Stephen Smith Loses IBF Title Bid To Jose Pedraza

Stephen Smith failed to join brother Liam as a world champion as he lost a unanimous points decision to defending champion Jose Pedraza in their IBF super-featherweight title bout.

Liverpudlian Smith, 30, grew into the fight after a shaky start but was knocked down in the ninth round.

The three judges scored the bout 117-110, 116-111, 116-111 in favour of the undefeated Puerto Rican in Connecticut.

It was the second defeat for Smith in his 25-fight career.

WBO light-middleweight champion Liam was in the United States to support his brother, who had been hoping to become the 13th current British world champion.

Credit: BBC

Stephen Smith Loses IBF Title Bid To Jose Pedraza

Stephen Adams Assures Aduana Stars Fans

Goalkeeper Stephen Adams has assured fans of Aduana Stars that the players are committed to the cause of the club and will do well to bring consistent results to the Ghana Premier League (GPL) side.

Aduana Stars are unbeaten in their last three GPL games which is a marked improvement after losing their opening three matches.

“The fans should keep supporting us because all is not lost,” he said, adding that they will keep working hard in training to improve on their current situation.

Last Sunday, the accounted for Asante Kotoko 1-0 at their Dormaa base to move to 10^th on the table with seven points after six games.

“We lost our first three matches but under our new coach (Aristica Cioaba), we are unbeaten in three and the potential to do even better is there,” he added.

He urged the fans to keep supporting them as they are poised to take their performance to new heights as the season wore on.

Aduana Stars will hope to keep their three game unbeaten run in the GPL going when they take on Chelsea at the Golden City Park on Sunday in a Brong Ahafo derby.

Stephen Adams Assures Aduana Stars Fans

NLA back Stephen Appiah 2016 Peace Match

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has joined the list of corporate bodies who have pledged their support for the 2016 Peace Match initiated by former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah.

Brigadier General (RTD) Martin Ahiaglo, Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), said the decision of his outfit to support the event was to help in maintaining peace and unity in the country ahead of the Parliamentary and Presidential elections.

Brigadier General Ahiaglo said, his outfit cannot operate smoothly without the existing peaceful conditions in the country, hence the decision to be part of the projects.

He said his outfit will give their unflinching support to the two-legged football match slated for June 8 and June 11, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi and Accra Sports Stadium respectively.

The NLA boss made these remarks when Ghana’s Peace Ambassador for the elections, Stephen Appiah paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Accra.

He also praised Appiah for his laudable initiative, adding that the NLA will support back Appiah to the hilt.

Appiah, said “This game is my key project as the Peace Ambassador for the 2016 elections and together with the match organisers, Primeval Media we hope that football will once again unite this nation in a time of tension.

“I cannot do this alone. I need the support of all to ensure a successful implementation of this project.

“That is why I have decided to inform the NLA of my plans as well as solicit their support. I am convinced corporate bodies like the NLA buy into this project it and support it.” He added.

 

NLA back Stephen Appiah 2016 Peace Match

Stephen Nyarko grateful to Wa All Stars for their support

Former Wa All Stars midfielder Stephen Nyarko has expressed his gratitude to the management of Wa All Stars for the exposure and support offered him.

The attacking midfielder enjoyed a three year spell at the Wa based premier league campaigners before sealing a dream move to Kumasi Asante Kotoko ahead of the 2016 top flight season.

The midfield jewel blossomed at the Wa Park under the managerial guidance of Jimmy James Corbblah where he led the club’s scoring chart despite his defensive responsibilities.

The ambidextrous midfielder thanked the followers and management board of his former side for the unrelenting support offered him in his days at the Wa Park. The emotional Nyarko wished his former colleagues the best of seasons whiles revealing his nostalgic feelings for the teaming fans at the Wa Park.

“I cannot forget about the people of Wa for the support they gave me in my time with Wa All Stars. I really appreciate everything they did for me.

“The love showered on me even when I am not playing and the overall affection makes it impossible to forget about my time at the Wa Park.” Nyarko told sports crusader exclusively.

The midfielder also praised his former coaches and the entire management board for their role in his young career.

“I thank the management of Wa All Stars for their contribution to my career and wished them all the best ahead of the new season. I pray that they have a very good season in the coming campaign”, Nyarko added.

The midfielder scored Wa All Stars 200th league goal in match day three on the 2014/15 FCPPL season at home to Bechem United in a 2-0 win. He has since traded the Malik Jabir Park for the Baba Yara stadium in a juicy deal as part of the massive recruitment exercise by the 24 times domestic league champions.

Stephen Nyarko grateful to Wa All Stars for their support