In the heart of Jamestown, one of Accra’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods, a new legend was born. At just 27 years old, Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey has etched her name in history as Ghana’s first female world boxing champion, claiming the WIBF World Super Bantamweight title in a thrilling victory. Her story is one of resilience, defiance, and an unwavering commitment to breaking barriers in a sport long dominated by men in her homeland.
A Historic Triumph in Jamestown
On November 24, 2024, the Bukom Boxing Arena in Jamestown pulsed with energy as Abigail Quartey stepped into the ring to face British boxer Sangeeta Birdi. The stakes were high, but Quartey was undeterred. With skill, determination, and patriotic pride, she dominated the bout, securing a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring 98-91 in her favor. The crowd erupted in celebration, their cheers echoing through the streets of Jamestown, a community known for its deep boxing culture and for producing legends like Azumah “The Professor” Nelson, Bukom Banku, and Ike Quartey.
This wasn’t just a win for Quartey—it was a monumental moment for Ghana, Africa, and women in sports worldwide. Her victory marked the first time a Ghanaian woman had claimed a world boxing championship, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in the nation’s storied boxing tradition.
Defying the Odds
Abigail’s journey to the top was anything but easy. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Accra, she faced skepticism and resistance from a young age. Boxing, a source of pride in Jamestown, was often seen as a male-only domain, and women were discouraged from participating. Her family, particularly her aunts and siblings, pleaded with her to abandon her dream, even begging her coach, Ebenezer “Coach Killer” Adjei, to stop training her.
But Quartey persisted. Encouraged by her brother, a fellow boxer, and her dedicated coach, she began training at the Black Panthers Gym in Jamestown as a teenager and never looked back. Her determination paid off, not only in the ring but also in her role as a trailblazer. At 27, she became the first Ghanaian woman to represent the nation on the global stage as a member of the national boxing team, traveling the world to compete.
Her path wasn’t without setbacks. In 2017, Quartey briefly quit boxing, turning to selling lottery tickets to make ends meet. Without the resources for a manager, she doubted her ability to succeed. But her coach’s persistence brought her back to the ring in 2021, and her victory in 2024 proved that resilience and belief in oneself can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
A Champion’s Heart and Vision
Quartey’s triumph is more than a personal achievement—it’s a beacon of hope for aspiring female athletes in Ghana and beyond. “My win will inspire more women to become professional athletes,” she said, expressing her desire to pave the way for future generations. Her coach, Ebenezer Adjei, called her title “a big deal for her, the gym, the community, Ghana, Africa, and the world at large,” highlighting the ripple effect of her success.
With a professional record of 9 wins in 10 bouts, Quartey is already ranked number one in Ghana’s Female Bantamweight division and 50th globally among 170 female boxers. Her recent loss in the UAE, just a week before her WIBF title win, only fueled her drive to improve. “That defeat was a learning experience,” she said, showcasing the mindset of a true champion.
A Call for Support
Abigail Quartey’s story is a testament to what’s possible when talent meets determination, but she’s also calling for greater support to sustain her success and inspire others. She has urged key sports stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ghana Olympic Committee, the Ghana Boxing Authority, and the Sports Writers Association of Ghana, to recognize her achievement and provide resources for female boxers. “Such recognition will encourage other athletes, particularly women in boxing, to aim high,” she emphasized.
Her message was echoed by Yarkor Annan, Ghana’s first female professional boxer, who blessed Abigail at Omashi TV studio and advised her to stay focused and disciplined. Despite Ghana’s proud history of producing 11 world boxing champions, many in the sport, including Quartey, feel neglected by the government, underscoring the need for systemic support to nurture talents like hers.
A Legacy in the Making
Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey is more than a champion—she’s a symbol of possibility. Her victory has shattered stereotypes, proving that women can not only compete but dominate in a sport once deemed “for men only.” As she continues to train at the Black Panthers Gym, where her journey began, Quartey remains committed to inspiring others. “With resilience and determination, barriers can be broken, and history can be made,” she said.
Her story resonates far beyond the ring, aligning with the spirit of #FromAfricaToTheWorld and #FromGhanaToTheWorld. As Ghana’s first female world boxing champion, Abigail Quartey is not just leading the charge—she’s rewriting the narrative for women in sports, one punch at a time.
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