Ghana is now home to its first female world boxing champion, thanks to the remarkable achievements of Abigail Kwarteakka Quartey. This victory marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s boxing history and positions her among legendary boxers like Azumah “The Professor” Nelson, Bukom Banku, and Ike Quartey.

A Humble Origin

Born and raised in Jamestown, one of Accra’s oldest neighborhoods, Quartey’s journey to the top of women’s boxing was anything but conventional. She played football with the boys and sold rice with her aunt before her brother, also a boxer, encouraged her to don the gloves and train.

Quartey’s decision to embrace boxing wasn’t without its challenges. Her family, including her aunts and siblings, were initially opposed to her choice, largely due to gender norms. Despite this, her coach stood by her, which proved instrumental in her becoming the professional boxer she is today.

Breaking the Mold

A significant triumph came in November when Quartey claimed the WIBF World Super Bantamweight title after defeating Sangeeta Birdie at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Jamestown. This wasn’t just a personal success; it was a moment of national pride and a testament to the support of her coach, Ebenezer “Coach Killer” Adjei.

For Quartey, her victory transcends individual glory; it serves as a springboard for females in the sport. She is the first Ghanaian woman to win a world title and the first to travel outside Ghana as part of the Black Bombers (Ghana’s National Boxing Team), breaking new ground along the way.

Igniting a Spark

Quartey’s journey has not only left an indelible mark on her life, but it has also ignited a spark in young aspiring female boxers in Ghana. Her story is particularly resonant for those who faced similar initial resistance from their families.

Sarah Lotus Asare, focusing on the Girls Box Tournament, sees Quartey’s victory as a pivotal moment for women’s boxing in Ghana, highlighting the challenge of competing on an international level with limited resources and equipment.

Carving Out a Future

Acknowledging the hurdles she overcame, Quartey remains steadfast in her commitment to pushing the boundaries of women’s boxing. Her achievements, including her world title, serve as a tangible symbol of hope and potential for future generations of female boxers

Quartey’s tenacity and determination demonstrate that with perseverance, barriers can be shattered, and new legacies created. As she continues to train and inspire others, she embodies not just the title of Ghana’s first female world boxing champion, but also that of a visionary paving the way for those who will follow in her footsteps.