Ghanaian welterweight contender Faisal Abubakari, popularly known as “Poncho Power,” suffered the first defeat of his professional career after losing to Germany’s Slawa Spomer in their WBO Intercontinental super welterweight title clash in Ludwigshafen on Saturday night.
Abubakari, who entered the contest unbeaten at 21-0 with 16 knockouts, was making his international debut against a significantly more experienced opponent in Spomer, a Kyrgyzstan-born German fighter who had previously held the European and WBO Global titles and competed in a world-title eliminator.
The opening four rounds at the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle were closely contested, with both fighters having their moments. Spomer, working under the guidance of legendary former world champion Roy Jones Jr., gradually began to establish an advantage as the fight progressed. Maps
The German contender hurt Abubakari in the fifth round and again late in the sixth, leaving the Ghanaian unsteady as the round came to an end. With Abubakari unable to adequately defend himself, the referee stopped the contest after six rounds.
Spomer was awarded the victory by TKO and claimed the WBO Intercontinental title at 147 pounds, improving his record to 22-1 with 13 knockouts. For Abubakari, the defeat ended a perfect 21-fight professional run and saw his record fall to 21-1 (16 KOs).
Despite the setback, the Ghanaian remains positive and expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey. He also thanked his coaches, family, friends, Primora Promotions and everyone who supported his preparations and international opportunity.
“To my amazing fans, thank you for believing in me, cheering me on, and keeping me in your prayers,” Abubakari wrote on Facebook.
“This journey is far from over. Insha’Allah, we will continue to make history together,” he declared.
For “Poncho Power”, the German setback represents the first chapter of adversity in an otherwise unbeaten career — and he now has the opportunity to return stronger.
