Ghanaian knockout artist Samuel Takyi believes he is on a fast track to world title level after swapping his home comforts in Accra for Walthamstow, London.

Takyi hit the headlines at Tokyo 2020 when he claimed Olympic bronze at 20 to become his nation’s first medalist in any sport since 1992.

Despite such success, he did not make his professional debut until June 2022 and he has since moved to 7-0 with all of his victories coming within three rounds or less.

The lightweight’s next outing takes place at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Nigeria on Wednesday as part of the "Chaos in the Ring" event, headlined by Brandon Glanton against Marcus Browne, which will be broadcast live on DAZN.

Takyi, 24, will face fellow puncher Fatiu Ijomoni (11-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder which looks unlikely to go the distance. It will be his first fight since relocating to north London to train under renowned coach Xav Miller at his IQ Boxing base in Neasden.

It is a move that Takyi believes will help his quest to become the latest name on Ghana’s star-studded list of world champions, which includes Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey and Joshua Clottey.

“This was the move I needed,” Takyi says. “I’d like to thank my manager Mickey [Amoo-Bediako] for it. He is also Ghanaian and we first met way back in 2018 when I was still on the Ghana national team. We have had a good relationship since then.

“Now I have moved to London and have been here since June. I train with Xav in Neasden but live in Walthamstow. It’s a big change. It’s very different [from] Ghana," he said before yearning over native cuisine such as Jollof, a fragrant, smoky rice dish.

“But I’ve learned so much from being here and gained a lot of experience which is what I needed. I want to be world champion so I have to make sacrifices.

“Being over here I get lots of good sparring and I’m always learning and developing. Now I think I’m ready. I’m ready for anything.

“The only thing I miss is the Jollof. It’s fine over here, but Ghana Jollof is the best.”

Should things go to plan Wednesday, Takyi is expected to box again in December in what would be his third fight of 2025 and his sixth in the last 15 months.

And Takyi believes his Olympic pedigree means that a world title shot in 2026 should not be out of the question despite his lack of professional experience. “Keyshawn Davis was at my Olympics,” he said, "and he’s already won and lost a world title.

“I want to be world champion by the end of 2026. That might sound crazy but I need to be moving quick. I haven’t always had good management but I do now.

“We are all pushing in the right direction and I think next year will be fireworks for me in this division. The big guys at lightweight should be ready for me.”

There are three different champions at lightweight with Raymond Muratalla (IBF), Gervonta Davis (WBA) and Shakur Stevenson (WBC), The Ring’s No. 1 at 135.

On November 22, as part of The Ring’s Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, undefeated pair Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes will clash to decide a new WBO champion.

But it is a different unbeaten lightweight who Takyi has his eye on.

"Bazooka" Quartey was undefeated in 35 fights when the Ghanaian icon faced Oscar De La Hoya for the WBC welterweight title in 1999, but he lost by a narrow split decision.

“I want to fight Floyd Schofield,” Takyi said. “His promoter is Oscar De La Hoya, so if I can beat Schofield that will be revenge for Ike Quartey.

“I know I can knock him out. I’m coming for him to claim revenge for our legend. I’m ready for him now and I will prove that to everyone.”