Ghana’s national youth boxing team, the Black Rockets, have lit up the 2025 African Youth Boxing Championship in Conakry, Guinea, with a perfect run into the finals.
All three representatives; Gideon Pappoe, George Dowuona, and Mathias Ashitey will fight for gold on Sunday, May 25, in what is shaping up to be a defining moment for Ghanaian youth boxing.
The championship, which runs from May 16 to 26, has brought together some of Africa’s most promising young fighters.
But it’s Ghana’s trio, guided by head coach Joseph Martey, who have emerged as a dominant force. The team departed Accra on May 17 with ambition and now stands on the brink of continental glory.
Seventeen-year-old Gideon Pappoe, competing in the middleweight division (75kg), impressed with a 5-0 unanimous decision in his opening bout and earned a walkover in the semi-finals to book his spot in the final. His composure, skill, and technical intelligence have made him a top gold medal contender.
In the bantamweight category (54kg), 18-year-old George Dowuona bulldozed his way into the final with a powerful Round 1 RSC (Referee Stopped Contest) win. Known for his aggression and knockout ability, Dowuona has become one of the most talked-about boxers in the tournament.
Mathias Ashitey, also 17, showed maturity beyond his years in the flyweight division (52kg), where he outclassed a tough Guinean opponent with a clean 5-0 unanimous decision. His sharp reflexes, defensive awareness, and calm approach under pressure have earned widespread admiration.
BLACK ROCKETS: Mathias Ashitey, George Dowuona and Desmond Pappoe led by Coach Joseph Martey ready to lift Ghana flag high at the 2025 African Youth Boxing Championships in Conakry-Guinea. @moysgovgh @Gh_NSA @JoySportsGH @CitiSportsGHA pic.twitter.com/2UIjQ8sxpk
— GHANA BOXING FEDERATION (GBF) (@ghanaboxingfed) May 20, 2025
The Black Rockets’ performance signals a new chapter for Ghanaian boxing. With deep roots in the historic Bukom neighborhood; famed for producing eight world champions.
Their run to the finals also reflects renewed efforts by the Ghana Boxing Federation and the Ministry of Sports to invest in youth development, with programs like the upcoming Amateur Boxing League aiming to nurture even more talent.