A modern coliseum
The Bukom Boxing Arena is more than a boxing ring, it’s a state-of-art sports centre and shrine to Ghana’s boxing greats.
The names painted above the stands around the Bukom Boxing Arena are a testament to a country that, yes, punches above its weight in the boxing world. Ike Quartey, Nana Yaw Konadu, DK Poison, Klutei Robertson, Joshua Clottey, Azumah Nelson. Ghanaian boxers, Ghanaian legends. There are many, many more. There is no other area of the world as there is in Jamestown, with this quantity of boxing schools, and there is no other place on the planet that has produced so many world champion boxers in the last 75 years. Boxers are heroes in Ghana.
Azumah Nelson is undisputedly the greatest African boxer who ever lived, and one of the best of all time. Thirty-nine wins, 28 knockouts, six defeats two draws, once WBC featherweight champion, once WBC super featherweight titleholder and Commonwealth Games gold medal winner. Nana Yaw Konadu, WBC International super flyweight title winner and, 11 years later, the WBA Bantamweight title winner. Ike Quartey, four years with the WBA welterweight title. Joshua Clottey, IBF welterweight title. Richard Commey, IBF lightweight title winner in 2019.
The Bukom Boxing Arena is in part a celebration of Ghana’s boxing heritage, but mostly dedicated to building the next generation of boxers. Opened in 2016, the Bukom Boxing Arena is the cradle of Ghanaian boxing. It is located in the historic Bukom district, a breeding ground for some of the country’s most celebrated boxers. The arena itself has a seating capacity for more than 4,000 spectators and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a gym, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a conference hall, and VIP lounges, alongside a restaurant and bar. There’s also a focus on basketball here.
There are regular bouts, and being able to see one in this modern arena would be a highlight to any visit to Ghana. If not, you can always call in and see some of the up-and-coming boxers train. Call 030 290 3568 for details.
