Alfred Kotey, former bantamweight champ from Ghana, dies at 52

Alfred Kotey, the former bantamweight titleholder from Ghana, has died in the Bronx, New York, at 52, according to multiple reports.

The Secretary General of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Patrick Johnson, told Joy Sports that, “Kotey had battled illness for some time now.” He reportedly suffered a stroke during treatment and was ultimately placed on life support.

Kotey (26-16-1, 17 KOs) won his title by outpointing Rafael Del Valle in July 1994 in London, reportedly making him his country’s fifth world champion. He lost it after two successful defenses and never again fought for a major title.

He fought professionally from 1988 to 2012, although he was active sporadically late in his career.

“Really sorry to hear of the passing of our former world champion Alfred Kotey,” former lightweight titleholder Commey wrote on social media. “He was one of those who paved the way for other Ghanaian boxers like myself to become world champions.

“He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.”

Alfred Kotey is pictured holding up a minor title belt in 1995. Mark Thompson / ALLSPORT

Kotey, born and raised in Accra, was an exceptional amateur boxer. He fought as a flyweight in the 1988 Olympics, receiving a bye in the first round then winning his second- and third-round fights. However, he had to pull out of the competition because of a deep cut suffered in the third round.

He turned pro before the end of that year. Five-plus years later, he defeated Del Valle to win the WBO 118-pound title by a unanimous decision at York Hall. Around that time, he and Ike Quartey were labeled Ghana’s “Whizz Kids,” according to Joy Sports (of Ghana).

Kotey successfully defended against Armando Castro (UD 12) and Drew Docherty (TKO 4) and then lost his belt to Daniel Jimenez by a unanimous decision in October 1995 at York Hall.

After that setback, he moved up to 122 pounds and his career went downhill. Including the Jimenez loss, he was only 6-15-1 in his final 22 bouts. Among those who beat him: Guty Espadas Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Acelino Freitas, Orlando Salido, Victor Ortiz and Anthony Peterson.

“The WBO family is deeply saddened by the passing of the great Alfred Kotey, the organization’s first world champion from Ghana,” the sanctioning body said in a statement. “Kotey defeated Rafael Del Valle to win the bantam crown on July 30th, 1994. May he rest in peace.”