Highly-rated boxer Samuel "Ring Warrior" Takyi is savouring every moment spent alongside Ghanaian and African pugilistic legend Azumah Nelson, as he readies himself for his eighth professional bout against Uganda’s Harry Eteba in Lagos, Nigeria, this Friday, April 18 .

This marks Takyi’s second fight of the year and his first contest abroad since signing with UK-based Ghanaian promoter and manager, Michael Amoo Bediako, last year.

The decision to switch coaches — now under the guidance of the man who stood by his corner during his groundbreaking Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medal run, Coach Kwasi Ofori Asare, at the Wisdom Gym — has reinvigorated his approach.

The time Takyi spent training with the three-time world champion Hall of Famer, widely acknowledged as Africa’s greatest boxer, continues to play like an endless soundtrack in his ears. 

The Tokyo 2020 medallist was effusive in his praise for Nelson’s wealth of experience, recalling the difference in his performance after witnessing why Nelson held the WBC title for a remarkable ten years.

“He is the father of all boxers —Azumah is very good. I saw the difference and understand why he held the WBC title for ten years. 

Training with him was brilliant; I learnt so much and was overwhelmed by his rich knowledge of boxing,” Takyi told Graphic Sports in a recent interview.

Expressing his gratitude further, Takyi added, “I am so grateful—God bless him and grant him long life so he can see me bring the WBC title back to Ghana.

I would love to experience more of his top-notch training. There’s more to come.”

Takyi, who boasts seven stoppage victories in his career so far, now faces undefeated Oteba, in an eight-round international lightweight contest, set to take place at the Balmoral Tenth within the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos. 

The fight is sanctioned by the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control. Oteba, aged 19, is riding high on a six-fight unbeaten run, with five straight knockouts, including an impressive unanimous points victory over Kennedy Sseruyange in his debut bout in Kampala last June.

With an unwavering focus on his world title ambitions, the Ghanaian pugilist is determined not to be daunted by fighting away from home.

His previous outing in Lagos back in August 2022 saw him secure a first-round win against Nigeria’s Samuel Moses in just 2 minutes and 54 seconds, under the tutelage of former world champion Ike "Bazooka" Quartey. Takyi’s professional debut, two months earlier in South Africa at Emperor’s Palace, Kempton Park, was equally impressive as he dismantled local favourite Mandlenkosi Sibuso in two rounds, also under Quartey’s guidance.

Addressing concerns about fighting on unfamiliar turf, Takyi asserted, “It won’t affect me at all. Thanks to my team and the promoters for this opportunity, I’m ready. If you want to be a world champion, you have to win fights abroad—that’s what makes a great fighter.”

He added with palpable pride, “Ghanaians know what I do—I always win. I’ve been in this game for 15 years now, and this is the time to make Ghana proud as a world champion. Thanks to all the Samuel Takyi fans out there, one love.”