Caption: Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey celebrates her victory at the Bukom Boxing Arena after becoming the first Ghanaian woman to win a world boxing title, inspiring a new generation of female athletes.
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Breaking Barriers with Boxing Gloves: The Rise of Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey
In a sport long dominated by men, one Ghanaian woman has punched her way into the history books. Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey, at just 27 years old, rose from humble beginnings in Jamestown, Accra, to become Ghana’s first female world boxing champion. Her journey, marked by struggle, resistance, and resilience, is not just about athletic triumph—it’s a story of breaking societal norms, inspiring young women, and redefining what’s possible for female athletes in Ghana and beyond.
Growing Up in Jamestown: Where It All Began
Jamestown, one of Accra's oldest neighborhoods, is known for its raw talent and deep boxing culture. From this gritty, vibrant community emerged Abigail, drawn to the sport as a child after watching her brother train. While many boys in the area dreamed of becoming the next Ike Quartey or Azumah Nelson, Abigail dared to step into a space few girls ever entered.
However, her choice didn’t come without a fight. Her family, especially her aunts, were strongly opposed to her taking up boxing. “My aunts and siblings didn't like it when I started boxing. They would come here to beg my coach not to let me become a boxer,” Abigail once shared in an interview. For them, boxing was unladylike, brutal, and unsafe for a young girl. But Abigail had other plans.
Hardship, Hustle, and Heart
Abigail’s path wasn’t just challenged by cultural expectations. Financial hardship loomed large. In 2017, she had to quit training due to a lack of resources. “I had to sell lottery tickets and help my aunt sell rice,” she recalled. Boxing became a dream that was slipping away. Yet, she never gave up hope.
With the support of her coach and the unwavering belief in her own abilities, she made a comeback in 2021. She returned to the gym, working harder than ever. Each training session was a step closer to rewriting history.
Making History in the Ring
On the evening of November 24, 2024, at the Bukom Boxing Arena—a place that has seen many Ghanaian legends rise—Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey faced off against British boxer Sangeeta Birdie for the WIBF World Super Bantamweight Title. It was the biggest fight of her life, and she didn’t disappoint.
From the opening bell, Quartey showed poise, precision, and power. The crowd roared with every punch as she dominated the match. After 10 grueling rounds, all three judges scored the bout 98–91 in her favor. Ghana had found its first female boxing world champion.
Tears welled in her eyes as her hand was raised. It was more than just a win—it was a statement. A statement to every young girl who was told “you can’t,” every woman fighting for space in male-dominated arenas, and a nation that had long underestimated its daughters.
Inspiration to a Generation
Abigail’s victory sent ripples throughout the sports world and ignited the hopes of countless young Ghanaian girls. One of them is 18-year-old Perpetual Okaijah, an aspiring boxer who, much like Abigail, has faced criticism from her family for choosing the sport.
“I look up to Abigail because she’s a very tough girl. She inspires me, shows me the right thing,” Perpetual said in an interview. Stories like Abigail’s give young women the courage to pursue their dreams—even when the odds are against them.
The significance of Abigail’s win went beyond the ring. It became a national moment of pride, celebrated on social media, in newspapers, and among policymakers. Calls have since intensified for greater investment in women’s sports and equal opportunities for female athletes.
The Legacy of a Champion
Abigail’s journey is far from over. She has expressed her desire to defend her title and even aims to mentor the next generation of fighters. She understands that her story is not just her own; it belongs to every girl with big dreams and a fighting spirit.
In a sport that has produced legends like Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey, Abigail is carving out a space for women. Her presence is forcing the Ghanaian boxing community to reconsider long-held biases and acknowledge the potential of female boxers.
She has also opened the door to conversations about gender equality in sports, the need for financial support, and the importance of breaking gender stereotypes that limit what girls can become.
More Than a Boxer
Abigail is not just a champion in the ring—she’s a cultural icon and a change-maker. Her story is a reminder that greatness often comes from unexpected places and that true champions are those who fight for something bigger than themselves.
As Ghana continues to celebrate her success, one thing is clear: Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey is not just the first—she certainly won’t be the last.
She’s fighting not just for titles, but for a future where gender doesn’t define potential, and where every girl knows that she too can be a champion.
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