A SIX-MAN national youth boxing team, Black Rockets, departed Accra last Saturday night to Budva, Montenegro, where they are billed to compete in the 2024 IBA World Youth Championship this week.

Minimumweight (48kg) campaigner, George Nii Nortey Dowuona, flyweight (51kg) Mathias Ashitey, Francis Quartey — featherweight (57kg), Ebenezer Ankrah — lightweight (60kg), Levi Nii Ayi Mensah Ankrah — light welterweight (63.5kg) and Desmond Pappoe — light middleweight (71kg) are the six embarking on the trip outside to lift high the flag of Ghana.

Approximately 660 boxers from 88 countries are expected to compete in both men's and women's categories from October 22 to November 3, compared to 598 athletes from 73 nations who competed in 2022. This is the first time Ghana will be represented in this global competition.

The six Ghanaian boxers are led by head trainer, Charles Quartey, and they are expected to be joined later by Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) 1st Vice-President, Alhaji Dauda Fuseni, and other officials of the amateur boxing controlling body in this country.

Dignitaries who saw off the Black Rockets at the airport included the GBF President, DSI Bernard Quartey, second Vice-President, Solomon Too Lartey, Treasurer, Mustapha Nettey, and Dr Stephen Addison, the UK-based Ghanaian proprietor of Boxup whose customised kits Team Ghana used on their journey to the European country.

"The preparation was high, these boys are in the high spirit. This is the first time we are going to this world tournament, the boys are ready, they are going there to showcase their talent and make Ghana proud. We have good boxers in our team so I appeal to all Ghanaians to pray for these young boys to bring gold to Mother Ghana," Coach Quartey told the Graphic Sports at the airport.
"This is my first time travelling outside the country, I am ready and prepared. I just want to make Ghana proud so I will try my best to bring gold. I promise that I am not returning without a medal," promised 17-year-old Dowuona.