Ghanaian boxers draw first-day byes at 2026 IBA Africa Elite Championships

All three of Ghana’s boxers have drawn byes on day one of the 2026 IBA Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Amadu Mohammed (bantamweight, 55kg), Ebenezer Ankrah (lightweight, 60kg) and Joseph “Jaguar” Commey (light welterweight, 63.5kg) will not fight on the opening day of the competition on Thursday, October 22.

The championships have attracted a record 171 boxers, comprising 132 men and 39 women, making this the highest participation in the history of Africa’s premier boxing event.

The turnout surpasses the 148 entries recorded at the 2024 Africa Elite Championships, which were also hosted in Kinshasa. That edition featured 101 male boxers and 47 female competitors.

Seven bouts are scheduled to open the competition on Thursday as the championships get underway in the Congolese capital.

Ghana will be hoping its three representatives can make a strong impression as the tournament progresses, with Commonwealth Games medalist Mohammed competing in the bantamweight division, Ankrah in the lightweight category and Commey in the light welterweight class.