Published: October 20, 2025
MONROVIA — Former Liberia heavyweight champion Ibrahim Mensah has been officially disqualified from participating in the upcoming Liberia Strongestman Championship, scheduled for Dec. 27, 2025, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Gymnasium.
The Liberia Strongman Federation (LSF) announced the decision over the weekend, citing Mensah’s repeated violations of federation rules and regulations. According to the LSF, despite multiple formal attempts by the executive board to deliver an official letter outlining corrective actions — including a required signature from Mensah and payment of an imposed fine — he failed to comply within the stipulated time-frame.
“As a result, the federation has been left with no choice but to proceed with his disqualification, in accordance with the Liberia Strongman Federation’s Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy,” the statement said.
The federation said it remains committed to upholding integrity, discipline, and fairness in the sport, and will continue ensuring that all athletes and officials maintain the highest standards.
In June 2023, the federation lifted a previous suspension on Mensah, who had been banned in 2022 for abandoning the final round of competition in protest. At the time, he expressed remorse and pleaded for forgiveness.
Meanwhile, defending heavyweight champion Thomas Bengamin, also known as No Fear, has apologized to the federation for what it described as inappropriate behavior during a recent meeting. “For the recent behavior involving Sarpo Giant during the meeting, I understand that my athlete’s actions were inappropriate and harmful,” Bengamin’s management said in a statement. “There is no excuse for that behavior, and we take full responsibility.”
Prince Kaydee, popularly known as Sarpo Giant, also issued a formal apology for similar conduct. “I take full responsibility for my misconduct, which was completely inappropriate and out of character,” Kaydee wrote in a letter addressed to LSF President Emmanuel Payne. “My actions did not reflect the values and camaraderie our federation stands for. I am committed to learning from this mistake and ensuring such an incident never happens again.”
Recently, social media erupted with arguments between No Fear and Sarpo Giant over who should be recognized as “001”, th e strongest man in Liberia. Although No Fear currently holds the title, the online exchange reportedly spilled over into the federation’s general meeting, which was disrupted. The LSF subsequently warned that the athletes involved faced disqualification if they failed to apologize.
Following the controversy, the federation has officially qualified five athletes to compete in the heavyweight division at the December championship: Thomas Bengamin (No Fear), representing Lofa County; Amos N. Kamara (Pipeline Hulk), representing Lofa County; Prince Kaydee (Sarpo Giant), representing Sinoe County; Yusuf Kromah (Lib Hulk), representing Nimba County and John Weah (Gentle Giant), representing Maryland County.
Those qualifying for the lightweight category include Philip Wondea, Thomas Seeton, Sam Woart, Mike Hills, Eric Dennis, Michelle Wilson, Hensley Omenhu, and Youssouf Toure.
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