Believer,’ and Daniel Lartekwei Lartey.

Other selected boxers include Ramatu Quaye, Faruza Osumanu, Perpetual Okaijah, Nancy Bamfo, Sarah Apew, Adelaide Djabatey, Elizabeth Darko, Trudy Manteaw, Anatu Mohammed, Rukayatu Anita Adam, Grace Kaaley Commey, Hannah Lawson Ayiku, and Helina Tagoe.

The IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships is expected to attract over 500 fighters from more than 100 countries, with the competition being held in 13 weight categories.

Ghana has confirmed its participation in seven of these categories: light-flyweight, flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, light-welterweight and heavyweight.

The GBF has already confirmed five fighters for the event, with the final two spots to be decided ahead of the IBA registration deadline on February 20. Following this, a one-month residential training camp will be held in preparation for the competition.

Solomon Otoo Lartey, 2nd Vice-President of the GBF, has expressed confidence in the boxers’ potential. "We are very confident in the abilities of our boxers," he said. 

"The team has been working hard and we believe that with the right preparation, they can make us proud and even win medals at the World Championships," he added.