▪️Waweru recalls the night the lights went out when a Danish opponent he had defeated severally knocked him out cold with a temple punch that was a masterclass in pain

May 1, 2026

A devastating right punch lands flush on Patrick “Mont” Waweru’s temple in one the several matches he fought during trips by Kenyan boxers to the Scandinavian countries in the 1970s and 1980s.

The canvas warmly welcomes a dazed Waweru. Lights have gone out. Waweru is helped back to his corner by coach Charles Anjimbi, he isn’t just defeated; he has been schooled.

The temple punch from Waweru’s Danish opponent is a masterclass in pain- a hard lesson that exposed a fatal flaw in his approach.

Yet this was an opponent Waweru had defeated severally in the Scandinavian tour, and he accepts on that night he must have been careless in the ring.

“Since I had beaten him I think like three times, I knew he wasn’t a threat to me. I relaxed only to be hit hard on the temple,” Waweru told boxersworld.co.ke at his residence in Kahawa West on the outskirts of the Central Business District of Kenya’s capital city Nairobi.

“Unlike other boxers who take long to regain consciousness after being KO’d, I was okay walking back to the dressing room but I could still feel the pain of that temple punch,” recalls Waweru.

The knockout was brutal, sending the Kenyan back to the drawing board. That sharp blinding pain on the temple – a soft spot that can paralyse a fighter – was indeed the turning point that made Waweru build a strong wall around his head.

On returning home, Waweru realized his power and speed would not save him especially against tactful European opponents some of whom possesed massive punching power.

“I decided to change my approach, and told myself no punch would land there again,” said Waweru.

Waweru developed a watertight guard that turned out to be his signature in the sport. He began fighting with guard high up, glued to his temples and forehead, creating an unbreakable shield.

This structural change to his game allowed him to absorb punishment while moving forward, eventually turning him into one of Kenya’s most successful, disciplined and durable fighters representing the national team for 12 years from 1976 to 1988.

“Before the KO defeat in Denmark I didn’t bother much about guard, once in the ring I just attacked frequently and relied on my footwork,” said Waweru who was unaware of the temple punch.

“I knew nothing about the temple punch but that night in Denmark is when I was told about it and its effectiveness.”

To the uninitiated, the temple is a high-risk boxing target located on the side of the head, just above and slightly behind the ear, known for its ability to cause immediate knockouts or severe disorientation. Due to its thin skull structure and underlying arterial system, it is considered one of the most vulnerable areas for inducing maximum trauma and interrupting an opponent’s balance.

It’s a strategic target in boxing due to its physiological impact and its role in disrupting an opponent’s equilibrium.

While the chin is often the primary focus for generating a knockout, the temple is a secondary high-percentage target for causing disorientation. A precise strike to the side of the head can affect the inner ear and vestibular system, leading to a sudden loss of balance and coordination. The bone structure at the temple is thinner compared to the front or back of the skull, making the impact more effective.

Punches to the temple, such as hooks travel fast around an opponent’s frontal guard, making them difficult to see and defend against. Lead or rear hook are the most common punches used to target the temple as the looping trajectory allows the glove to land flush on the side of the head.

An overhand right or left can be effective for landing on the temple, particularly when an opponent is leaning forward or using a high, tight guard.

Regular strikes to this area carry significant risks of concussions or long-term neurological damage resulting in a permanent injury.

Away from the temple punch, the Scandinavian tours in the 1970s and 1980s took the Kenyan boxers to Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland and at times they would even cross over to Germany. But Denmark was a regular destination for Kenyans some of whom competed in semi-professional contests organized by the late Danish promoter Borge Andersen, the chief organiser of the Scandinavian trips.

These tours were pivotal for Kenyan fighters to gain exposure, experience, and sometimes professional income. Many boxers, including legends like Steve Muchoki and his brother Mike “Stone” Irungu transitioned to the professional scene in Denmark under promoter Mogens Palle. Among other beneficiaries of the Scandinavian and Nordic trips include Kenneth “Valdez Ochieng, Sullu Okello now a permanent resident in Norway where he’s working, Kamau Wanyoike, Napunyi Oduori, Isaiah Ikhoni, Billy Kiremi, Nasser “Silencer” Athumani, Mohammed Abdullah Kent, Hussein “Juba” Khalili and Caleb Kuya to mention but a few.

“The Scandinavian tours were very beneficial to us, they hardened boxers, opening opportunities and giving us more confidence against
European boxers as well as enabling us learn a lot of boxing tricks, they opened our eyes,” said Waweru in our interview.

“I wish the tours can be revived, the main problem now is that the main man, Borge Anderson, has passed on.” In addition to Kenya’s national team’s annual visit to the Nordic countries, Kenyan clubs notably Breweries and Prisons also toured the Scandinavian countries .

Here’s more info on Scandinavian and Nordic countries:

What countries make up Scandinavia?

Scandinavia refers specifically to a region in Northern Europe that includes three countries: Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

What countries make up the Nordic region?

The Nordic region comprises a broader group of countries located in Northern Europe. The region includes five countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. All these nations share historical, cultural and political ties as well as the iconic Nordic cross on their flags.

Back to Waweru. He was born in June 9, 1956, and started boxing in the 1960s while still in primary school at Starehe Boys Centre under the tutelage of coach Jimmy Zablon, a former Kenyan international in the 1950s and early 1960s. At Starehe, Waweru was later to be joined by a former pro boxing promoter Michael Kanyango, a swift light-flyweight during his hey days at Starehe Boys Centre.

“We mostly fought YMCA at their hall in Shauri Moyo, these days I don’t know whether boxing happens at YMCA Hall,” wondered Waweru.

Enter Michael Kanyango. He takes us back to the 60s when he was a schoolmate of Waweru at Starehe Boys Centre.

“I first met Waweru at Starehe Boys’ Centre when I joined in 1968. At that time, he was still in Starehe Primary School. Back then, Jimmy Zablon, who was the lightweight champion of Kenya in the 1950s to early 60s, was the acting games master at the school.

“It was during that period that I got used to going to the field to watch boxing training. I was greatly impressed by how Waweru and another boxer, Mathenge Hunja, sparred. By the end of 1968, I joined the boxing team myself.

“From then on, I trained alongside Waweru, Hunja, former international Peter Munyogi, his brother Nivan Ngatia, and a very talented featherweight and lightweight boxer named Francis Peter Kinuthia.

“We continued competing as the Starehe boxing team in different boxing tournaments around Nairobi. At the time, Waweru and Mathenge fought in the paperweight division, I was a light- flyweight, Munyogi in flyweight, his brother Nivan Ngatia in bantamweight alongside Ngige Wanjiku, while Kinuthia fought at featherweight, Mbiru Wilson lightweight, and Peter Magina in middleweight. That was the complete Starehe Boys Centre boxing team then.

“Many times when we had matches against YMCA, Waweru was matched against James Njoroge. But on the day of the contest, Njoroge would refuse to fight Mont. He used to say Waweru was too tough and far too sharp for him.

“Throughout all the competitions until I reached Form Four and stopped boxing, I never saw Waweru lose a single fight while at Starehe. Then, in 1970/71, through his boxing potential he became one of the Starehe boys who got the opportunity to join the General Service Unit boxing team. The late Patrick David Shaw, the famous crime buster, is the one who made it possible for Waweru to join GSU.

“From there, Waweru continued training with the police boxing team until he was officially employed by GSU in 1973. Waweru made headlines when he scored an upset points victory over Peter Manene of the Prisons team in 1972. Manene was the national flyweight champion and a reputable international boxer from Nakuru but by then he had joined Prisons. Waweru moved up to bantamweight and then featherweight. made his intentions known with another upset victory over seasoned Prisons international Kamau Mbugua.

“I can confidently say that Waweru reached that level and held the position of Kenya’s national boxing team captain because of his hard work, discipline, and the strong foundation he received at Starehe Boys’ Centre. The most significant asset he had was speed and good footwork always on the move.”

As Kanyago said, on completion of his secondary education at Starehe Boys, Waweru’s boxing skills earned him a job with the General Service Unit (GSU), a highly trained paramilitary wing of the National Police Service of Kenya designed to handle special operations, civil disorders, and high-risk security emergencies.

Known as the “Maroon Berets,” they operate under the Kenya Police Service, focusing on internal security, VIP protection, and rapid response to armed threats. He underwent training at Embakasi.

“Among the boxers I met there were Peter Dula, Alex Gathumbi, Peter Kangethe and George Findo,” Waweru told boxersworld.co.ke.

“We were training at Embakasi and at times Dallas Muthurwa, it was not easy especially sparring with tough boxers such as Findo, he would hit the stomach hard. Findo was the best boxer on body punches, that hardened me more.”

Waweru maintained his ascendancy, showing his class in the 1975 Inter-Services Championships in which he won the lightweight title. The following year he joined the national team,
making his debut in the 1976 East and Central Africa Boxing Championships that attracted Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. The latter brought five boxers.

He was paired against Ethiopia’s Lemma Yemane in the semi-finals. Waweru dominated the Ethiopian, flooring him twice but double cuts on his eyebrows forced the referee to stop the fight in the third round for Waweru to win a bronze, his first medal in boxing.

“I was excited to have won a medal for the first time in boxing, I had just been seeing boxers hanging medals round their necks.”

The regional tournament ushered him into the world of big-time boxing. He eventually made a successful breakthrough at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada, where he won a silver medal after losing in the finals to Northern Ireland’s Gerald Hamill.

Waweru’s next stop was in Libya for the 1979 Africa Elite Championships. He was unlucky losing to a Nigerian who knocked out Waweru, the second KO defeat after the one in Denmark.

What inspired Waweru is the impressive performance of his teammates who enabled Kenya win the continental tournament for the first time with four gold medals, two silver and one bronze by bantamweight Napunyi Oduori.

The gold medals came from flyweight Sande Odanda, featherweight George Findo, light-welterweight Ali Athumani and light-middleweight Athman Abdulrahman while light-flyweight David Wacheru and welterweight Philip Mathenge settled for silvers.

For Waweru, the sting of defeat in Libya didn’t turn him to despair; it turned to a cold calculation, fueling a hunger that breakfast, lunch and dinner could not satisfy.

Gold! Finally Waweru wins his first gold for Kenya at the prestigious annual King’s Cup Championships in Bangkok, Thailand in 1980. Injury forced out his Italian opponent paving the way for his gold with welterweight Kamau Wanyoike winning the second gold for Kenya. Bantamweight Isaiah Ikhoni and heavyweight James Omondi brought home two silver medals.

Towards the end of 1980, Kenya hosted the biggest ever amateur boxing event on African soil sponsored by the USA for countries which had boycotted the Moscow Olympics.

Towards the end of 1980, Kenya hosted the biggest ever amateur boxing event on African soil sponsored by the USA for countries which had boycotted the Moscow Olympics.

The Golden Cup to me personally was timely. It was in that same year I had ventured into sports journalism. As a rookie boxing correspondent for the Hilary Ngweno-owned Weekly Review/Nairobi Times publications, I was lucky to make my international debut in such a major tournament, ably supported by experienced colleague at the Weekly Review, the late Benson Selbys Oduke and top photographer then, eagled-eyed Sam Ouma who captured memorable photos some of which I have used here.

My work was even made easier because all the boxers in the Kenya team were my buddies including my childhood boxing friends at Prisons Boxing Club, Kamau “Pipino” Wanyoike, ring genius Napunyi Oduori and Patrick Tabu Lumumba. They gave me a lot of support, and were so happy having one of their own to report about their boxing exploits. Before the start of the Golden Cup, I visited them at the Kenyatta University where they were putting up to get their profiles which we published in our Sunday-only newspaper The Nairobi Times.

The Golden Cup International Tournament attracted over 30 countries. Waweru captained the Kenya team which finished second to the Americans with two gold, four silver and three bronze medals with USA winning five gold, three silver and one bronze while third-placed Puerto Rico finished with one gold, a silver and a bronze.

Waweru was one of the four silver medallists who lost in the final to South Korea’s southpaw In-Chang Kim.

“The Korean southpaw I can say is the toughest opponent I’ve fought in my boxing career, he totally confused me, he also hit me with clean punches I felt the pain after our bout,” said Waweru.

In total Kenya finished with nine medals. Bantamweight Isaiah Ikhoni was in spanking form, winning Kenya’s first gold and was declared the Best Boxer while heavyweight James “Demosh” Omondi added the second gold. In addition to Waweru’s silver, the others came from featherweight Napunyi “Tottoh” Oduori, welterweight Kamau “Pipino” Wanyoike and super-heavyweight Mohammed Abdullah Kent. The three bronze medallists were light-flyweight John “Poison” Kamau, flyweight Hussein “Juba” Khalili and u7middleweight Charles “Dixie Kidi” Oduori.

The Golden Cup team was then invited by Borg Anderson for the annual Scandinavian tour with Waweru captaining the team. Coaches were Charies Anjimbi and Sammy Mbogwa.

Waweru’s next stop was New Zealand where the six Golden Cup finalists shone with him. Wanyoike and Napunyi scooping gold medals and a bronze from Ikhoni. From New Zealand, they flew to the USA to hook up with their compatriots for an invitational tour. But, Waweru did not fight following a wrist injury he sustained in the New Zealand tournament.

The injury forced Waweru to take a break for two years. He returned to the ring in 1984 and won gold with Augustine Oga in the annual King’s Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. That was Waweru’s second gold in the King’s Cup.

“I told coach Wamzee I needed to be released to return to work at GSU so that I recover fully, I’m happy he was a very understanding coach.”

On his return, Waweru made it back to the national team beating all his opponents including the 1983 African lightweight champion Titus Omondi of Prisons.

He then travelled with Kenya’s contingent to the USA for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Making his debut in the Games, he lost his first fight to SouthKorea’s Chil Sung Chun.

The following year Waweru captained Kenya’s team to victory in the 1985 Fescaaba Championships at Nairobi’s City Hall. In the finals, Waweru needed only two minutes, 17 seconds of the first round to stop Tanzania’s Herman Mabale. Kenya retained the title with seven gold, two silver and three bronze medals followed by Zambia and third-placed Uganda.

The Ugandans returned to Nairobi in October that same year to face Kenya in the Nairobi International Show match, losing 7-5 to their hosts with Waweru beating Patrick Kamya at lightweight.

Later, Waweru travelled to Seoul, South Korea, to represent Africa in the World Cup with light-flyweight Dan Mwangi, flyweight Steve Mwema and featherweight David Ouma. Owing to a communication breakdown, Waweru, who was to fight at light-welterweight, did not take part in the World Cup because Cameroon had brought Ebanga Ndongo. Taking into account Kenya had four boxers, it was decided to give the Cameroon boxer a chance.

Africa won two bronze medals in the Seoul World Cup through Kenya’s David “Professor” Ouma and Uganda’s bantamweight John Siryakibbe who was KO’d in the semis by Puerto Rico’s Rafael Gomes while Ouma was KO’d in the first round by Kelcie Banks of the USA.

“I took no offense at all. We were united as Africa so I enjoyed myself in Seoul,” said Waweru, unaware he would return to the country for the 1988 Olympic Games. The star of the tour was Robert Wangila who became the first black boxer from Africa to win an Olympic gold medal. Prior to the Seoul Games, Waweru had guided the Kenya team to overall victories in the 1987 African Games and Fescaaba Championships in Nairobi. Kenya went on to retain the regional title in 1988 in Nairobi again.

The Seoul Games were Waweru’s last international appearance for the national team. The following year, Waweru suffered an upset points defeat Nasser “Silencer” Athumani in the 1989 Commonwealth Games trials at the Police Pavillion, South “C”.

After a 12-year illustrious career with the national team, Waweru finally stepped out of the ring in 1992 and replaced Jairo “Wamzee” Omuholo as the head coach of Police “Chafua Chafua” team.

He retired from the Police service in 2010 as Chief Inspector.

Commenting on the current state of boxing in Kenya, Waweru said: “BFK are doing a very good job under President Jamal. They have some good boxers coming up I’m sure they’ll have their own level of success.

“I’ve seen some fans and former boxers comparing them to us during our successful era. That’s wrong. That was a different generation of boxers, it happens everywhere in the world even the US are currently doing badly but let’s continue encouraging our young boxers. They will make it.”

Waweru is however unimpressed by the mode of training in most of the current generation of boxers.

“They don’t put more effort in training, they should always go an extra mile, most of us had our own punch bags at home. From the gym we would also have our training at home.”

Waweru has suggested the revival of the Inter-Services Championships which brought together Police, KDF and Prisons, and would also like to see more inter-club contests.

“The revival of Inter-Services will contribute a lot in uplifting our standards and creating jobs for the youth. Clubs should also have friendly matches to keep their boxers in shape.”

Waweru may have stepped out of the ring but the family is still represented in BFK by John Waweru, son of Waweru’s sister.

Nicknamed Mr Rulebook, Waweru is full of praise for his uncle.

“It’s through Mont I got my job in Police and he encouraged me a lot to take up the sport,” said the hard working BFK’s Competition Secretary.

“My uncle Mont made me what I am today, and together with the late Albert Matito, they taught me a lot of things on how to become an efficient competitions secretary.”

On the health of former international boxers, the senior Waweru urged BFK to negotiate with the government for a medical cover.

“Of course it’s not possible for all boxers to have medical insurance but they can pick on the deserving ones because most of the international boxers suffer silently on quitting the boxing through various ailments associated with boxing especially joints.As one becomes older is when the injuries recur. The government also needs to remember us with tokens of appreciation.”

We hope the government will implement Waweru’s suggestion on medical cover and substantial rewards for the big achievers in the ring just like they have done to the athletes and footballers during Nairobi’s CHAN tournament in 2025.

Based on the stats, David Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) is the slight favourite to defeat Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs) in their May 2, 2026, WBO/WBA Cruiserweight title fight.

April 30, 2026

Benavidez brings higher KO power (80% vs 62%) and faster volume, while Ramirez, a natural cruiserweight, brings superior size, experience, and a southpaw style.

Key Fight Stats Breakdown:
Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) vs.
Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs)

Knockout Percentage: Benavidez is more explosive with an 80.65% KO rate, while Ramirez has a 62.5% KO rate.

Physicality: Ramirez is 6’2½” with a 75″ reach, holding a slight size advantage (0.5 inches in height/reach) over 6’2″ Benavidez.

Weight/Division: Benavidez is moving up to 200 lbs from Light Heavyweight, while Ramirez is an established Cruiserweight

Stance/Style: Benavidez is an orthodox pressure fighter, while Ramirez is a southpaw who utilizes high-volume, sharp technique.

Prediction: Benavidez is considered a -310 moderate favorite.

Why Benavidez is favourite:
Benavidez’s speed and relentless volume are expected to test Ramirez, but the difference in power and weight management at 200 lbs could be pivotal. The fight, according to Premier Boxing Champions, is a “Mexico vs. Mexico” showdown for elite cruiserweight status.

A high-stakes battle between two elite fighters stepping into war. Youth and pressure collide with experience and control.
Relentless aggression vs composed dominance. Power vs precision. A fight built for intensity.

Gilberto Ramírez — Experienced, technical, and dominant

The seasoned champion steps in with an impressive 48–1–0 record since turning pro in 2009. Ramírez combines size, ring IQ, and sharp technique to control fights at the highest level.

Standing 6’2½” with a 75″ reach, fighting southpaw, he uses his length, accuracy, and calm approach to outbox and outthink his opponents.

David Benavidez — Aggressive, relentless, and undefeated

The rising powerhouse enters with an unbeaten 31–0–0 record since his debut in 2013. Known for his nonstop pressure and high punch output, Benavidez overwhelms opponents with volume and intensity.

Standing 6’2″ with a 74½” reach, fighting orthodox, he brings speed, combinations, and constant forward movement that breaks opponents down round by round.
⚡ Pressure vs Control
⚡ Youth vs Experience
⚡ Volume vs Precision

When the bell rings, expect a tactical war with explosive exchanges as both fighters look to impose their style and claim dominance.

▪️Patrick “Mont” Waweru outpoints msee wa Santos Ziwa, Akuga Arika, who was named Best Loser as tallman Peter Dula forces his opponent to lift his hands in submission

April 29, 2026

On the morning of the 1976 Kenya Police Inter-Provincial Championships finals, Billy Kikonde woke up psyched up for one big mission: to bomb international boxer Peter Kang’ethe.

He had all the weapons at his disposal, and had studied Kang’ethe thoroughly.

A slick operator – we grew up together in Nairobi South “B” – Kikonde was determined to bring down Kang’ethe to make a big statement of intent in the finals at Police Pavillion, Nairobi South “C”.

Kang’ethe made his international debut in 1971, and remained one of the country’s top light-flyweights.

He was shorter than majority of his opponents. Therefore, in most of his fights he chose to fight from the inside against his taller adversaries.

Kang’ethe was representing the crack GSU team who were the defending champions. Other formidable boxers in the red berets team were 1973 African Games middleweight champion and captain Peter Dula, ruthless body puncher George “Mosquito” Findo, Patrick “Mont” Waweru, Steve “The Black Bomber” Moi and Peter Ndirangu.

Kikonde, representing Railways and Harbours Police, had one weapon to keep Kang’ethe at bay: the left jab.

So effective was Kikonde’s jab and fleet footwork that he eventually scored an upset points win over Kang’ethe and in the process took home the Best Boxer’s Trophy. A memorable achievement for Billy.

Kikonde’s strategy worked to perfection. He kept Kang’ethe away with his constant jab and occasional right handers. Kang’ethe was beaten fair and square.

In other highlights, towering Peter Dula’s stinging punches forced his Nairobi Area Police opponent, Oduya Aoko, to go down on his knees and lift his hands in a show of surrender in the first round.

At feather, Peter Ndirangu, who boxed for Kenya in the 1973 African Games after toppling Peter Kang’ethe in the trials, outpointed Dishon Odanga. While rising giant Patrick “Mont” Waweru was pushed to the brim by Akuga Arika before squeezing a points victory in the lightweight class. Akuga received the Best Loser’s award.

Other internationals to win their bouts were light-middleweight Steve “The Black Bomber” Moi and heavyweight Joseph Kabegi.

As expected, GSU retained the overall title with 27 points while Railways and Harbours Police and Coast Province were second with 9 points each.

Later GSU captain Peter Dula, flanked by GSU Commandant Ben Gethi, received the winners trophy from the guest of honour, Minister for Housing and Social Services Dr Zachariah Onyonka, in the presence of Police Commissioner Bernard Hinga.

It’s been a while since the Police Pavillion venue was used to host some of the local boxing tournaments.

▪️Five African countries took part with Algeria finishing sixth and Cameroon seventh. No medals for Morocco, South Africa and Seychelles
▪️Cameroon’s 2023 Africa Elite Championships female flyweight gold medallist Ngoune Reine Laure is understood to be in Russia undergoing training to improve on her performance

April 29, 2026

Africa Zone 3 gold medallists Issouhou Mouhaman and Zacharie Mvogo were among the five Cameroon boxers to win five medals in the recently concluded Korotkov Memorial International Tournament in Khabarovks, Russia.

Flyweight Issouhou Mouhaman won a silver medal while super-heavyweight Zacharie Mvogo, middleweight Nguefack Tonleu Richie, light-heavyweight Fotouo Totap and cruiserweight Babiguana Georges returned home on April 28 with bronze medals.

Cameroon finished seventh in men’s medals table with one silver and four bronze medals while Algeria placed sixth, winning three silver medals and one bronze.

The information on the Russia event has been shared by Cameroon’s national team’s head coach Alain Didier Ngatcha who was with the team in Khabarovks.

Russia’s A and B teams dominated taking the first two top positions, bagging 5-1-2 and 4-3-3 medals respectively followed by third-placed Uzbekistan 2-3-3, Thailand 1-1-1 and Korea fifth with 1-0-0.

Cameroon was represented by seven boxers, five men and two women. Bantamweight Moudjongue and middleweight Lenou Balemaken Victoire lost in the quarter-finals of the women’s category.

Africa’s other participants, Morocco, Seychelles and South Africa did not make it to the medal bracket.

South Africa National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) Secretary-General Liwa Mlokokoti attributed the lacklustre performance on the short notice invitations.

“Our boxers lost in all their first bouts. There is a common thread in most international tournaments: short-notice invitations,” Mlokoti told boxersworld.co.ke in a telephone interview from Johannesburg.

He went on: “As a result, a boxer’s true capabilities cannot be accurately judged by comparing performances under short notice with those delivered after adequate preparation time for an event.”

The Konstantin Korotkov Memorial International Boxing Tournament is a prestigious annual event held in Khabarovsk, Russia, mostly in April at the Platinum Arena. The 2026 edition took place from April 20–26, featuring elite men’s and women’s boxers from various countries competing in 13 and 6 weight categories respectively.

It’s in memory of Soviet Union hero Konstantin Korotkov.

Recognized as a high-level “Class A” tournament with prize money for finalists, the tournament has been held since 1961, becoming an international event in 2008.

Meanwhile, Cameroon’s 2023 Africa Elite Championships female flyweight champion, Ngoune Reine Laure, is understood to be training in Russia for major tournaments ahead this year. She won gold in the 2023 Africa Championships by outpointing DR Congo’s Nyembo Gisele. Since then the talented Cameroon boxer has largely been inactive at the big stage.

The battle lines are drawn as Botswana’s finest forces’ boxers step into the ring for pride, discipline, and dominance

The elite boxing talent within Botswana’s uniformed forces is set to collide in an explosive showdown, as preparations intensify for the anticipated upcoming Inter-Forces Boxing Tournament. This high-profile event, featuring the best combat athletes from the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Botswana Police Service, and Botswana Prison Service, promises to showcase top-tier talent, discipline, and intense rivalry.

*Get ready for twaf!!!💥twaf!!!*💥

📍 Thebephatshwa Air Base

📅 6–8 May, 2026

Who takes control? Who stands tallest? 🇧🇼

Supported by the Botswana Boxing Association.

◾The evening was headlined by the presence of six-time world champion Mary Kom, who attended as Guest of Honour, alongside Harish Choudhary. The event also attracted notable figures from the entertainment industry, including Pulkit Samrat, Divyenndu, and filmmaker Karan Anshuman, highlighting the growing crossover appeal of professional boxing in India.

April 28, 2026

The International Boxing Association (IBA) successfully concluded the IBA Global Boxing Series (GBS) 2026 – India Edition at Nexus Seawoods in Navi Mumbai, staging a high-impact evening that combined elite international matchups, rising domestic talent, and strong engagement from both fans and the wider sports community.

Organised by Marine Pro Boxing Promotions in association with the IBA under the leadership of Umar Kremlev, the event brought together a diverse lineup of fighters from across the globe alongside India’s next generation of boxing prospects, reinforcing the country’s growing role in the global boxing ecosystem.

The evening was headlined by the presence of six-time world champion Mary Kom, who attended as Guest of Honour, alongside Harish Choudhary. The event also attracted notable figures from the entertainment industry, including Pulkit Samrat, Divyenndu, and filmmaker Karan Anshuman, highlighting the growing crossover appeal of professional boxing in India.

Khom said: “I am truly proud to be a part of the Global Boxing Series and to see such incredible talent and energy in the ring today. I’m cheering for all the fighters; events like these play a crucial role in motivating young athletes and taking Indian boxing to the global stage”.

The fight card featured a compelling mix of international and domestic bouts. The main event between Callum Dan (UK) and Suresh Pasham (India) stood out as a key highlight of the evening, drawing strong crowd engagement. In another notable contest, Ashish Sethi (India) faced Kalyan Kumar (India) in the super middleweight division, marking an important milestone as Sethi made his transition into the professional ranks.

The undercard showcased a wide spectrum of emerging Indian talent across both men’s and women’s divisions, including Gazal Maria, Maithreyi, Swetha V, Pavan Kalyan, Hashir, Ajay Sharma, Kunal Dutt, Rajkumar Wagh, Santosh Manickam, Vignesh Kumar, and Rohit Raina — underlining the increasing depth and diversity of the national boxing scene.

Commenting on the event, IBA CEO & Secretary General Chris Roberts OBE said:

“India is a strategically important market for the global development of boxing, and the Global Boxing Series is designed to unlock that potential. What we’ve seen in Mumbai is not just a successful event, but a clear signal that there is both the talent and the audience to support a sustainable professional boxing ecosystem. Our focus is to continue building structured pathways for athletes while delivering world-class events that resonate with local fans and global audiences alike.”

Devraj Das, Founder and Promoter of Marine Pro Boxing Promotions, added:

“Bringing the Global Boxing Series to India is a strategic step towards building a strong professional boxing culture and creating global opportunities for Indian athletes.”

The event delivered a dynamic spectator experience, combining competitive matchups with high production standards and strong audience participation — further reinforcing boxing’s growing status as a mainstream sport in India.

The Global Boxing Series continues to serve as a structured international platform aimed at accelerating the development of professional boxing talent while expanding fan engagement worldwide. Following a successful debut in India, the series sets a strong foundation for future events in the region, with a clear focus on long-term growth and global integration of the sport.

▪️A disappointed Africa Zone 3 bantamweight bronze medallist Faki said he dominated his JKT opponent only to be robbed of his clean win

April 27, 2026

Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT) has hailed the just concluded National Championships in Dar es Salaam as a massive success, highlighting a rise in competition quality.

Yet a cloud of controversy has emerged regarding questionable officiating in the bantamweight bout involving Africa Zone 3 bronze medallist Issa Faki, the star of the East African country at the 2025 Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai.

BFT Secretary General Makore Mashaga lauded the standard of the competition, noting that the tournament has served to significantly elevate the skills of homegrown pugilists.

“I believe we are attaining our objective of tapping talent of capable boxers to improve on boxing standards in Tanzania,” said Makore.

“We thank all the stakeholders involved notably our coaches, R&Js, media and our fans for your contribution in the development of boxing in our country.”

However, the high praise from the federation contrasts sharply with the frustrations of one of Tanzania’s premier boxers Issa Faki of Jeba Boxing Club from Tanga.

Pitted against a boxer representing JKT, Faki told boxersworld.co.ke on phone that he dominated all the three rounds and subjected his opponent to an eight count in the second round but he was surprised he lost.

“It was very unfair for the judges to deny me my well earned victory, it’s demoralizing to the boxer but I know I’m the best in Tanzania,” said Faki who became the first boxer in 51 years to win a bout at the World Championships after Emmanuel Mlundwa’s victory in the inaugural World Boxing Championships in 1974 in Havana, Cuba.

Africa Zone 3 bantamweight silver medallist Zulfa Macho was among the international boxers who won their fights, outpointing Enifa Jackson of MMJKT.

Full results

Men

48kg: Juma Athumani (MMJKT) beat Salum Awadh (Jeba Boxing) 5-0

51kg: Omari Saidi (Daba) beat Abdallah Hasani (Man Pamba) 5-0

54kg: Japhet Alon (Ngome) beat Muhsin Hassan (MMJKT) RSC first round

57kg: Yusufu Abdurahmani (Ngome) defeated Bakari Omari (Jeba Boxing) 3-2

60kg: Asubuhi Jumanne (Magereza) beat Paulo Sangu (Daba) 5-0

63.5kg: Mwingereza Abubakari (Black Eagle) outpointed Modekai Swai (Ngome) 4-1

67kg: Julius Mtembezi (Ngome) beat Shamte Mwaram (MMJKT) 3-2

71kg: Mohamedi Juma (MMJKT) beat Rasidi Rashidi (MMJKT) RSC

75kg: Joshua Shadrack (Kagera) beat Joseph Silvester (MMJKT) 4-1

80kg: Elankunda Daniel (MMJKT) beat Enzi Kaseleleka (Magereza) 3-2

86kg: Hassani Omari (MMJKT) beat Geofrey Petter (Magereza) 3-2

92kg: Abdallah Kassim (MMJKT) beat Nego Job (Magereza) KO

92+kg: Maximilian Oloo (MMJKT) beat Ezekiel Florian (Mara) KO

Women

50kg: Aisha Iddi (MMJKT) beat Deborah Joachim (Kibiti) ABD

52kg: Zulfa Macho (Ngome) outpointed Enifa Jackson (MMJKT) 5-0

60kg: Konsolata Laiza (Magereza) beat Neema Ally (MMJKT) 4-1

66kg: Laila Suedi (Ngome) beat Aisha Iddi (MMJKT) – Pointi 5-0

▪️African champion Issam Bensayar contains Azerbaijan’s world champion Subhan Mamedov to go down fighting in the flyweight final bout

April 27, 2026

Morocco’s reigning African flyweight champion Issam Bensayar put up a gutsy and an aggressive show but lost on points to Azerbaijan’s world champion Subhan Mamedov in a closely contested flyweight (50kg) final at the World Boxing Cup in Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil on April 26, 2026,

The match, held at the Rafain Palace Hotel, marked a significant showdown in the first major tournament of the 2026 World Boxing calendar, featuring boxers competing for international ranking points.

Morocco topped the African countries winning one silver and a bronze by world bantamweight champion Widad Bertal.

The southpaw Bensayar reached the final after a hard-fought semifinal in which scored an upset points victory over Spain’s world bronze medallist in 2023 Martin Molina, while Mamedov was the top-seeded favourite, carrying his form as the 2025 IBA Men’s World Champion.

Mamedov’s victory was part of a strong showing for Azerbaijan, which had three boxers competing in the tournament finals.

The bout was contested at a fast pace, typical of the 50kg division. Mamedov utilized his superior technical experience and ring generalship to control the tempo of the fight.

Despite Bensayar’s agility and tactical attempts to disrupt Mamedov’s rhythm, the Azerbaijani boxer maintained composure and utilized sharp counter-punching to secure crucial points in the eyes of the judges.

Mamedov’s ability to stay calm under pressure allowed him to have a slight edge over game and courageous Bensayar who gave as much as he received though generally the bout did not produce the expected fireworks.

Bensayar, while competitive throughout, struggled to land consistent, clean shots against the steady defense of Mamedov.

Interestingly, Mamedov won by a unanimous decision but I thought a 3-2 decision would have been fair taking into account it was a closely contested affair which could have gone either way. Mamedov may have scored with more cleaner punches but he didn’t dominate as Bensayar also had his opponent on the backfoot with some nice shots.

The 25-year-old Bensayar made his international debut in the 2024 Africa Elite Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo, winning gold by defeating Fabrice Valerie of Mauritius in the finals.

Bensayar was among the 13 boxers – six men and seven women – who represented Morocco in Brazil.

The Vice President of Moroccan federation Nabil Hilmi said they intend to take part in most of the major events this year, and confirmed they will defend their IBA Africa title aiming to win it for the third time in a row.

“We will participate in all continental and world competitions this year,” Hilmi told boxersworld.co.ke, and said locally they have eight regional leagues and one professional league to keep boxers in shape and improve the standard of boxing.

▪️The night will be headlined by six reigning world champions who secured gold at the Dubai 2025 World Championships. Their participation ensures a technical standard of the highest calibre, as the IBA continues to elevate its athletes on a global professional stage

April 27, 2026

The International Boxing Association (IBA) officially confirms that Saint Petersburg, Russia, will host the IBA Pro Champions Night, a premier show tournament scheduled for May 4, 2026.

Taking place at the KSK Arena, the event is set to be one of the most significant fixtures on the sporting calendar, blending traditional elite boxing with the raw intensity of bare knuckle competition.

The night will be headlined by six reigning world champions who secured gold at the Dubai 2025 World Championships. Their participation ensures a technical standard of the highest calibre, as the IBA continues to elevate its athletes on a global professional stage.

In a move designed to broaden the evening’s appeal and spectacle, the programme will also feature high-stakes bare knuckle fights, adding a layer of grit and diversity to the night’s entertainment.

The KSK Arena is expected to be a focal point for the international boxing community, with a guest list comprising several of the sport’s most famous celebrities and renowned athletes.

While the full list of competing boxers and the specific bare knuckle matchups are currently being finalised, the IBA expects to release the complete fight card shortly.

This event represents a landmark moment for Saint Petersburg, promising an unforgettable atmosphere for fans of both traditional and modern combat disciplines.

Courtesy IBA

▪️He now meets Azerbaijan’s world champion Subhan Mamedov (pictured above) in what promises to be a closely contested final

▪️Another Moroccan boxer in the semis, world bantamweight champion Widad Bertal, went down on points to Serbia’s Sara Cirkovich 

April 26, 2026

Moroccan boxing sensation and reigning African flyweight champion Issam Bensayar (pictured below) has continued his meteoric rise on the international stage, punching his way to the final of the World Boxing Cup in Brazil.

In a highly anticipated semi-finals showdown, Bensayar secured a well-deserved victory over Spanish world bronze medalist Martin Molina Salvador.

Bensayar’s significant victory over Molina has been received with excitement in Africa’s boxing fraternity viewed as sweet revenge following Molina’s controversial win over Zambia’s African Games champion Patrick Chinyemba at the 2023 Men’s World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Another Moroccan boxer in the semis, world bantamweight champion Widad Bertal, lost 3-0 to Serbia’s world bronze medallist Sara Cirkovich in their second fight having met in the semi-finals of the 2025 Worlds with Bertal winning on points.

Bensayar’s fight was described as a strong, competitive matchup where the Moroccan displayed admirable technical skills and immense fighting spirit to overcome the seasoned Spanish boxer.

This win highlights the strengthening position of Moroccan boxing on the international stage and brings Bensayar closer to a major world title.

Before meeting Molina, Bensayar decisioned Kazakhstan’s world championships quarter-finalist Daniyal Sabit who was beaten by Zambia’s renowned Patrick Chinyemba in the last eight of Dubai Men’s Worlds.

The Moroccan is now facing Azerbaijan’s world champion Subhan Mamedov in the finals tonight.

A graduate of Agjabedi Boxing School, the 19-year-old Mamedov, who is also U23 European champion, made history at the 2025 Dubai Worlds as Azerbaijan’s youngest ever world champion following his 4-3 victory over fancied Russian Edmond Khudoyan in the minimumweight category.

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