Joshua Quartey, Pro-boxer update

Quartey in Action

Joshua Quartey made light work of Togolese southpaw, Kokou Vinyo De Souza, in Lome on May 17, to make it three straight wins to begin the year. He sets sights on accomplishing his big career dreams. Significantly, the win puts him number one in Ghana’s national middleweight ratings, ahead of very good contenders like Henry Malm, Derrick “Show Love” Quaye, Shakul Samed, Mustapha Kamoko and Ebenezer Sowah.

The 6th round KO victory, at the Terrain du Lycee Agoe in the Togo capital. It followed two previous stoppage wins, in the same city in February and April, marking a perfect rebound from a disappointing end to 2024. That was when he caved into a first career defeat.

Quartey was on a training tour in the UK last December when he got the call to step in as last minute replacement for compatriot, Elvis Ahorgah for an international super middleweight clash against undefeated Briton, Mark Jeffers in Liverpool. Having rounded up an 8th straight win of a busy year on November 16 in Accra, Quartey took the opportunity for his first pro fight outside Africa at a very short notice when Ahorgah’s visa delay forced the promoters to look for an alternative. In the end, it proved a costly decision as despite his valiant efforts, Quartey was stopped in round 3.

The Ghanaian boxer was not disillusioned however, telling the press on return home that the fight against Jeffers was a necessary learning curve, and he was sure of bouncing back strongly. And sure he has, with the three wins so far in 2025, which makes it five fights in a row that have either involved a foreign opponent or on foreign soil, ample demonstration of his resilience, endurance and readiness to battle on the biggest stages of world boxing.

The man who holds a Communications and Customer Services certificate from HOTCATT in Accra (2016), had dreams as a child to run an electronics trading business and an orphanage in honor of his beloved mother, Berikisu Ankrah. For Joshua Quartey, boxing was a calling. Born into a family of boxing heroes, he grew up in the bustling neighborhood of Bukom, in Accra. This is the capital of Ghana, where the sounds of laughter and the distant echoes of street vendors filled the air. Just as much as regular beats of fisticuffs on street corners.

Bukom is more renowned for it’s fame as the boxing hub of Accra; a very small enclave within which boxing is life in itself. Pugilists start young here, many quit school to chase dreams of fame and fortune. This is done by training daily in one of a long list of competitive boxing gyms, in the neighborhood.

As a child, Joshua Quartey, birth name Abubakari Kwasi Quartey, was as every kid in the neighborhood. He was full of boundless energy and enthusiasm, often engulfed in playful scuffles with friends. These innocent tussles, indeed did lay the foundation for a remarkable journey in the world of boxing, for this 28 year old professional fighter.

“Abu” was born on September 9, 1996. His highly revered uncle, the great Ike Bazooka Quartey, was a reigning WBA welterweight champion of the world. In the middle of seven successful defenses, it was a huge milestone in a highly competitive ’90s boxing.

By the age of eight, when he was attending Sempe 1 Primary School, in Accra. Quartey learned about another great family athlete, Clement Quartey, better known as Ike Quartey Sr. He made history in 1960, by winning Africa’s first ever Olympic medal in any sport. This took place after he clinched silver in light-welterweight boxing at the Rome Games. Young Joshua Quartey was in awe, hearing their names being hailed many a time on the big stages around the world.

The call to start boxing was getting stronger for the youngster, as he was captivated by the sight of boxers training. As well as, their fists flying and sweat glistening under the gym lights, at the nearby Wisdom Boxing Gym where seasoned trainer, Ofori Asare shouted encouragement and guidance to his fighters. Inspired, young Quartey soon sought the help of his elder brothers, who were themselves also pro boxers.  They formally introduced him to Coach Asare. A man with a keen eye for spotting talent and who has been the head trainer of Ghana’s amateur boxing team, for over two decades. The coach welcomed Abu with a warm smile, sensing the potential in the young boy’s eyes.

Training did not come easy though, it was very rigorous but young Quartey was very determined, imbibing the fundamentals of boxing; footwork, jabs, and hooks within no time. Each day after school, he would rush to the gym, eager to improve. Within just a year, Quartey was sparring with older, more experienced boxers. The gym became his second home, and with each punch he threw, his confidence soared.

As Joshua Quartey transitioned into his teenage years, he began competing in juvenile boxing tournaments, but still clinging to education at Private Odartey Lamptey Memorial JHS. This was  also in Accra, where he wrote the Basic Education Certificate Exams (BECE) in 2009. In the ring, his natural talent and relentless work ethic soon caught the attention of the local boxing community and he swiftly rose through the ranks, winning several juvenile regional titles. Each victory was celebrated with his family and friends, who had become his biggest supporters.

By the time Quartey turned sixteen, in his final year at Osu Presby Secondary School, he was ready for a leap into amateur boxing. His reputation had grown, and he cemented his place in the national team by finishing as runner-up in the 67 kg (welterweight) division at the 2015 Ghana National Amateur Boxing Championships. The milestone silver medal earned him an invitation to join the national amateur boxing team: Black Bombers for the Ghana-Benin-France Amateur Boxing Championships later that year. Again, Quartey went all the way to annex a silver medal in same 67 kg division. He became a recognized and influential member of the Black Bombers, a spot he maintained until his transcended into the pro ranks after the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK. This was where he was captain of Ghana’s boxing team.

Back then, Joshua Quartey’s amateur climb continued with another silver winning outing in the 2016 Ghana National Championship. His big breakthrough however came in 2017. This is when he took gold in both the National Championship and National Sports Festival to become undisputed national champion.

This double victory opened doors for the budding boxing star, as he finally earned opportunities to compete internationally. Quartey proudly followed in the footsteps of his kinsmen. He wore the Ghanaian colors with immense pride, representing the country in various competitions across Africa and beyond. Each fight was a fierce battle, but Quartey’s determination and skill shone through every time.

The 2018, Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia marked his debut on the international stage. It ended in a round of 16 elimination, but Quartey earned another shot at international glory. It came after retaining his national title by taking gold in the National Championship later that year. As a result, he represented Ghana with the Black Bombers at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco where he reached the 73 kg (middleweight) quarter finals.

Joshua Quartey ready for the Commonwealth title challenge

Quartey got a shot at Olympic participation at the Tokyo 2020 African Boxing Qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal in late 2019, narrowly losing out in the last 8. Undeterred, Joshua Quartey pulled up all his experience to once again emerge the middleweight national champion, at the 2022 Ghana National Amateur Boxing Championships. Here he would qualify for the 2022 Commonwealth Games where of course he led Team Ghana in boxing. He got eliminated in the round of 16 but his team won two silver medals and a bronze to lead Ghana’s medal count in Birmingham.

After over six years of being a member of the national boxing team and lifting the flag of Ghana in several international competitions, Abu Quartey had done enough. He had decided to join the paid ranks. He made his debut in August 2023, dispatching Francis Mensah in round 4 of a middleweight affair scheduled for 6 at the Lord’s Wembley Sports Complex in Shukura, a suburb of Accra.

Quartey’s journey has not been without challenges. Injuries, tough opponents and the pressures of competition have been notable impediments, but his passion for the sport and desire to uplift his community has fueled his resolve to chase his destiny. The destiny to become a world boxing champion. Having already become a symbol of hope for many young athletes in Ghana. In addition, he motivates them to pursue their dreams. Joshua Quartey has forged a path filled with hard work, resilience, and triumph.

He may have failed to realize his Olympic dream as an amateur, but Abubakari Quartey is determined to carve a new history as a pro. He has started well and despite the defeat to Jeffers in the UK, in December, he remains in firm position to achieve his big dreams, of ruling the world of boxing. The sky can only be the limit!

Heather

MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.