Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko reclaimed his International Boxing Federation bantamweight title last month by beating the Colombian Yonnhy Perez in the northwest U.S. city of Tacoma, Washington. It was sweet, end of year revenge for Agbeko, who had lost his IBF title belt to Perez in 2009. Speaking after his victory in Tacoma, the 30-year-old Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs) described his 12-round, unanimous decision triumph as “a Christmas bonus” for his fans in Ghana.
“King Kong” returned home to a hero’s welcome in Ghana, which has a proud pedigree in prizefighting. The west African nation has produced several world boxing champions, including Ike “Bazooka” Quartey and Azumah “The Professor” Nelson.
Nelson, who was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004, is regarded by many boxing experts as the greatest fighter Africa has ever produced. In 2010, a documentary film was released on the Ghanaian warrior’s life.
Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko told VOA that he’s hoping to scale new heights in 2011, and make it the best year of his professional career. He acknowledges the role and inspiration that Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey have provided in helping him achieve success in the fight game.