He told Graphic Sports that Laryea was a very talented and focused boxer whose progress in the sport did not surprise him.

Laryea is expected to make his maiden WBO Africa title defence on November 11 against Gabriel Odoi Laryea since earning a fourth-round stoppage victory over Namibia’s Sebastianus Nataneal in July last year.

Since that win, Laryea has fought once against George Krampah in a non-title bout, which he won via knockout early this year.

“Laryea is a very good fighter with a lot of determination to get to the top of the sport and I am not surprised at his rise.

“He has been a very hardworking boxer and I am confident the future is bright for him if he continues with this attitude,” Lokko said.

“I have told him to concentrate on his career if he wants to make it big in boxing and he has been doing great so far,” he added.

Laryea’s opponent Odoi is an experienced fighter with a lot of international bouts but he has had just two fights within the last year.