Ghana’s Seth “Freezy Macbones” Gyimah crowned his boxing journey with a first career title after edging Nigeria’s Godday “Zodsolo” Appah by majority decision to win the WBO Africa light heavyweight championship at the “Chaos In The Ring” fight show in Lagos on Thursday night.
The 37-year-old prevailed 95-93, 95-93, 94-94 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, to claim the continental belt in enemy territory on Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day, in the latest Ghana-Nigeria “Jollof Derby.”
The victory improves Gyimah’s record to 13 wins, one defeat, no draw, with 11 knockouts, while Appah suffered the third defeat of his 18-fight career and surrendered the title he won against countryman Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka at the same venue in May.
The event was staged by Ezekiel Adamu’s Balmoral Group Promotions as part of the “Chaos In The Ring” series, combining professional boxing with celebrity bouts.
Gyimah entered the contest having stopped another Nigerian Jamiu Animashaun in the first round in Accra last April, while Appah came in as champion after his majority-decision victory over Arenyeka on May 1.
The rivalry generated tension, with security forced to separate both men during a fiery face-off ahead of fight night.
After completing the 10-round championship distance, Gyimah delivered a message to young Africans about perseverance and discipline.
“Never give up. Never ever, ever give up in your life. Whatever you dream of is possible and you’re going to achieve it,” the new champion said.
Reflecting on his ring journey which began when he was working as a chef in the UK, the 37 year old urged aspiring athletes to avoid distractions.
“No drugs, no women, no cigarettes, no bad friends. Stay focused. Listen, it may take long, but never ever give up, I repeat, ever, look at my life,” Macbones said.
“I was a kitchen porter and now I’m a WBO Africa champion. Everything is possible. Keep working.”
Nigerian singer Waje performed the national anthem before the main event, supervised by WBO Africa chief Samir Captan, also Chairman of Ghana’s Boxing IMC.
