Ghana’s boxing scene is bracing for a blockbuster showdown as two of the nation’s brightest prospects, John “Expensive Boxer” Laryea and Holy “Jaw Breaker” Dorgbetor, edge closer to a long-awaited face-off that could define both their careers.
The Graphic Sports understands that talks are well advanced for the pair to headline a December 20 mega fight in Accra, likely to be staged under the banner of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, one of the sport’s biggest global promoters.
For years, their rivalry has simmered beneath the surface. Both fighters rose through the local ranks to capture the national featherweight title, then extended their dominance to the continent, announcing themselves as world-level prospects.
Now, fate seems to be steering them onto a collision course in a fiercely competitive division.
At just 23, Laryea has built an impressive résumé since turning professional in 2018. Undefeated in 16 bouts (15 wins, one draw), the Accra-based boxer has twice held the WBO Africa featherweight title, first in 2021 and again in 2023, having earlier claimed the national championship that same year.
Under the guidance of respected trainer Lawrence Carl Lokko, Laryea’s international ambitions took flight last November when he stopped Nicaraguan veteran Alexander Mejia in the United States, a statement win that signalled his readiness for the global stage.
For 26-year-old Dorgbetor, the path has been equally compelling, if not a touch more turbulent. A native of Mepe in the Volta Region, he suffered defeat against Italy-based Albanian Muhamet Qamili at the WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Yet, that setback has done little to dent his reputation. Dorgbetor turned professional in 2019 and captured the national featherweight belt — vacated by Laryea — after defeating Success Tetteh in October 2021.
That same night, he added the UBO Intercontinental title to his growing collection.
His rise continued with a commanding victory over Tanzania’s Hamadi Furahisha in June 2024 to clinch the IBF Continental featherweight crown, which he successfully defended twice before venturing into the star-studded WBC Grand Prix.
Dorgbetor has left no stone unturned in his quest for redemption. His recent training tours of Singapore and the UK were designed to sharpen his craft and expand his technical range.
“My training tour was great; I learnt a lot from working with different coaches and sparring partners,” Dorgbetor told Graphic Sports on his return to Accra."
"My target is to bring a world title to Ghana — but before that, there’s one fight I want to do at home,” he added, clearly referring to Laryea.
High anticipation
Meanwhile, Laryea, who spent part of the year training in the US before a scheduled bout fell through, has wasted little time adding fuel to the fire.
“This is the fight I’ve been praying for — and the one everyone has been waiting to see,” he said. “I’m pleading with every promoter and matchmaker to make it happen, so I can discipline him.”
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