John “Abaja” Laryea Makes Weight for WBA World Title Eliminator Against Adrian Robledo in Buenos Aires
Ghanaian featherweight sensation John “Abaja” Laryea, popularly known as the “Expensive Boxer,” has successfully made weight ahead of the biggest fight of his professional career, as he prepares to face Argentine home favourite Adrian Maximiliano Robledo in a high-stakes WBA world title eliminator in Buenos Aires.
Laryea tipped the scales at 124.3 pounds, comfortably inside the 126-pound featherweight limit, putting the unbeaten Ghanaian in prime condition for Saturday’s highly anticipated 12-round showdown.
The bout is scheduled for August 15, 2026, at Casino Buenos Aires, Argentina, and will determine who moves closer to a coveted WBA featherweight world championship opportunity. The WBA itself has confirmed the contest as an official featherweight title eliminator, with the winner earning a direct shot at the world championship.
Laryea hits the mark
For Laryea, the successful weigh-in is another important step in what has been a carefully planned build-up to the biggest challenge of his career.
The 17-0-1 Ghanaian, with 13 victories inside the distance, enters the contest unbeaten and carrying an impressive reputation built through his achievements at national and continental level. Argentine records list Robledo at 13-1 with six knockouts, setting the stage for an intriguing clash between two accomplished featherweights.
Laryea has already captured both the WBO Africa and IBF Africa featherweight titles and has established himself as one of Ghana’s most promising fighters. His career has included notable victories over fighters such as Sebastianus Natanael, Michael Tagoe, Alexander Mejia and Holy Dorgbetor.
His unbeaten record will now face one of its sternest examinations against Robledo, who will enjoy the considerable advantage of fighting before his home crowd.
Robledo faces second weigh-in attempt
While Laryea made the featherweight limit at the first attempt, Adrian Maximiliano Robledo failed to make the required weight initially.
The Argentine, however, has been given a second opportunity to make the limit, adding another layer of drama to the final hours before the contest.
Robledo’s home advantage, combined with his determination to secure a world-title opportunity, makes him a dangerous opponent for the Ghanaian. The Argentine enters the bout with a 13-1 professional record and six knockouts, according to Argentine fight listings.
A world-title opportunity at stake
This is far more than an ordinary international bout.
The winner of the 12-round WBA featherweight eliminator will move directly into contention for a world championship opportunity, giving both fighters a huge incentive to leave everything inside the ring.
For Laryea, victory would represent a major breakthrough on the global stage and potentially take him just one step away from fulfilling his ambition of becoming a world champion.
The Ghanaian is also fighting away from home for only the second time in his professional career. In his first bout outside Ghana, he defeated Nicaragua’s Alexander Mejia by unanimous decision.
Final preparations in Buenos Aires
With the weight officially taken care of, Laryea can now turn his full attention to the final tactical preparations for fight night.
The Ghanaian has trained extensively under Coach Carl Lokko and has received strong backing from his management team, including Samuel Anim Addo, CEO of Babe Jet Promotions.
Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan also visited Laryea at the Bronx Boxing Gym during his preparations and praised the boxer’s discipline, commitment and willingness to follow instructions, he is also currently at Argentina to support him.
Now, with less than 24 hours separating him from the biggest opportunity of his career, Laryea has completed one of the final hurdles: making weight.
Ghana vs Argentina
The atmosphere in Buenos Aires is expected to be electric as the local favourite seeks to defend his home turf against an unbeaten Ghanaian determined to make history.
For Robledo, it is an opportunity to deliver in front of his compatriots and secure his place among the WBA’s leading featherweight contenders.
For Laryea, it is a chance to announce himself on the world stage.
The “Expensive Boxer” has arrived in Argentina unbeaten, made the weight at 124.3 pounds, and now has only one task remaining — step into the ring and fight his way to a world-title shot.
Adrian Maximiliano Robledo vs John “Abaja” Laryea is set for 12 rounds at featherweight in Buenos Aires, with the WBA world-title pathway hanging in the balance.
For Ghanaian boxing, it is another night of high stakes and high expectations — and all eyes will be on the Expensive Boxer.