Ghana’s Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey Makes History as First Female World Boxing Champion
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A fighter from Ghana is making history by placing her nation on the global stage for women’s boxing. Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey has secured the title of Ghana’s first female world boxing champion, a remarkable achievement that cements her place in the nation’s rich boxing legacy.
A Modest Start
Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey’s journey into boxing began on the streets of Jamestown, one of Accra’s oldest and most historic areas. At just 28 years old, she has joined the ranks of legendary Ghanaian boxers such as Azumah “The Professor” Nelson, Bukom Banku, and Ike Quartey. However, unlike them, she has faced challenges that extend beyond her opponents in the ring—she has also had to navigate societal norms and expectations regarding gender.
Her entry into boxing was unexpected. “When I started boxing, I was selling rice with my aunt and playing football with the boys in my area. I did that for some time until my brother, who is a boxer, encouraged me to get gloves and join him for his weekend training,” Quartey recalls.
It was her brother who recognized her athletic potential and pushed her to train. However, not everyone in her family was supportive. Her aunts and siblings were against her decision to take up boxing, often pleading with her coach to change her mind. “They hadn’t seen a woman boxing before,” she explains. “But thankfully, my coach motivated me, and now I am a professional boxer.”
Making History in the Ring
In November, Quartey achieved a feat that no other Ghanaian woman had reached—she captured the WIBF World Super Bantamweight title by defeating British boxer Sangeeta Birdie at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Jamestown. This victory was not just a personal win; it represented a moment of pride for her community and the entire nation. Her coach, Ebenezer “Coach Killer” Adjei, acknowledges the importance of her title: “Her title is a significant milestone for her, for the gym, for the community, for the nation of Ghana, for Africa, and for the world at large. Winning such a title is no small feat, and no Ghanaian woman has ever won a title like this before.”
For Quartey, achieving the world title is more than just a personal triumph; it’s about creating opportunities for other women in the sport. “There were women in boxing before me, but they were not permitted to compete outside Ghana. I made history as the first woman boxer to travel outside Ghana with the Black Bombers (Ghana’s National Boxing Team), and now I am the first woman to win a world title for Ghana,” she states proudly.
Inspiring a New Generation
Quartey’s journey has not only transformed her own life but also motivated young female boxers in Ghana. Perpetual Okaijah, an 18-year-old aspiring boxer, notes how Quartey’s story resonates with her personal experience. “Initially, they didn’t support me because I was the only girl in the family interested in boxing. They kept urging me to find a job instead, saying, ‘You are a woman; you can’t box.’ But I persevered, and eventually, they had no option but to support me.”
Sarah Lotus Asare, a boxing coach and project lead for the Girls Box Tournament, believes Quartey’s achievement marks a pivotal moment for women’s boxing in Ghana. “Even for male boxers, it’s challenging to compete against non-Africans due to their superior resources and equipment. Quartey’s success is such an inspiring story, and we are truly proud of her.”
A Legacy in the Making
Despite the obstacles, Quartey is determined to push the limits of women’s boxing. With her title belt prominently displayed, she serves as a source of inspiration for many young women aspiring to step into the ring. Her success illustrates that with perseverance and determination, barriers can be broken, and new avenues can be opened. As she continues her training and motivates others, Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey is not just Ghana’s first female world boxing champion; she is a pioneer for future generations.
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