Abigail Quartey becomes Ghana’s first female world boxing champ
Ghanaian Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey made history after becoming Ghana’s first female world boxing champion, a milestone that cemented her legacy in the country’s boxing tradition. Her victory not only elevates her career but also puts Ghana on the global stage for women’s boxing.
Quartey defeated British fighter Sangeeta Birdie for the WIBF World Super Bantamweight championship at the Bukom Boxing Arena, in Ghana last November. The victory was more than personal—it was a national milestone. Her coach, Ebenezer “Coach Killer” Adjei, recognized its significance.
For Quartey, winning the championship was about more than just the belt. “There were female boxers before me, but they weren’t allowed to compete internationally,” she told Africanews. “I was the first woman to travel outside Ghana with the Black Bombers, and now I’m the first to bring home a world title.” Her triumph has already begun to inspire the next generation of female boxers.
Quartey’s journey to the top was anything but conventional. Born and raised in Jamestown, one of Accra’s oldest neighborhoods, she grew up surrounded by Ghana’s deep boxing culture. At 28, she now stands among the nation’s most celebrated fighters, including Azumah “The Professor” Nelson, Bukom Banku and Ike Quartey. But unlike her predecessors, she has had to battle more than just opponents in the ring—she has also fought against societal expectations.
Her introduction to boxing was unexpected. She spent her days selling rice with her aunt and playing football with the boys in her neighbourhood. It wasn’t until her brother, also a boxer, urged her to get gloves and start training with him on weekends that she even considered stepping into the ring. Her talent was undeniable, but her decision to pursue boxing was met with resistance.
Family members, particularly her aunts and siblings, were adamant that boxing wasn’t for women. Some even pleaded with her coach to convince her to quit. They had never seen a woman boxing before. But my coach encouraged her and that’s how she became a professional boxer.
Despite the challenges, Quartey remains determined to push boundaries in the sport. Now, with a world title to her name, she is more than a champion—she is a trailblazer for future generations of female boxers in Ghana. As she continues to train and inspire others, Quartey’s story proves that with resilience and determination, barriers can be broken, and history can be made.
Sarah Lotus Asare, a boxing coach and project lead for the Girls Box Tournament, believes Quartey’s win is a turning point for women’s boxing in Ghana. She said even for male boxers, that beating non-Africans is tough because they have more resources.
Written by: Kweku Sampson
This article is published by either a staff writer, an intern, or an editor of TheAfricanDream.net, based on editorial discretion.
