Amadu Mohammed took another confident step towards Commonwealth Games glory after producing a devastating first round victory to reach the men’s 55kg boxing quarterfinals in Glasgow. The Ghanaian needed less than two minutes to stop Kiribati’s Temakau Eriu and strengthen hopes of a boxing medal for Team Ghana.
The reigning African Games champion wasted no time imposing himself. Mohammed controlled the contest from the opening bell with sharp combinations and heavy punches that sent Eriu to the canvas twice before the referee stopped the fight after just one minute and 54 seconds of the first round.
The victory underlined why Mohammed is regarded as one of Ghana’s brightest medal hopes. His composure, speed, and power left little room for doubt as he booked a place in the last eight, moving one win away from the medal zone.
After the fight, Mohammed dedicated the victory to the support he has received back home. “I’m very proud because our coach supported us, prayed for us that we would get there. So my message now is, Ghanaians, keep on praying for us. We are not done yet. Let’s reach the medal zone and we will have more to say,” he said.
His success comes at an important moment for Team Ghana. Following the early exit of two time Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Abdul Wahid Omar in the men’s 65kg division, Mohammed now carries much of the country’s boxing hopes in Glasgow.
Ghana Olympic Committee President Richard Akpokavi believes the African champion has all the qualities needed to deliver. “He’s one of our top boxers, African champion. So we believe that he’s one of the potential medallists for us,” he said.
Mr. Akpokavi also urged patience as the Games continue. “When you come to a competition like this, you expect it. It starts slow sometimes, but the important thing is there are many more fights ahead of us, many more competitions ahead of us,” he added.
Mohammed will return to the ring on Tuesday, July 28, knowing victory will guarantee him a place on the podium. If his commanding opening performance is anything to go by, Ghana’s hopes of adding another Commonwealth boxing medal remain very much alive.
