Richard Commey

Richard Commey’s journey from Accra’s lively neighbourhoods to world championship arenas is a testament to both his perseverance and the innate power possessed by many Ghanaian fighters. Born on March 10, 1987, in Accra, Ghana, Commey—known to fans as “RC”—is currently based in the Bronx, New York, representing the lightweight division with a frame that stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, and a reach of nearly 71 inches.

Commey’s path to professional boxing was non-traditional; his early sporting interests leaned heavily toward kickboxing, and it was only in 2009, spurred by the encouragement of friends and the absence of structured boxing opportunities, that he pivoted toward the sweet science. Ghana’s amateur boxing scene offered him scant chances to shine, resulting in a concise 12-fight amateur career before the itch for more regular competitive action proved irresistible. Commey made his professional debut on February 26, 2011, at the Prison’s Canteen in Accra, where he dispatched Baba Nsor by technical knockout in the second round, immediately signalling the punch power that would characterise his rise through the professional ranks. This early victory set in motion a remarkable run; Commey’s penchant for knockouts soon became his calling card, and his first 17 professional fights ended inside the distance, mostly via TKO or KO. His matches during this period primarily took place at local Ghanaian venues like the Prison’s Canteen, Cantonments, and Lebanon House, with quick turnarounds that spoke to both his conditioning and hunger. A defining moment in these formative years arrived on December 16, 2011, when Commey claimed the Ghanaian lightweight title by halting Korley Collison in the sixth round. As his reputation grew, so did the calibre of opposition, with Commey beginning to travel abroad to face experienced European and African contenders.

Commey’s first brush with international recognition came with his explosive victories over Bilal Mohammad for the IBF Continental Africa lightweight crown in 2013, and Prince Ofotsu for the ABU African lightweight title the same year, both via stoppage in Accra. His relentless attacking style—a classic orthodox stance blended with swift footwork and a purposeful jab—translated seamlessly on British soil, highlighted by his Commonwealth title win over Gary Buckland at York Hall, London, in July 2014. This contest proved pivotal; for the first time, Commey’s trademark KO streak was broken as he outboxed Buckland over twelve rounds to earn a unanimous decision. The win did more than showcase durability; it displayed a resilience in the face of an opponent who, while in the game, could not withstand Commey’s pressure and ring intelligence. Over the next year, the Ghanaian defended his belts in locations ranging from South Africa’s Emperors Palace to Nevada’s The D Hotel & Casino, consistently asserting his power against fighters like Thompson Mokwana and Bahodir Mamadjonov—with the latter suffering a decisive late-round stoppage.

Between 2016 and 2019, Commey reached the sport’s highest echelons, matching up against world-level competition. His first shot at a major world title arrived against Robert Easter Jr. for the IBF lightweight championship at Santander Arena in Pennsylvania on September 9, 2016.
In a fight that fast became a fan favourite, Commey dropped Easter Jr. in the eighth but was ultimately denied by the narrowest of split decisions—a decision as bitter as the physical toll it took on both combatants. The aftermath included a razor-thin split-decision loss to Denis Shafikov in Moscow, demonstrating that Commey could compete and prevail in hostile territory, even when judges failed to give him his due. Undeterred, Commey embarked on another run, culminating in his capture of the vacant IBF lightweight title on February 2, 2019, in Frisco, Texas, where he dismantled Isa Chaniev in just two rounds; the emphatic nature of that win sent shockwaves through the division.

Commey’s championship reign featured a memorable stoppage of Ray Beltrán in California, a bout notable for its high stakes and Commey’s ability to drop Beltrán four times before the referee halted the proceedings. Yet, boxing’s upper reaches often deliver brutal lessons, and on December 14, 2019, at Madison Square Garden, Commey’s reign ended against the undefeated phenom Teófimo López. Both fighters sought to land their patented rights, but López’s landed first, sending Commey to the canvas in the second round; though he beat the count, the referee stepped in under a sustained assault. Looking to rebound, Commey’s subsequent victory over Jackson Marinez in Las Vegas via sixth-round KO in 2021 reaffirmed his explosive potential and ability to recalibrate against capable opposition. His next appearance in New York, a loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko, saw Commey struggle with the Ukrainian’s technical mastery, getting knocked down in the seventh en route to a unanimous decision defeat.

The latter stage of Commey’s career has been characterised by battles with high-level opposition, including a draw against José Pedraza and a later KO defeat to José Ramírez in Fresno, California, in March 2023. These contests, staged at venues like Madison Square Garden, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Pechanga Resort & Casino, illustrate both the global scope of Commey’s career and the level at which he has competed. The experience gained from eighteen title fights—including clashes for regional and world championships—has informed Commey’s approach in the ring. He is renowned for his orthodox stance, powerful right hand, and exceptional resolve when navigating adversity—traits that, alongside his stamina and conditioning, have made him a perennial threat within the lightweight division.

Throughout his fourteen-year career, Commey has forged a reputation for ruthless punch power, adaptability, and a willingness to travel in search of opportunity—a hallmark of Ghana’s proud boxing tradition. His early years saw rapid progression and frequent international competition, often against seasoned fighters who provided rigorous tests. Whether in Accra or New York, London or Moscow, Commey’s aggressive combinations and relentless pressure reflect the lessons learned from mentors and sparring partners, including advice from legendary Hall of Famer Azumah Nelson. For fans, Commey is more than his formidable record; he embodies the tenacity and ambition of the Ghanaian fighting spirit, and his unique journey—from modest beginnings through the tangled web of boxing’s global circuit—will long remain a point of reference for both historians and enthusiasts.