The echoes of history resonate as 49 years ago David Kotei Poison returned to Ghana to a hero's welcome after claiming victory over Rubén Olivares in the WBC featherweight championship.
The streets were alive with jubilant crowds and banners celebrating his triumph. Kotei’s win not only made him Ghana’s first world boxing champion but also set the stage for future champions.
He even loaned $45,000 to the government to purchase canned mackerel to help alleviate the country’s economic struggles. Following his legacy, Ghana has produced eight male world champions, including legends like Azumah Nelson and Joshua Clottey.
Fast forward to November 24, 2024 - this was Quartey’s moment. She had her sights set on the World Super Bantamweight title, currently held by Birdie. Five months prior, Quartey boldly challenged Birdie after easily defeating another Ghanaian boxer. With no female compatriot having ever won a world title, she was determined to change that narrative.
“When I first threw the challenge, I was ignored. I felt I was never going to get the opportunity. My coach came to me a few days later and assured me that I would get the fight and so I went to battle a Dubai-based opponent shortly afterwards and even though I lost that match on points, it motivated me,” Quartey recounted to Flashscore.
Behind her success was Ebenezer Adjei, Quartey’s dedicated coach, who was tirelessly working behind the scenes to secure this pivotal fight. He envisioned adding a new chapter to the storied legacy of the Black Panthers boxing gym, home to former champions like Joshua Clottey and Alfred Kotei.
Adjei's gym may have been humble - an imaginary boxing ring drawn in chalk, two punching bags, and a collection of boxing gloves - but his determination was fierce.
“I used to train Birdie during my visits to the UK. She asked me if Abigail was an opponent she could beat and I said yes. After she accepted to fight, I focused heavily on training Abigail. I was hungry for the title, so much so that I placed a bet with the GBA President in favour of my student. When she won, I took the money in the ring,” Adjei said.
The championship bout lasted 10 intense rounds and showcased Quartey's preparation and skill. She dominated the fight, delivering a barrage of punches that left Birdie struggling to respond. The judges unanimously declared Quartey the victor. As her hands were raised in triumph, Birdie stood dejected with a swollen face, reflecting on what might have been. For Quartey, it was a moment of profound fulfilment.
“I used to be my elder brother’s sparring partner when I was younger. At the time, I was playing football and wanted to be a professional footballer. But in 2015, I made the decision to switch to boxing. I was selling rice too. People doubted me but it was a motivation to do well. I made sure to beat her so the judgement wouldn’t go in her favour,” Quartey said.
Quartey's journey began at just 13 years old when she sold rice from a small green kiosk outside her modest home shared with her aunt and younger brother. After seven years of balancing work and dreams of boxing, she decided to focus solely on her athletic career following a tragic accident that ended her brother Isaac Awuley's boxing aspirations.
Joining Ghana’s amateur boxing team known as the Black Bombers in 2015 marked a turning point for Abigail. She quickly earned the respect of her teammates and coaches while competing across Africa. Her nearly decade-long dedication has finally borne fruit.
“I am now the champion. I don’t have to challenge anyone. They now have to challenge me,” she said with an air of confidence.
Abigail Quartey has not only struck gold; she has blazed a trail for future generations of female boxers in Ghana. Just like DK Poison's legacy from decades ago, Quartey’s achievement will resonate through time as a landmark moment in sports history for women in Ghana.
