Featherweight sensation John “The Expensive Boxer” Laryea has suffered the first defeat of his professional career, disqualified in the ninth round of his WBA Featherweight World Title Eliminator against Argentina’s Adrián Maximiliano Robledo at the Casino Buenos Aires on Saturday night.
The bout, contested before a partisan home crowd, had been billed as the defining test of Laryea’s career, with the winner earning a direct path to a WBA world championship opportunity. The Bukom-born fighter, unbeaten in 17 fights with a draw and 13 knockouts heading into the contest, opened brightly and troubled Robledo with his movement and occasional power shots.
But the tide turned as the Argentine grew into the fight, dropping Laryea in the third, fourth and fifth rounds. After a series of low-blow infractions, one of which had already cost him a point, referee Janny Guzman disqualified Laryea in round nine, handing Robledo the win and the eliminator title.
In the aftermath, Laryea’s management team released a statement expressing gratitude to his promoters, Legacy Rise Sports, his sponsors, and football legend Asamoah Gyan, while acknowledging responsibility for the manner of the defeat.
I take full responsibility for my disqualification, and I want to apologize to everyone I have disappointed with my actions and the outcome of the fight. I respect the sport of boxing, and I accept the result with full grace. A single setback does not define a career; it only sharpens the determination to grow.” Management Team for John Laryea
The camp struck a defiant tone about what comes next, framing the loss as a turning point rather than a setback that would define the boxer’s career. According to the statement, Laryea’s team plans to review the performance closely and sharpen his tactical, mental and physical preparation ahead of his next assignment.
This loss is simply fuel for the next chapter. We will analyze what happened, and we will refine our approach tactically, mentally, and physically in the gym and outside the gym. We will come back stronger, sharper, and more focused than ever.” Management Team for John Laryea
Laryea, a two-time WBO Africa featherweight champion who has been guided in his career by Asamoah Gyan and Sammy Anim Addo alongside trainer Lawrence Carl Lokko, had travelled to Argentina hoping to become the latest fighter to conquer hostile territory abroad.
Victory instead went to Robledo, who improves his record and advances to face the winner of a separate world-title path as he continues his own pursuit of a world championship shot.