▪️The top South African female boxer will make the first defence of her WBO flyweight title against Sibulele Soboois on February 28 in Pretoria
▪️Like in her past fights, Hadebe will use the February 28 card to fight for survivors of child abuse having undergone a similar experience in her childhood

20/02/2026

Battle for Love is the theme of February 28 highly-charged pro boxing card at the Silver Lakes Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa.

But for WBO Africa female flyweight champion Simangele “Smash” Hadebe (15-4-2, 5 KOs), there will be no love in the ring against compatriot from Western Cape Sibulele Soboois (4-0-0, 1 KO) whom she fights for the first defence of her World Boxing Organisation Africa flyweight title.

“There’s no love in the ring or softness, it’s the fists talking and competition at the highest level,” Hadebe told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview from Johannesburg.

“The audience can love the show we put on but between me and my opponent it’s about execution. I respect her but I’m coming to win.”

Hadebe’s duel will be the main fight in the eight-bout card promoted by Terry-Anne Hart of Fighters Club Promotions.

Initially the fights were scheduled for Valentine’s Day; hence the love theme.

As usual, Hadebe maintains her respect to all opponents she fights.

“I respect her abilities, she’s experienced with a solid background,” says Hadebe.

“I don’t underrate anyone that’s how you lose. I’ve trained seriously and prepared for her the same way I do for any top fighter but I believe in myself, my level and my hunger for victory.”

Is Hadebe planning for an inside-the-distance victory? Mmmh not really that’s not her style, she says.

“I prepare for every round like a champion, if the opportunity to finish presents itself I normally pounce on it, if it goes the distance I’ll still dominate. The key is control, patience and smart boxing.”

Like in her past fights, Hadebe will once again use the February 28 card to fight for survivors of child abuse.

“I always dedicate my fights to children and adults who were abused and could not speak for themselves,” says Hadebe, herself a victim of child abuse she suffered under the hands of a family friend when she was between the age of 7-9 years.

“For me it’s a secret I kept for too long, being sexually molested for two years without telling anyone is the most painful experience I’ve gone through in my life.”

In her advocacy for child abuse victims, Hadebe wants them to know they can be assisted and should therefore not remain silent.

“That’s why I fight with clothes showing the hotline number for people to know where to call to report the shameful incidents of child molestation.”

She turned to boxing in the aftermath of her childhood trauma to calm down her inner anger.

“Boxing really helped me to recover, it was like an anti-depressant for me,” she recalls.

“I’m the voice of the voiceless, I’ll keep on fighting for child abuse victims because I know what they’re going through,” says Hadebe, citing violence against women and children as an epidemic in South Africa which must be stopped.

Recent studies estimate nearly half of the children in South Africa have either been abused or exposed to domestic violence.

I ask Hadebe whether she will ever get married following her traumatic experience of being sexually abused.

“My past made me stronger, not bitter. Marriage is not in my focus right now, my healing is and career,” she says, adding: “If marriage happens one day it will be from a place of strength and self worth, not pressure or fear.”

Does she hate men after what she went through as an innocent young girl?

“No, I don’t hate men, one person’s stupid action does not represent all men,” says Hadebe.

“What I stand firmly against is gender-based violence and child abuse. I refuse to normalize it. I refuse to be silent about it.

“When I step into the ring, I carry more than gloves.
My fists are my voice for every abused child who was silenced.

“But I fight with purpose, not anger. With strength, not hate. My message is about breaking cycles and choosing healing.”

Hadebe is so appreciative of the role of her manager Colleen McAusland who assisted the star boxer get over the painful experience as well as shaping her career in boxing.

“Colleen is both a mother and my mentor, I love her so much for what she has done for me, a great powerful woman,” says Hadebe with a wide smile of satisfaction.

Hadebe comes off a remarkable points victory over Nigerian southpaw Solomon Olamposi from towards the end of 2025 to clinch the vacant WBO Africa female flyweight title at the Kagiso Memorial & Recreation Centre in Johanbesburg, South Africa.

She walked into that arena not just as a challenger but as a queen in waiting, and she left it wearing a crown earned through strength, intellect, and supreme conditioning.

From the first round, it was evident she was simply in a different class. Her opponent showed heart, but Hadebe’s timing, speed, and ring generalship proved decisive. She would step in, flick a sharp body shot, slide back, reset, and repeat. Every punch seemed to have a purpose. Every angle was exploited. The judges awarded a unanimous points decision, but the victory was never in doubt.

This WBO Africa belt is more than metal, it is a bridge. It offers Hadebe the pathway to further continental defenses, possible world challenges, and a platform to carry South Africa’s flag into arenas beyond its borders. With this victory, she has lit her country proud: from townships to cities, women’s boxing in South Africa now has a new standard-bearer.

Smash, an activist against child abuse, and having her sponsors RGM Cranes, Discover Sport, fans, and most importantly, the children from the homes where she’s actively involved in made her victory extra special.

It was about redemption, authority, and vindication. In Kagiso, she showed that she is not merely a contender trying to make noise, she is now a champion whose style redefines what female boxing can be. She is not just throwing punches; she is calculating, adapting, and executing with clarity. She has demonstrated a rare mix of grit and grace, strength and smarts over time, and against all odds.

As she held that WBO belt high, the South African flag draped behind her, you could feel something shift. Her community cheered, but the cheers echoed across the nation. She has become not only a local hero but a national one. Smash is a role model to so many, she changes the lives of children by being an example of what you can achieve if you believe in yourself and backed by others who do too.

Hadebe spoke to boxersworld.co.ke after her resounding victory over the Nigerian challenger.

“This win means alot to me, fighting in SA for another title gave me an opportunity to showcase my skills and talent to all my fans, sponsors and supporters,” said Hadebe who is Africa Boxing Union (ABU) and flyweight title holder and South Africa’s national champion.

“This win will help me further up in rankings, hopefully it will prove to South African promoters that females can box, that females do have fans, that females belong in boxing too.”

On whether she had difficulty handling a southpaw opponent, Hadebe said:” It was not my first time fighting a southpaw, so i knew more or less which punches to evade and run away from.
I had to take away her jab as it’s the biggest weapon for southpaw when they fighting orthodox. My jab had to constantly be on her face to set up for a good combination.

“She didn’t like my body punches that I noticed, that’s why I had to play the head and body the whole time and all rounds. And the fact that she couldn’t catch me properly is when I knew I will take this fight on points.

“I didn’t really feel much of her power as I was always on the move.

“She was very tough i must say. Big up to her and her team. She definitely came prepared. I would say the 3rd and the 8th rounds were the best for me.

“I would love to win the WBC title as it was the belt I was supposed to fight for before it changed to WBO.

“My prayer is that a reputable South African promoter has seen my ability and skill and can give me an opportunity to fight for a world title in my own country.”

In some of the undercards for the February 28 showdown, Malawi’s top boxers, Ellen Simwaka and Hennock Phiri are also in the the mix with Phiri featuring in the co-main bout of 10 rounds against South Africa’s Sibusisa Zingange while Simwaka battles Revai Madanda fromf Zimbabwe in an eight-round female fight.

How many fans will watch Tyson, Mayweather exhibition bout set for April 25 in DR Congo?

Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson have reportedly agreed to a tentative exhibition bout set for April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.⁠

If finalized, the matchup would bring two of boxing’s most recognizable names to Africa more than five decades after the iconic Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa.⁠

Tyson, 59, last fought in November 2024, dropping a decision to Jake Paul. Mayweather, 48, most recently faced John Gotti III in Mexico City in August 2024.⁠

⁠(via @netflix, @wikipedia)

▪️The USA-based Ugandan fighter has spent recent weeks reconnecting with the local boxing community, making stops at historic training centers including KBC Gym, Zebra Boxing Club, and HAM Fitness Gym. 

February 18, 2026

Ugandan featherweight star Sulaiman Segawa has turned a difficult moment in his career into a powerful gesture of inspiration, returning to Uganda following his recent loss to Mexican opponent Rene Osvaldo Palacios Galvan and embarking on a nationwide visit to the gyms that shaped his boxing journey.

The USA-based Ugandan fighter has spent recent weeks reconnecting with the local boxing community, making stops at historic training centers including KBC Gym, Zebra Boxing Club, and HAM Fitness Gym.

During the visits, Segawa trained alongside young fighters, shared technical advice, and delivered motivational talks centered on discipline, resilience, and international ambition.

Turning Defeat Into Leadership

Although his recent defeat abroad was widely viewed as an unconvincing performance by fans and analysts, Segawa’s response has drawn praise across Uganda’s boxing circles. Rather than retreating from the spotlight, the experienced featherweight chose to return to his roots—engaging directly with upcoming fighters and reminding them that setbacks are part of a professional athlete’s growth.

Observers noted that Segawa participated fully in gym sessions, sparring lightly with prospects and offering tactical guidance, particularly on conditioning and ring intelligence required at the international level.

The Significance of the Visit

Segawa’s homecoming carries deeper meaning beyond personal recovery. Uganda’s boxing ecosystem often struggles with limited exposure to global standards, and visits from internationally active fighters provide rare learning opportunities for developing athletes.

 His presence achieved several key impacts 

Bridging international and local boxing standards, giving young fighters firsthand exposure to elite-level experience.

Restoring morale, especially among amateurs and early professionals who view Segawa as proof that Ugandan talent can compete abroad.

Strengthening grassroots boxing, reinforcing the importance of local gyms as the foundation of national success.

For many young boxers, training alongside Segawa transformed motivation into belief, demonstrating that global opportunities remain attainable.

Mentorship Over Momentum

Sources within the gyms described the sessions as less about publicity and more about mentorship. Segawa reportedly emphasized patience, professionalism, and mental strength—lessons drawn directly from his own recent challenges in the ring.

In modern boxing, such gestures are increasingly significant. Fighters who return home to reinvest knowledge help sustain the sport’s growth, ensuring experience gained internationally benefits the next generation.

 A Strategic Reset

For Segawa himself, the visit may also signal a psychological reset. Reconnecting with the environments where his career began allows fighters to rebuild confidence, refocus training goals, and prepare for a stronger comeback.

While no official announcement has been made regarding his next fight, insiders believe the Ugandan star is using this period to recalibrate before returning to international competition.

Final Word

In boxing, defeats often define careers—but responses define legacies. By returning to Uganda and uplifting grassroots boxing, Sulaiman Segawa has turned a setback into a moment of leadership. His visit serves as a reminder that champions are not only measured by victories in the ring, but also by the impact they leave behind outside it.

Courtesy Chris Posiano, Nara Promotionz

▪️Tiago Muxanga defied all odds to clinch the Commonwealth Silver Super-Welterweight title by decisioning Britain’s Asinia Byfiel

February 18, 2026

Mozambican boxer Tiago Muxanga is the new Commonwealth Silver Super-Welterweight Champion.

Muxanga extended his winning streak on Sunday, February 15, 2026, by defeating British opponent Asinia Byfield by split decision at the “Fearless” event in the United Kingdom. Tiago attacked relentlessly, unsettling his opponent and claiming the prestigious title at the Top Tier Boxing event in Essex, south-east England. The silver title is the second most important Commonwealth belt in pro boxing.

With the victory over Byfield in a closely contested fight, Muxanga became the first Mozambican to achieve such a feat in professional boxing. All four of his professional bouts have ended in victory, cementing his rising status on the international stage.

Born in Mafalala, Maputo, 25-year-old Tiago Osório Muxanga is one of Mozambique’s most prominent boxers, balancing both professional and amateur competition. Last December, he impressed at the 2025 IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, reaching the quarter-finals.

Tiago’s deserved victory caught the attention of Mozambican President Daniel Chapo.

In his congratulatory message, President Chapo said the victory projects Mozambique onto the international stage of professional boxing and reinforces the country’s prestige abroad.

“The victory represents a milestone of great importance for national sport,” said Chapo.

In response, Tiago Muxanga expressed gratitude for the presidential recognition and the support he has received throughout his sporting career. The boxer also took the opportunity to request better conditions that would allow him to consolidate his career.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the support and attention I have received throughout my career. The support has been crucial to my professional growth and the continuation of my work, with dedication and responsibility ,” Muxanga wrote on his social media.

Muxanga further added, respectfully, his hope that he could count on the consideration of the President of the Republic regarding the improvement of his conditions, namely housing support and benefits that contribute to the stability and enhancement of his career, proudly reinforcing: “I am Mozambican.”

*Muxanga’s trainer Marlee Dann exuded confidence*

Ahead of the fight, Muxanga’s Plymouth-based trainer Marlee Dann said he was confident his ‘exceptional’ fighter will ‘come through’

Marlee Dann was quoted in The Herald saying Tiago Muxanga is taking a ‘risk’ when he takes on Asinia Byfield for the Silver Commonwealth super-welterweight crown.

Plymouth-trained rising star Tiago Muxanga faces potentially the longest contest of his career when he takes on Asinia Byfield for the Silver Commonwealth super-welterweight crown this weekend.

Muxanga, the latest protege of Intense ABC trainer Marlee Dann, takes on 36-year-old Byfield in a contest which would be 10 rounds if it goes the distance at the Brentwood Centre in Essex on Sunday.

The former Olympian, originally from Mozambique, has only been tested up to five rounds since joining the paid ranks – although that was because he stopped Harvey Collison with more than three rounds to spare in his last outing.

But Dann said Byfield will not be an easy opponent to face, having been well conditioned to the rigours of 10-round contests in a 25-fight record that includes 18 wins.

Dann told The Herald: “He [Byfield] is very capable – he is a good fighter, I’m not going to lie. He’s capable.”

But he backs the explosive Muxanga to wear down Byfield and add a first professional title to his growing reputation.

“I think it’s very early,” he said. “To fight a 10-round fight in your first three fights is very unusual, but it’s ambitious from the manager and ambitious from everyone.

“But Tiago is a former Olympian and has boxed at a very, very high level, so what does he do now?

“Does he fight a bunch of journeymen who turn up just to provide the rounds, or do you put him into real fights that are going to benefit him?

“I think it’s a winnable fight, I think Asinia Byfield is an excellent fighter, but I think Tiago is an exceptional fighter. So I think the quality should come through.”

Byfield will be in the away corner on Sunday, in a clash which tops a bill also being streamed on sports channel DAZN, starting at 4pm.

But Dann said taking on the Reading man will be considered a risk for Muxanga, as Byfield has fought from New York to Dubai in a varied and colourful career.

Dann said: “Absolutely it’s a risk; Asinia Byfield is a good fighter, and I think he’s experienced over the rounds, and Tiago isn’t.

“But I think Tiago’s quality will show through; Tiago will be far too much and should be able to find the shot.”

Yet Muxanga’s own reputation is growing, not least due to the way in which he dismantled Collison in a statement win at York Hall last December, sending the Southampton man to the canvas twice before the clash was waved off.

Dann said: “Everyone knows his [Muxanga’s] reputation now, and so does Asinia Byfield; but Asinia Byfield is a very ballsy character and has got a lot of bottle.

“He [Byfield] has fought very good people through his entire career and his only losses have come from elite-level fighters away from home.

“He’s beat people who have been undefeated, and he is a very capable man. He’s very big and very unorthodox.

“He is a southpaw and orthodox, he comes forward and he can go back; he is a good fighter.”

Capturing the Silver Commonwealth would also be following in the trajectory of stablemate Constantin Ursu, who is now in the final stages of preparation for his British Welterweight title contest in Derby on February 28.

Courtesy plymouthherald.co.uk and clubofmozambique.com

Get ready for an explosive three days of boxing as Kenya’s next generation of pugilists take center stage in the National Intermediate Championships at Thika Community Hall from February 26-28.

17/02/2026

Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) is bringing you a tournament that isn’t just about fighting—it’s about the raw hunger, intense discipline, and breathtaking speed of the nation’s elite young talent eager to represent their country in this year’s Commonwealth Games.

Witness the passion of young fighters battling for glory, a spot in the National Kenya Open, and the chance to become the next household name.

Come and watch daring puncher Clare Okwaluma who’s being coached by the doyen of East Africa’s female boxing, Liz Andiego.

Clare just needed 42 seconds of the first round to dismantle Nakuru’s Winnie Shisiali in the welterweight finals of the National Novices Championships on February 7 in Nairobi.

Immediately after the first bell, Clare unleashed a constant dose of two-fisted flurries at the helpless Winny.

Referee Mercy Musila gave Winny some respite with a standing count after which the Nakuru boxer showed she had lost appetite for the fight by turning her back indicating Clare’s dose was enough for her.

There’s Kasarani Youth Boxing Club’s rising welterweight punching machine Elvis Lincoln who put up a dazzling show to outpoint Kisumu’s equally promising Joshua Onyango in the welterweight final. A rematch is in the offing.

Expect a high-octane encounter here as Kisumu’s head coach Vincent Odongo shouts from his corner “kiki lumri, guard malo omera”. These boxers are training hard to leave it all in the ring.

Lamu’s coach, magician Abdalla Feiswal Abdalla aka Dula has promised to come up with new tricks to blur the vision of opponents facing his boxers. He has featherweight Roley Otieno, among others, to display Boxing Made in Lamu.

We hope Dula will this time carry water in a transparent bottle. During the Novices Finals, Technical Delegate John Waweru aka Mr Rulebook stopped the show to warn Dula against carrying water in an opaque bottle which can be mistaken for an “energy boosting” drink. Mr Rulebook reminded all coaches to carry water in transparent bottles.

Kenya’s boxing is rising higher and higher. Come and watch the raw KO power, relentless energy and intensity that will keep Thika fans on the edge of their seats.

This is not just a boxing match; it is a showcase of the fastest-growing Ndondi Mashinani products from all over Kenya with the Gen-Z boxers determined to make a name for themselves.

*Ma-ish! ish!, ma-twaf!!💥twaf!!!💥💥 na ma-dush!!!dush!!!!*

boxersworld.co.ke

▪️Boxing Federation of Kenya Secretary-General David Munuhe says they have okayed Andiego’s move to the paid ranks but she still remains in the national team

East Africa’s most decorated female boxer, Kenya’s Liz Andiego, has finally decided to join the paid ranks.

Andiego, 37, has already signed a fight contract with Kalakoda Promotions for her pro debut on February 27 against Tanzania’s Chiku Iddi in a four-round super middleweight fight at Mass House along Ngong Road.

“Andiego came to us requested for our permission to fight as pro we all agreed with her to have more fight time,” BFK Secretary-General David Munuhe told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

Promoter Greg Cox of Kalakoda Promotions confirmed Andiego will feature in the February 27 card.

“She has already signed her fight contract and we’re all looking forward to Andiego’s first pro fight,” said Greg Cox.

Andiego is excited on her new venture and thanked BFK for blessing her decision to double up pro and amateur boxing which is allowed these days by the International Boxing Association (IBA).

Lack of opponents locally has been Andiego’s biggest challenge. She last fought at home in 2021 when she stopped Metrine Sagina in the first round of the light-heavyweight bout in the Jamal Cup tournament at Charter Hall.

“If I go on like this I’ll suffer from ring rust,” says Andiego, double medallist in the African Championships.

She made her international debut in 2010 and has since then remained unbeaten locally. Andiego is also the first East African boxer to take part in the Olympic Games in 2012.

▪️She is now the Director General and Technical Director at Boxing Federation of Equatorial Guinea after representing Morocco’s national team for seven years

▪️Oumayma says after quitting boxing a boxer can decide to continue associating with the sport in a different capacity or disengage completely and concentrate on other things

February 14, 2026

Morocco’s star boxer Oumayma Bel Ahbib has successfully transitioned to management following her appointment as Director General and Technical Director of Equatorial Guinea Boxing Federation.

She officially started working in her new role on June 5, 2025. Oumayma represented Morocco’s national team from 2017 to 2024.

The affable and articulate Oumayma now becomes a role model to boxers worldwide on her meticulous planning to successfully transition from a boxer to management, leveraging the discipline, resilience and tactical intelligence developed in the ring into boxing management.

Life after boxing for star amateur boxers is rarely easy because the intense, structured and spotlight-driven life of a top boxer ends abruptly. It requires significant prior planning for a boxer to navigate smoothly after stepping out of the ring.

The absence of cheering crowds and the constant attention they were used to during their hey days in the ring makes boxers feel forgotten and can result to depression, anxiety and loneliness as they adjust to life without the adrenaline rush of competition and a busy schedule of daily training and constant tournaments throughout the year. Others turn to the bottle to kill their boredom.

What’s Oumayma’s advice to current active boxers?

“Never abandon education. Sport and studies must go hand in hand,” Oumayma told boxersworld.co.ke in a telephone interview from Equatorial Guinea, a country on the west coast of Central Africa formerly a colony of Spanish Guinea. Its post-independence name refers to its location both near the Equator and in the African region of Guinea. The capital city is Ciudad de la Paz, replacing former capital Malabo in 2026.

“A sporting career is short but a professional career lasts forever,” says Oumayma who obtained a Masters degree in 2024. She studied Sport, Expertise and High-Level Performance specialized in Project Engineering (CPMF) at the National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance (INSEP), a French sports training institute and center that trains elite athletes. It is located on the outskirts of Paris, in the Bois de Vincennes.

Oumayma further shares her views on life after boxing.

“It’s possible to build a career after retiring from amateur boxing, a boxer can decide to continue evolving within the sport in a different capacity,” says Oumayma.

“One can decide to become a coach, manager or administrator – or choose to completely step away and focus on something else because it’s not a must that a boxer must be linked to the sport upon retirement.

“However, there’s one essential condition: during a boxing career, you must never abandon your education. It’s important to pursue both studies and sport in parallel because both are necessary and important in life.

“After boxing, you need to have a profession and build your life, preparing for life after boxing starts when you’re still actively involved in the sport.”

Good advice from Oumayma but not all boxers are capable of pursuing higher education owing to financial contraints with some dropping out of school. Still that does not mean they should not plan for life after boxing. To maintain their association with boxing, they can switch to coaching, R&J and management.

After completing her studies, Omayma worked in France as a sports educator from October 2024 to January 2025, before beginning to travel between France and Africa.

However, her involvement in boxing development started much earlier. From January 2022 to April 2024, she worked as a Development Officer at the Val-de-Marne Departmental Boxing Committee (Île-de-France, France).

She held this position on a part-time basis while simultaneously pursuing her Master’s degree and her high-level sporting career, demonstrating her ability to successfully combine academic excellence, professional responsibilities and elite athletic performance.

This hands-on experience in structuring projects, implementing development programmes and supporting boxing clubs now represents a strong foundation for her current management role within the Equatorial Guinea Boxing Federation.

Oumayma explains how she finally landed at the Boxing Federation of Equatorial Guinea.

“I responded to a call for applications for the position of Director General and Technical Director in Equatorial Guinea, and I was selected. As an African athlete, contributing to the development of boxing on our continent is deeply meaningful to me.”

Commenting on her new role in the Equatorial Guinea federation, Oumayma says she’s enjoying every minute.

“I truly enjoy my job, it’s another form of combat – strategic and institutional.”

What does her job as Director General and Technical Director entail?

“My role is both strategic and operational. I oversee:

• The administrative and technical structuring of the federation

• Strategic planning and governance

• Talent identification and youth development

• Preparation of national teams

• Organization of national and international competitions

• Institutional and international relations.

“In short, I lead the overall sporting and organizational project of the federation, with a long-term vision focused on development and performance.

“My goal in management is not to go for positions. I want to make an impact. To structure, professionalize, and elevate African boxing at an international level.”

You have transitioned from a boxer to management. How do you compare the two roles?

“In the ring, you fight physically. In administration, you fight strategically. Boxing taught me discipline, resilience, pressure management, and tactical intelligence.

“Today, I use those same qualities in sports governance and leadership.”

Oumayma was initially a kickboxer and switched to boxing in 2017.

“I practiced kickboxing and full contact sports, I was a member of the national kickboxing team. In 2015, I became Vice World Champion in kickboxing,” she recalls, adding: “In 2016, I finished in fifth place at the Muay Thai World Championships.

“After that, I decided to transition to boxing because boxing is an Olympic sport. My dream was to compete in the Olympic Games.”

She did not change clubs when she switched to boxing. She remained at Rayan Gym Forum where she used to train as a kickboxer, preferring to stay in the same structure.

To make it into the national team, Omayma first competed in the Moroccan National Championships, winning all her bouts and finished first in her weight category, which earned her a place in the national team. After that, they had training camps and vigorous sparring sessions. Oumayma convinced the selectors she was the best light-welterweight at the time and was chosen to compete at the 2017 African Elite Championships in Congo Brazzaville. She proved herself by winning a gold medal outpointing Algeria’s Soumia Tabarkouk in the finals after decisioning Botswana’s Aratwa Kasemang 3-2 in the semi-finals.

“My kickboxing background helped me adapt to boxing very quickly. In kickboxing we already use our hands a lot, so I had the power, the physical conditioning, and the fighting experience. It’s a sport that requires a very high level of fitness, so physically I was ready. The main adjustments were in the footwork, distance management, and the tactical aspects specific to boxing. With training, determination, and consistency, the transition went on very smoothly culminating with my gold medal in my first ever international competition.”

Oumayma then added a bronze medal in her collection at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco. She lost in the semi-finals to the eventual gold medallist, Nigeria’s Bolanle Shogbamu.

Inspired by her two medals, Oumayma hit peak form during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal. She was in such a devastating form that she was tipped as a hot medal prospect in Tokyo by ring analysts but Covid jolted her rhythm.

In the Dakar finals, Oumayma dominated Mozambican African Games silver medallist Alcinda Dos Santos enroute to a 4-1 points victory. She floored Alcinda in the second round with a powerful left hook for an eight count.

She talks fondly about her exemplary show in the Tokyo Olympic qualifiers in the Senegal capital.

“Dakar remains a defining moment for me — a high-level performance, and the confirmation of all the work I had put in.

Dakar final is one of the most important ones for me. Before that, I had lost at the African Games semi-finals in Morocco, so this continental Olympic qualifying tournament was a real personal revenge.

“During the competition, I delivered top-level performances. I controlled all my bouts and I was extremely well prepared, both physically and mentally. I didn’t just want to qualify — even though the qualification was decided in the final — I wanted to secure my Olympic ticket with a gold medal. I was in outstanding shape thanks to my training camps in France and the international tournaments that were part of my preparation, and I dominated my fights with a clear points advantage.

“I was in my best shape. If the Olympic Games had taken place right after the qualifying tournament, with that momentum and that level of preparation, I am convinced that I could have won an Olympic medal. Unfortunately, Covid broke that consistency.”

Oumayma may have lost in the round of 16 to Ukraine’s Anna Lysenko at the delayed Tokyo Olympics but her selection as Morocco’s flag bearer wiped out that disappointment.

“The day I carried the flag, the feeling was indescribable. Seeing the Olympic Games in front of me and holding the Moroccan flag — the country I love and carry in my heart — with the whole delegation walking behind me, was an incredible moment. It was pure pride and an honour I will never forget.

“It remains my most memorable moment in boxing when I was told that I had been chosen as the flag bearer for the Moroccan delegation. The Moroccan National Olympic Committee voted and selected me among all the athletes. It was a huge source of pride for me, for my boxing federation, for my family and for my parents.

“At first, I didn’t fully realize what it meant. I had many media interviews and a lot of attention around me, but I was completely focused on my competition.

“I can attribute my defeat to the confusion that preceded the Games occasioned by Covid pandemic, mentally I was not in my shape. I had already faced my Ukrain opponent before at an international tournament in France, where I won 5–0. At the Olympic Games the contest was very different due to Covid. In Africa, and especially in Morocco, we were not able to prepare properly because the borders were closed and there were many restrictions. It was not the same situation as in Europe.

“For me, the most important thing is that I am proud to have represented Morocco and to compete at the Olympic Games. It was a childhood dream that came true.”

Boxing is a high-stakes, full-contact sport where injuries, both acute and chronic, are a major factor that can significantly impact or end a professional career. The sport demands immense physical and mental preparation, and injuries can occur not only in the ring but also during intense training sessions.

Omayma recalls before the 2022 Women’s World Championships in Turkey, she suffered a serious knee injury which affected her in the round of 32 bout against Cape Verde’s Ivanusa Moreira.

“The injury did not happen during the bout against Moreira. It occurred during the preparation stage, at the training camp in Turkey before the World Championships.

“Before the fight, the team doctor told me that it was nothing serious, just temporary pain, so I decided to get my knee heavily strapped and step into the ring.

“But as soon as the fight started, on my very first movement, my knee gave way before there was any exchange at all. The bout never really happened. It was not a referee stoppage as indicated in the results, and it cannot be considered a loss to Moreira — I was simply unable to continue, without any boxing exchanges taking place. Logically she didn’t really beat me because I went down on my own — my knee gave way since I was already injured. That’s how I see it.”

At that time, the medical diagnosis within the federal framework did not properly identify the real severity of the injury. She was told it was only inflammation.

Her resilience saw Oumayma competing at the Mediterranean Games, fighting her way to the semi-finals but she was unable to complete the competition due to the worsening condition of the knee injury.

It was during the Mediterranean Games that the Moroccan National Olympic Committee intervened.

“Thanks to their support, I was able to benefit from thorough medical examinations,” says Oumayma with a deep sigh of relief.

“The accurate diagnosis was then confirmed: a torn anterior cruciate ligament dating back to the World Championships in 2022.

“I had to stop boxing for nearly a year. I was able to undergo surgery, follow proper medical supervision, and complete my rehabilitation and reconditioning, with the support of my club and the Val-de-Marne Departmental Boxing Committee. This remains the most disappointing moment in my active boxing life.”

Omayma finally returned to the ring at the 2023 African Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships in Yaounde, Cameroon where I met her for the first time and we became good friends.

Oumayma made a forceful return, settling for silver following a points loss to Cape Verde’s Ivanusa Moreira in the finals. She first beat Kenya’s Friza Anyango in the quarter-finals and saw off Cameroon’s Bindzi Mireille in the semi-finals.

“I would describe that fight against Moreira above all as a comeback. Fighting bout after bout on consecutive days after almost a year out and returning straight into the African Championships was not easy.

“What affected me the most was the fatigue and the loss of competition rhythm. I had to get used again to the intensity of fighting day after day, and there were also some tactical adjustments to make.

“For me, my participation in the Yaounde African Championships was a real test for my knee, to see whether it was stable and how it would react in real competition. There were many things to manage beyond just the result.”

She then attempted to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games during the qualification tournament in Dakar, where she lost to Algeria’s Imane Khelif.

Beaten but not out. The never-say-die Oumayma switched her focus to the second and third world qualification tournaments. She trained independently in France until the very last moment.

However, due to internal decision-making processes within the technical leadership at that time, she was not entered for the world qualifiers.

“That was a major disappointment,” she says

“At elite level, success does not depend only on talent and hard work — the environment plays a decisive role.

“At the same time, during the summer of the Games, I experienced a wave of public cyber-harassment. This deeply affected my mental well-being and led me to take time to rebuild myself.”

After the Olympic qualification disappointment, she decided to transform her frustration into academic excellence, focusing on compiling her thesis.

Securing her Masters degree in 2024 was a great success that symbolically became her medal.

We wish Oumayma all the best in her new role at the Boxing Federation of Equatorial Guinea.

OUMAYMA’S INTERNATIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 🥇 Gold Medal – African Championship, Congo 2017

• 🥇 African Zone 3 Senior Champion, Gabon 2019

• 🥇 Gold Medal – Invitational Tournament, Cape Verde 2019

• 🥉 Bronze Medal – 12th African Games, Rabat 2019

• 🥈 Silver Medal – Tournoi de France, Paris 2019

• 🥉 Bronze Medal – 9th Nations Cup Tournament, Serbia 2020

• 🥇 Gold Medal – Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualification Tournament, Dakar, Senegal

• Participation – Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (held in 2021), Japan

• 🥉 Bronze Medal – International Tournament of Belgrade, Serbia 2021

• 🥉 Bronze Medal – 10th International Nations Cup Tournament, Serbia 2021

• Participation – Strandja Cup International Tournament, Sofia, Bulgaria 2021

• Participation – Bosphorus International Tournament, Istanbul, Turkey 2021

• Participation – Women’s World Championship, Istanbul, Turkey 2022

• 🥉 Bronze Medal – Mediterranean Games, Oran, Algeria 2022

• 🥈 Silver Medal – African Championship 2023

• 🥈 Silver Medal – Arab Games, Algiers, Algeria 2023

• 🥈 Silver Medal – International Tournament Montana, France 2023

▪️He becomes the first Tanzanian to serve in this position

12 February 2026, Dodoma, Tanzania

The President of the Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT), Lukelo Willilo, has been appointed Chairman of the African Boxing Sport and Competition Committee, effective 12 February, 2026.

African Boxing is the newly established confederation responsible for Olympic-style boxing in Africa under the umbrella of World Boxing.

The Confederation will oversee qualification tournaments for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the African Games including other competitions under their jurisdiction.

The hard working Willilo was today walking tall in the streets of Dar es Salaam.

“I thank God for this appointment. It is a great honor for my country, Tanzania, at the international level within our African continent. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the President of African Boxing, Solomon Kargbo, and his management team for their trust and confidence in appointing me,” Willilo told boxersworld.co.ke. He is also the Secretary-General of IBA Africa Zone 3.

✍🏽 Communications – BFT

▪️“I bought them cars, a house but it still wasn’t enough.”

I gave everything to my family.

A car for each of my siblings. A house and two cars for my mother. A car for my father.

I thought that’s what love looked like. Taking care of the people who raised you. Making sure they never struggled again.

But then I learned something that broke me:

People don’t want what you give them. They want what you HAVE.

No matter how much I gave, it was never enough. The more successful I became, the more they wanted. Not because they were proud of me. Because they saw what I had and felt entitled to it.

Fame comes with a price. And sometimes that price is betrayal from the ones you love the most. I’ve learned some hard lessons:

Your generosity doesn’t guarantee their gratitude.

You can give until you’re empty, and some people will still look at you with their hand out.

Protect your heart, not just your success.

Not everyone who cheers for you actually wants to see you win. Some people just want to be close enough to take from you.

Keep fighting, even when it hurts.

The hardest punches I’ve taken didn’t come in the ring. They came from my own corner. But I’m still standing. Still fighting. Because that’s what champions do.

I’m not just a boxer. I’m a survivor.

And I’ll keep moving forward, with or without them.

▪️“Innovation is at the heart of my leadership. We will introduce a national ranking system to bring order and meritocracy, youth leagues to create a real talent pipeline, digital transformation of the federation and continuous education for all technical staff.”

11/02/2026

Maria Obono Edu Andeme is the new President of Boxing Federation of Equatorial Guinea. She becomes the third woman to lead a national boxing federation in Africa after Eswatini’s Pearl Dlamini and South Sudan’s Tereza Athian Abdelbagi.

Maria was interviewed by boxersworld.co.ke

Question: What does your election as the first female president of the Boxing Federation of Equatorial Guinea mean for Africa?

Answer: My election represents a turning point. It shows that African sport is entering a new phase—one where leadership is defined by competence, vision and accountability rather than tradition or gender.

For me, this is bigger than boxing. It’s about proving that African institutions can evolve, that women can lead high performance sports structures and that the continent is ready to embrace modern governance.

If Africa wants to compete globally, it must open the door to new leadership styles. My election is part of that evolution.

 Q: How many men did you KO to win the presidency during the federation elections?

A: I competed against three male candidates and won with a clear and decisive margin. But the real story is not the vote count—it’s the message.

The boxing community demanded a new direction: more structure, more professionalism, more transparency. The vote was not just for me; it was for a new era.

 Q: As the third woman to lead a national boxing federation in Africa, what challenges do you expect?

A: The biggest challenge is not being a woman in a male dominated sport. The real challenge is modernizing systems that have been stagnant for decades. We need governance, transparency, long term planning and technical excellence. Gender is not the obstacle—old habits are.

The challenges are deep and structural:

• Cultural inertia: Many still see boxing as a male-only space.

• Institutional fragility: In several countries, federations lack long-term planning.

• Technical gaps: Coaches, referees and judges often lack continuous training.

• Governance issues: Transparency and accountability are still developing across the continent.

But I don’t see these challenges as obstacles—I see them as opportunities. Africa is full of young talent. What we need is leadership that can turn potential into performance.

Q: What is your game plan for boxing development in Equatorial Guinea?

A: We are building a national system from the ground up. My plan includes:

1. Technical modernization: certification programs, coaching clinics, referee development.

2. Territorial expansion: boxing must reach every province, not just the major cities and community centers.

4. A structured annual competition calendar: athletes need regular, predictable events to grow.

5. Data-driven management: rankings, athlete monitoring and digital licensing.

This is not improvisation. It’s nation-building through sport.

 Q: What new ideas will you inject in your leadership?

 A: Innovation is at the heart of my leadership. We will introduce:

• A national ranking system to bring order and meritocracy.

• Youth leagues to create a real talent pipeline.

• Digital transformation of the federation.

• Continuous education for all technical staff.

The biggest obstacle is not funding—it’s the absence of a long-term institutional culture. My mission is to create a system that survives beyond any individual leader.

Q: Funding is a major challenge in Africa’s boxing Federations. How will you address it?

A: By changing the way we think about sport. Boxing is not a cost—it’s an investment in youth, health, discipline and national identity.

My strategy includes:

• Building private-sector partnerships.

• Ensuring transparent governance to attract trust.

• Leveraging international development programs.

• Creating events that generate revenue and visibility.

When institutions are credible, funding becomes possible.

 Q: Will you introduce prize money in your tournaments?

 A: Incentives matter. Athletes need motivation, recognition and tangible rewards.

We will introduce:

• Prize money in selected national tournaments.

• Scholarships for promising athletes.

• Material support for clubs and coaches.

This is how you build a competitive ecosystem.

 Q: How is women’s boxing in Equatorial Guinea?

 A: Women’s boxing is still emerging, but the potential is enormous. The issue has never been talent—it has been opportunity.

We will launch a national women’s boxing program, create dedicated competitions and ensure that female athletes have access to the same resources as men.

My goal is simple: the next generation of champions must include women.

 Q: What are the main obstacles to boxing development in Africa?

 A: Africa’s challenges are structural:

• Unstable funding.

• Limited technical training.

• Weak governance.

• Insufficient infrastructure.

• Lack of regional competition circuits.

What needs to be done?

Professionalize. Plan. Invest in coaches. Build regional leagues. Treat boxing as both a sport and a lucrative money-minting industry.

 Q: What was the significance of hosting the WBC eliminator in Malabo in 2025?

 A: It was a landmark moment. Hosting a WBC eliminator placed Equatorial Guinea on the global boxing map.

It showed that we can organize world-class events and that our country is ready to be part of the international boxing ecosystem.

For amateur boxing, it was transformative: it inspired young athletes, created visibility and brought technical exchange with international professionals.

 Q: How would you describe the boxing structure in your country, and what needs improvement?

 A: The structure exists, but it needs modernization. We must:

• Strengthen the competition system.

• Improve training facilities.

• Expand technical education.

• Decentralize the sport.

• Introduce monitoring and evaluation systems.

My goal is to build a structure that is modern, efficient and sustainable.

Q: Which is Equatorial Guinea’s most significant international achievement?

 A: Two achievements stand out:

• The qualification of an Equatoguinean boxer for the Tokyo Olympic Games, a historic milestone for our nation to have our middleweight Raul Abaga represent us in Tokyo. He won gold in the 2020 Zone 4 Championships and bronze in the 2022 Zone 4

• At the 2023 African Games in Accra Yann Mike Alogo gave us a silver medal in the super-heavyweight division, proving that our athletes can compete with the best in Africa.

These achievements are not isolated—they are the foundation of a new era.

 Q: Are you satisfied with what has been achieved so far?

 A: I am proud, but not satisfied. Progress is visible, but we are far from our potential.

My vision is long-term: consistent results, a strong national system and a new generation of champions.

We are building something that will last.

 Q: What about your national team’s performance in major tournaments?

 A: We can and must do better. The talent is there, but the structure has not supported it adequately.

We will introduce:

• Centralized training camps.

• International sparring opportunities.

• A stronger technical monitoring system.

• More competitions at home and abroad.

Performance is not accidental—it is the result of planning.

 Q: What do you have to say on the performance of your predecessor Claudio Vazquez Elo?

 A: First, I want to express my gratitude to my predecessor for his service and for keeping the federation alive during challenging years.

Every leader faces different realities.

My focus is not on pointing out failures—it is on building a modern, transparent and results driven federation.

The future is my priority, and I intend to lead with unity, professionalism and ambition.