Rising Ghanaian fighter, Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey alias Theo Lopez, says Ghanaians should expect his best-ever performance when he meets Filipino prodigy, Jayr Raquinel, in a blockbuster clash for the vacant WBO Global super flyweight title on Saturday in Accra.
The 23-year-old, who has amassed all of the Ghana, UBO Africa, and WBO Africa belts in just over a year and a half of professional boxing, faces the toughest test of his world championship credentials against the highly rated Raquinel on the undercard of the mega fight bill earmarked for the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon this Saturday, December 20, which puts the global spotlight squarely on the Ghanaian capital.
Powered by Legacy Rise Sports Promotions, the Ghanaian fight syndicate founded and run by Sharaf Mahama, son of the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, in collaboration with renowned British promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing, Saturday's show is headlined by the all-British light heavyweight clash between Craig Richards and Dan Azeez.
But local interest is eager for several fights featuring some of Ghana's most promising fighters, led by the exciting WBA Africa light heavyweight title match over eight rounds between former national amateur teammates Seth Gyimah, better known as Freezy Macbones, and Jonathan "Worldwide" Tetteh, as well as the crunch IBF Continental Africa featherweight championship, where Holy 'Jaw Breaker' Dorgbetor defends his title against undefeated compatriot John Abaja Laryea, also known as "Expensive Boxer".
But arguably the man facing the biggest test of his career and readiness for the world stage is Accra 2023 African Games bronze medallist, Allotey, who has won all 12 pro fights, with 10 knockouts, since his July 2024 debut.
He is also currently the WBO's number 15-ranked bantamweight, on the back of a magnificent conquest of the previously undefeated Daniel Gorsh in June to claim the continental belt.
Allotey's meteoric rise, inspired by the three titles, was also rewarded with the prestigious EMY Africa Man of the Year - Sports award last month.
On Saturday, the Ghanaian comes up against the durable Jayr Raquinel, 28-year-old reigning Asian Boxing Federation Super Flyweight champion, a title he annexed by stopping Imani Matendo of Tanzania in round 4 in May this year. 
Raquinel, who debuted as far back as March 2014, also previously held the WBC Continental Americas Super Flyweight title and is rated number 10 in the latest Ring Magazine super flyweight rankings released on December 10. Also, the Filipino is ranked number 12 by the WBO, fifth by the IBF and sixth by the WBC.
But Allotey insists he is ready to shoulder whatever Raquinel throws at him and take the Filipino down in Legon on Saturday night, counting on his vast experience of facing opponents from different parts of the world and in different places during his storied amateur career, which took him to three world championships, among others.
"I know and respect my opponent, but this is not the first time I'm going to fight a southpaw; it's also not the first time I'll fight an international opponent. He's a champion, but I'm also a champion, so nothing scares me," Allotey told the Graphic Sports at the Wisdom Gym in Accra, where he trains under the experienced Kwasi Ofori Asare in pursuit of a 4th title.
"There is no pressure; I am working hard at improving every day. I have fought in hostile environments and came out unscathed, even here in Legon, all the fans will be supporting me. I urge Ghanaians to remember me in their prayers. I promise to put up my best performance ever to lift high the flag of Ghana," he said.
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