Jonathan ‘Worldwide’ Tetteh pulled off a stunning upset to beat Seth Gyimah (Freezy Macbones) to seize the WBA Africa Light Heavyweight title on Saturday night, in a bout that showcased both brilliance and a bizarre controversy.
The University of Ghana Stadium was transformed into a cauldron of emotion as the “Legacy Rise” bill reached its fever pitch.
Seated ringside as the Special Guest of Honour was H.E. John Dramani Mahama, whose presence added a layer of national prestige to the historic evening.
The President watched intently as the undercard, organised by his son Sharaf Mahama (CEO of Legacy Rise), delivered a finale that no one in the 10,000-seat arena predicted.
Freezy Macbones, the UK-based boxer, entered the ring as the heavy favourite. However, the 36-year-old appeared burdened by the months of psychological warfare and mind games deployed by his younger rival.
From the opening bell, the 25-year-old Tetteh showed zero deference to Macbones’ reputation.
- Rounds 1-2: Tetteh was sharp and aggressive, using superior hand speed to catch Macbones off guard.
- Rounds 3-6: Experience began to tell. Macbones found his rhythm, punishing Tetteh with snapping jabs and body work that seemed to signal a late-round takeover.
- Round 7: Fatigue set in for the challenger, who relied heavily on clinching to survive exchanges.
The fight’s climax in the eighth and final round took a dark, surreal turn.
Amid a frantic exchange, Tetteh suddenly recoiled and collapsed to the canvas, claiming Macbones had bitten his shoulder in a fit of frustration.
The referee, acting swiftly, deducted points from Macbones for unsportsmanlike conduct. This penalty proved to be the costly decision that swung the narrative.
When the final bell rang, the tension was palpable. With President Mahama and the stadium crowd waiting in hushed silence, the ring announcer delivered the verdict: a unanimous decision for Jonathan Tetteh.
- Jonathan Tetteh: Remains unbeaten (11-0, 11 KOs).
- Freezy Macbones: Suffers his first career defeat (11-1).
While Tetteh celebrated his ascent to the continental throne, Macbones was left to contemplate a moment of frustration that may have cost him the title.