hat started as a verbal spat on social media quickly escalated into a verbal and physical confrontation.

Tagoe, infuriated by the 24-year-old Olympic medallist's recent verbal challenge on TikTok, stormed the gym with a group of supporters, demanding an apology for what he saw as disrespect from the youngster. The confrontation abruptly ended the training session. 

The police intervened and escorted both boxers to the Korle Bu Police Station, where the situation threatened to spiral further.

Resolution

However, it was an intervention by Takyi’s father (who pointed to a long-standing relationship he had with Tagoe’s father and the need to preserve their family ties) that both parties were able to put their differences aside.

With emotions running high, a peaceful resolution was eventually reached at the police station, as Tagoe received the apology he demanded, and the two fighters walked away with the matter finally put to rest.

Takyi’s trainer, Kwasi Ofori Asare, who had witnessed banter among boxers throughout his coaching career, was beside himself why the latest challenge escalated into a physical spat between Tagoe and his gang of supporters, and Takyi.

"It was a disturbing sight. I didn't even know they had engaged in any banter earlier. When we went to the police station, he [Tagoe] said it was not right for Takyi to say on TikTok that he would break Tagoe’s neck.

He considered it too harsh. So, Takyi's father asked him [Takyi] to apologise so that we all forgive and forget," Coach Asare explained to the Daily Graphic.

The dispute began when Takyi responded to a fan’s challenge during a live TikTok session last Sunday afternoon, suggesting that any Ghanaian lightweight who dared to face him would feel the full force of his power.

"Any lightweight in Ghana that can stand up to fight me, I will break his neck and ribs," Takyi declared, sparking outrage from Tagoe who joined the live show to demand answers.

“I was furious. I can't even remember the last time I was this angry,” Tagoe told the Daily Graphic in response last Tuesday. “He is nowhere near my level. How many fights has he had? Who is going to promote this fight, and how much will they pay me? I recently turned down a $120,000 purse — it’s an insult for him to even mention my name,” he added.

The seasoned campaigner, whose career boasts 35 professional bouts (33-2, 16 KOs) and a gruelling 12-round fight against Ryan Garcia in 2022, said the younger boxer should focus on facing fighters closer to his level. He described Takyi’s rants on social media as nothing more than attention-seeking.

“There’s a way to get attention in boxing, but you need to know your level," Tagoe said, adding: “Can I challenge Azumah Nelson? No, we're in different leagues. Takyi should be concentrating on building his career by fighting young boxers, not calling out people far above him.”

Tagoe’s irritation was further fuelled by Takyi’s boastful claim that he was prepared to fight any lightweight in Ghana. Tagoe, known in boxing circles as Gameboy, responded directly to the TikTok livestream, challenging the 24-year-old’s comments.

The conversation quickly exacerbated with both boxers exchanging barbed words, with Tagoe warning Takyi that they would settle things when they met face-to-face in town.

The following morning, Tagoe took matters into his own hands. He led a group of his fans to storm Takyi's training camp, demanding an apology for what he saw as a disrespectful challenge.

A viral video of the standoff shows Tagoe insisting that his young rival kneel and apologise, while Coach Asare tried in vain to calm the chaotic situation.