Ghana’s boxing prowess will be on full display as three of the nation’s most promising fighters — Holy Dorgbetor, Samuel Quaye and Shakul Samed — prepare to battle against the world’s best at the maiden WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next month.
The trio, selected from a competitive pool of 128 fighters across 41 countries, will step into the ring from April 17-20 for a shot at global stardom in what promises to be one of the biggest boxing spectacles of the year.
The four-day event is more than just another tournament — it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the three Ghanaian warriors to announce themselves on the world stage.
The WBC Grand Prix, organised by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season sports initiative, is a groundbreaking competition designed to unearth the next generation of boxing superstars.
A long-cherished vision of the late WBC President Don José Sulaimán, this event is billed as the first-ever Boxing World Cup and will feature four weight divisions: Featherweight, Super Lightweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight.
With 32 fighters in each category, the tournament adopts a straight knockout format, spanning five rounds across the year. Unlike conventional boxing events, there will be no draws — every bout must produce a winner.
To ensure fairness and transparency, the tournament will feature open scoring after rounds two, four and six, as well as instant replay technology to eliminate controversial decisions.
“This is a dream of a great man like José Sulaimán, and thank God his son Mauricio has continued it. We will support the Riyadh Season WBC Grand Prix with all our might to make it a worldwide success,” His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, said.
Ghana’s Warriors
Holy Dorgbetor (Featherweight) – Rising Star
At just 25 years old, Holy Dorgbetor is one of Ghana’s brightest prospects, boasting an unbeaten record of 12 wins, one draw and seven knockouts.
The IBF Continental Africa champion and former Ghanaian and UBO Africa titleholder has been in relentless form, and he sees the WBC Grand Prix as his golden opportunity to make a global breakthrough.
“I am very excited to be selected for the WBC Grand Prix. I am training hard to showcase my skills and make my family, my manager and Ghanaians proud,” Dorgbetor told the Graphic Sports.
“I appeal to Ghanaians for their support and prayers so I can return as a champion,” he added.
Samuel Quaye (Super Lightweight) – Comeback King Nicknamed “No Chance”, Samuel Quaye, 22, had a difficult start to his professional career, suffering a defeat on debut in 2022.
However, he bounced back in style, embarking on a 10-fight winning streak that saw him claim the Ghana super lightweight title last year.
With his fearless fighting style and rapid rise through the ranks, Quaye is eager to prove he belongs among the best in Riyadh.
Shakul Samed (Middleweight) – Knockout Machine
The youngest of the famous Samir boxing family, Shakul Samed, is already carving his own legacy.
A decorated amateur who competed at both the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games, 25-year-old Samed has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks.
Since turning pro in March 2023, he has won all nine of his fights, eight of them by knockout. His most recent victory — a devastating first-round KO of Benin’s Fataou Garadima Yacoubou at the Accra Sports Stadium—sent a clear warning to his rivals.