Commonwealth mandatory status secures Abban Landmark Promotions deal

Ghanaian boxer Michael “Black Spider” Abban has signed a long-term management and promotional agreement with Landmark Promotions and Management after becoming the mandatory challenger for the Commonwealth super flyweight title. The 23-year-old strengthened his position by beating South Africa’s Yanga Sigqibo on points in Accra last Sunday.

Abban retained his WBA Africa super flyweight belt at the Kalabash Event Centre in Pokuase, winning by unanimous decision. The judges scored the contest 100-91, 98-91 and 100-91 in his favour, taking his professional record to 15 victories, including 10 knockouts, and one defeat.

The agreement formalises a relationship that has lasted about 18 months. Landmark chief executive Anthony Kermah had previously worked with Abban under a verbal arrangement, which accompanied the boxer’s rise to mandatory challenger status and continued progress in the division.

Kermah, who has guided at least three boxers to world championship bouts, sees Abban as a potential world champion. He believes the boxer’s technical ability can take him to that level if he receives the required preparation, direction and support.

Abban is ranked among the top 30 by the WBA and WBC, while a ranking with the WBO is also being pursued. Kermah is already considering a possible world title opportunity against WBO champion Kenshiro Teraji in Japan next year, as well as challenges for the vacant WBC and WBA belts.

The new deal gives Abban greater stability as he continues towards those ambitions. He said his career had advanced quickly since beginning his association with Kermah and that he could now focus more fully on training and improving. Trainer Ebenezer Adjei, known as Coach Killa, credited Kermah’s backing and belief with helping to drive the boxer’s development.