The nation’s boxing faithful are counting down to what promises to be a seismic showdown as two of Ghana’s brightest prospects, John “Expensive Boxer” Laryea and Holy “Jaw Breaker” Dorgbetor, collide in a long-awaited face-off that could redefine careers and cement legacies.
Scheduled for December 20 under the banner of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing at the Accra Sports Stadium, this bout has all the makings of a domestic war with global implications.
A Rivalry Rooted in Respect and Resolve
Though both fighters hail from Ghana, their paths have rarely crossed in the ring until now.
Laryea, the undefeated WBO Africa Featherweight Champion, has been a revelation since turning professional in 2018.
With 15 wins and one draw, the 23-year-old Accra native has quietly built a résumé that includes victories over seasoned campaigners.
Dorgbetor, meanwhile, brings a different kind of menace. The 26-year-old has fought across continents, from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the sand-swept arenas of Saudi Arabia.
His aggressive, come-forward style has earned him a cult following and a reputation as a fighter who never takes a backward step.
“This is the fight I’ve been praying for,” Laryea said during a tense face-off in Accra. “I’m not just fighting for the belt, I’m fighting to prove who the real king of Ghanaian boxing is.”
Dorgbetor, never one to mince words, fired back:
“He’s talented, but talent doesn’t win wars. I’ve been in trenches he’s never seen. December 20? I’m ending the hype.”
The Road to December 20
Laryea’s ascent has been methodical. After capturing the WBO Africa title in 2021, he defended it twice with clinical stoppages, including a sixth-round TKO over Tanzania’s Hamza Mpenda in June 2024.
His ability to switch stances, control distance, and land pinpoint counters has drawn comparisons to a young Guillermo Rigondeaux, albeit with more flair.
Dorgbetor’s journey has been grittier. A former AIBA Youth World Championships bronze medalist, he turned pro in 2019 and quickly made waves with a first-round KO in his U.S. debut. Setbacks, a controversial decision loss in Las Vegas and a 2021 defeat to a ranked Uzbek contender, only fueled his resolve. His most recent fight was a dominant unanimous decision over Albania’s Muhamed Qamili at the WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Riyadh.
Tactical Chess Match or All-Out War?
Boxing pundits are split. Laryea’s team, led by trainer Carl Lokko, believes their fighter’s superior footwork and ring IQ will frustrate Dorgbetor into mistakes.
“Holy swings wild when he’s desperate,” Lokko said. “John will make him pay for every overreach.”
Dorgbetor’s camp, however, is banking on relentless pressure.
“Laryea hasn’t faced a fighter who brings it like Holy,” said manager Alex Nettey. “One clean shot, and it’s lights out.”
Stakes Beyond the Ring
For Laryea, a win would catapult him into world-title contention. Matchroom Boxing has already hinted at a potential WBO World Title Eliminator in 2026.
For Dorgbetor, this is redemption, and a chance to silence doubters who question his chin after his 2021 loss.
As the countdown begins, one thing is certain: come December 20, Accra will tremble as Ghana’s two finest warriors battle not just for supremacy — but for legacy.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
