Ghanaian boxer John “The Expensive Boxer” Laryea has suffered the first defeat of his professional career after being disqualified in the ninth round of his WBA featherweight title eliminator against Argentina’s Adrian Maximiliano Robledo in Buenos Aires.
The highly anticipated bout, held at Casino Buenos Aires, was an important opportunity for Laryea, with the winner moving closer to a potential shot at the WBA featherweight world title. Laryea entered the contest unbeaten in 17 professional fights.
Laryea initially made a positive start and appeared comfortable in the opening stages. However, Robledo gradually gained control of the contest and began putting the Ghanaian under increasing pressure.
The Argentine scored knockdowns against Laryea during the middle rounds, with reports indicating that the Ghanaian was sent to the canvas in the third, fourth and fifth rounds.
As the fight progressed, Laryea was repeatedly warned by referee Janny Guzman for fouls, including punches below the belt.
The Ghanaian was eventually deducted a point for a similar offence before the ninth round. Despite the warning and penalty, another low blow in the ninth round prompted the referee to stop the contest and disqualify Laryea.
The decision handed Robledo the victory and ended Laryea’s unbeaten run after 18 professional bouts. It was a major setback for the Ghanaian, who had been hoping to use the eliminator as a pathway towards a world-title opportunity.
Laryea had strong support in Buenos Aires, including former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, who was present at ringside alongside members of the boxer’s team.
Following the defeat, Laryea’s manager Samuel Anim Addo apologised to supporters and described the result as a setback from which the team could learn.
He maintained that the defeat should not mark the end of Laryea’s career, stressing that the boxer and his team would take lessons from the experience and work towards a stronger return.
The result means Robledo advances in the WBA title picture and is set to face the winner of the Figueroa-Kameda contest for a potential world-title opportunity.
For Laryea, the immediate focus will now be on rebuilding after the first defeat of his professional career.
Although the result ended his unbeaten record, the Ghanaian remains a notable figure in the country’s boxing scene, and his team will hope the experience provides an opportunity to correct the mistakes made during the contest.
🎥🇬🇭 How John Laryea was disqualified and eliminated from his WBA featherweight world title eliminator against Argentina’s Maximiliano Robledo. pic.twitter.com/ifsdWdqFxG
— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) August 16, 2026
Source: Thepressradio.com
