Ghana has produced some of the greatest boxers in African history, with its fighters excelling on both the local and international stage.

These athletes have captured world titles, defended them against elite competition, and left an enduring legacy in the sport. Their achievements have not only brought pride to Ghana but have also inspired future generations of boxers. Here are 10 of the best boxers from Ghana.

1. Azumah Nelson  

Azumah Nelson, known as “The Professor,” is Ghana’s most celebrated boxer. Turning professional in 1979, he quickly rose to prominence, securing 39 victories, with 28 knockouts, in 47 fights. He won the WBC featherweight title in 1984 by defeating Wilfredo Gómez and later captured the WBC super-featherweight title twice between 1988 and 1997. Nelson suffered six losses and two draws but remains one of Africa’s greatest boxers, earning induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.  

2. Ike Quartey  

Ike “Bazooka” Quartey became known for his powerful jab and orthodox stance. Turning professional in 1988, he amassed 37 wins, including 32 knockouts, in 42 fights. He won the WBA welterweight title in 1994, defending it seven times against elite opponents. Despite four losses and one draw, Quartey remained a fierce competitor, engaging in memorable bouts with Oscar De La Hoya and Fernando Vargas before retiring in 2006.  

3. David Kotei (D.K. Poison)  

David Kotei, known as D.K. Poison became Ghana’s first world champion. His career spanned 52 fights, with 43 wins and 21 knockouts. In 1974, he won the African and Commonwealth featherweight titles before securing the WBC featherweight championship in 1975 by defeating Rubén Olivares. Although he recorded six losses, two draws, and one no-contest, his pioneering success paved the way for future Ghanaian champions.  

4. Joshua Clottey  

Joshua Clottey, known for his defensive skills, turned professional in 1995 and secured 41 wins, including 24 knockouts, in 47 fights. He won the IBF welterweight title in 2008 after defeating Zab Judah. Clottey also faced top-tier fighters like Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, and Manny Pacquiao. Despite five losses and one no-contest, his toughness and resilience earned him a place among Ghana’s finest boxers.  

5. Nana Yaw Konadu  

Nana Yaw Konadu, “The Ashanti Warrior,” achieved success in multiple weight divisions. He won the WBC super-flyweight title in 1989 but lost it in his first defense. He later moved up to bantamweight, where he won the WBA title twice in 1996 and 1997. Konadu retired with a record of 41 wins, five losses, and one draw, cementing his place as one of Ghana’s greatest fighters.  

6. Joseph Agbeko  

Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko made his mark in the bantamweight division, winning the IBF bantamweight title twice between 2007 and 2011. His professional record stands at 38 wins, with 28 knockouts, and five losses. He also held the Commonwealth bantamweight and IBO bantamweight titles, facing top opponents like Guillermo Rigondeaux and Abner Mares. Agbeko retired in 2024 after an illustrious two-decade career.  

7. Alfred Kotey  

Alfred “Cobra” Kotey was a talented Ghanaian boxer who won the WBO bantamweight title from 1994 to 1995. He also held the Commonwealth flyweight title from 1989 to 1990. As an amateur, he reached the quarterfinals at the 1988 Olympics. Kotey retired with a record of 26 wins, 16 losses, and one draw, including 17 knockouts. He passed away in 2020.  

8. Richard Commey  

Richard Commey, a lightweight contender, won the IBF lightweight title in 2019 by defeating Isa Chaniev via TKO. He defended the title against Raymundo Beltrán before losing to Teófimo López later that year. With a professional record of 30 wins, 27 knockouts, five losses, and one draw, Commey remains one of Ghana’s top boxing talents.  

9. Floyd Robertson 

Floyd “Klutei” Robertson was a prominent boxer in the 1950s and 1960s. He held the Ghanaian Featherweight, West African Featherweight, and Commonwealth Super Featherweight titles. With a record of 37 wins, including 12 knockouts, 13 losses, and five draws, he challenged for the WBC and WBA featherweight titles but fell short. His career spanned from 1956 to 1968.  

10. Roy Ankrah  

Roy “The Black Flash” Ankrah was a renowned featherweight boxer in the 1950s. He held the Commonwealth featherweight title from 1951 to 1952 and compiled a record of 34 wins, 14 knockouts, seven losses, and three no-contests. Before his international career, he reportedly had an undefeated streak of 110 fights in Ghana. His speed and footwork made him a standout boxer of his era.