WATCH: Boxer Samuel Takyi has become a national hero in Ghana after winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Takyi is Ghana’s first Olympic medalist in 29 years
Takyi, 20, has been well known for years in the narrow alleys and rundown gyms of Jamestown, the historic neighbourhood of Ghana's capital Accra whose passion for boxing has produced five of the West African country's six world champions.
"When they selected me for the qualifiers, there was a lot of talk behind my back," Takyi told Reuters after training at the Discipline Boxing Academy, an old jail house where he has trained since childhood.Ghana's first boxing medal in 49 years was hard won. Takyi lost the first of three rounds in the deciding fight against veteran Colombian southpaw David Ceiber Avila, who forced his stocky frame inside Takyi's defences.
"He's made everybody proud, not just our team, but all of Ghana," said Lawrence Quaye, the academy's owner and Takyi's coach since he was 11 years old.
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