▪️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.
▪️“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.
Top left Boxing Federation of Equatorial Guinea President Maria Obono and her Technical Manager, Morocco's Bel Ahbib Oumayma who is a silver medallist at the 2023 Africa Elite Championships. Below left Maria with the three boxers who will compete in the Youth Olympics boxing qualifiers in Thailand next month. From left Juan Carlos Kwassi 48kg, Elias Tisbita 55kg and Misael Andeke 60kg, and right sparkling Maria in red ahead of Valentine's Day.
▪️“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:
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.
Boxing Federation of Equatorial Guinea President Maria Obono Edu Andeme at the General Assembly
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.
▪️The 19-year-old Lincoln, a member of Kasarani Youth Boxing Club, is one of Africa’s Emerging Stars from Kenya
Newly-crowned national novices welterweight champion Elvis Lincoln showed grit and resilience during the National Novices Championships at the Greenpark Terminus Hall in Nairobi, Kenya.
Lincoln put on a dominant show to outpoint Kisumu’s Joshua Onyango to emerge the most impressive performer in the finals on February 7, 2026.
How did it all start for this aggressive and determined young boxer?
Lincoln’s boxing journey began in late 2023 at Kasarani Youth Boxing Club, then known as Ruaraka Boxing Club under the tutelage of coach Benjamin Musyoka commonly known as Benja.
From the very first days, Lincoln stood out—not because of wins or titles, but because of his eagerness to learn, discipline, and deep passion for boxing. He listened, trained hard, asked questions, and showed a rare hunger to understand the sport.
The coaches quickly oticed his commitment and work ethic. Impressed by his progress and determination, they selected him for his first competitive outing at the Youth Juniors School-Going Boys and Girls Boxing Championship held in Umoja. Unfortunately, this debut came with a harsh lesson. During his bout, heavy rain made the canvas slippery; Lincoln slipped, twisted his knee, and sustained an injury that cost him the fight. It was a painful setback—both physically and mentally.
The injury forced Lincoln to stay away from training for a considerable period. For many young boxers, that would have been the end of the road. But not for Lincoln. Toward the end of the year, after some recovery, he returned to the gym with renewed focus. The coaches carefully rebuilt him, and he went on to participate again in the Juniors Championship and was later introduced to competitive leagues through Boxing League 5 in 2024. Though he fought his way to the finals, he suffered another defeat—yet another test of character.
In 2025, being in Form Four, coaches adviced Lincoln the difficult but wise decision to prioritize his education, focusing mainly on the Youth Junior Championship while preparing for his final examinations. Once exams were over, he returned to boxing stronger, sharper, and more mature.
His comeback was emphatic. At Boxing League 5 held at Githurai Thailand, Lincoln delivered a statement performance. He defeated three opponents by Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) in rounds one and two, and went on to win his final bout convincingly by a 3–0 decision. This performance clearly showed that Lincoln was ready for the next level.
Recognizing his readiness, the coaches prepared him for the Nairobi Novice Championships. Once again, Lincoln rose to the occasion—stopping all his opponents by RSC in rounds one or two. In the finals, he faced a formidable opponent, but through resilience, skill, and heart, he secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory after three intense rounds.
His success in Nairobi earned him a slot at the National Novice Championships, where Lincoln continued his dominant form. He defeated his first three opponents by RSC, and in the final bout, he beat Kisumu’s Joshua Onyango via a close 2-1 decision to crown an outstanding campaign.
Today, Elvis Lincoln stands as a true example of perseverance, discipline, and growth. From injury and defeat to national success, his journey reflects the spirit of Kasarani Youth Boxing Club. His dream is clear: to be employed by the Kenya Defence Forces and ultimately earn selection to Kenya’s national team.
With his determination, resilience, and steady progress, Elvis Lincoln’s story is far from over—it is only just beginning.
Lincoln’s focus now shifts to the Intermediate Championships aiming to stamp his authority once again and punch his way to the Kenya Open to battle the big boys in the welterweight category.
▪️Now that President Ruto has shown interest in boxing by supporting the comedians, an exhibition match between the Head of State and Boxing Federation of Kenya President Anthony Otieno aka Jamal can be organized to raise funds for BFK. In 1974 Uganda’s President Idi Amin, a former boxer, KO’d national team head coach Grace Seruwagi in a sparring session before the start of the Africa Elite Boxing Championships in Kampala
President William Ruto’s involvement in a boxing comedy match dubbed the “Mawe” showdown scheduled for April 4, 2026, in Nairobi has ignited a big debate among boxing stakeholders in Kenya.
While the event—featuring viral TikTok personalities Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer—is being promoted as a major entertainment spectacle, the government has drawn criticism from some quarters for
supporting a comedy-style fight instead of investing in established organisations and boxers who have historically brought glory to the country.
President Ruto, along with various influencers and politicians, has backed the fight between Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer promising each one of them Ksh 1 million prize money.
The fight, organized by entertainer Oga Obinna, has generated massive social media hype, with politicians like Langata MP Jalang’o supporting the event, prompting boxing purists to question if the focus should be on elevating amateur boxing standards instead of viral stunts.
Ruto has pledged to sponsor 2,000 tickets for fans, further highlighting the high level of state engagement in this specific match.
Personally I don’t see any harm in Kenyan comedians making money through boxing but critics point out that this investment and attention for a comedy fight contrasts sharply with the reality on the ground.
Looking at it positively, the comedians are popularising boxing, and consequently the President will have to address the urgent financial needs of the sport and the importance of having a Strategic Plan to enable Kenya regain its glorious past in the ring.
For many years now the government has neglected boxing despite the sport being second to athletics in terms of achievements in major international events such as the Olympic, Commonwealth and African Games including the World Championships and the African Elite Boxing Championships.
Boxing purists therefore hope President Ruto’s involvement in this boxing comedy is a prelude to the government’s serious engagement with the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) to come up with a holistic and multi-faceted approach to improve this popular sport among the Kenyan youth.
Now that the President has shown interest in boxing, how about a four-round exhibition match between the Head of State against the Boxing Federation of Kenya President Anthony Otieno aka Jamal to raise funds for BFK’s activities?
This match will definitely draw worldwide attention, and will be a further testament to the President’s commitment in supporting Kenyan youth through sports like he did during the 2025 CHAN football tournament in Nairobi, motivating the Kenyan players with financial rewards. That was commendable gesture. The President changed the lives of those youngsters.
He can do the same with this boxing fund raiser. I recommend national team head coach Musa Benjamin to handle the President’s preparations and teach him how he can apply the boxing philosophy to retain his title in the 2027 General Election..
In 1974, Uganda’s President Idi Amin knocked out the national team head coach Grace Seruwagi in a sparring session before the start of the Africa Elite Boxing Championships in Kampala.
Boxing insiders told me this one was a grudge match. Amin had not forgotten the painful beating he was handed by Seruwagi when both of them were active boxers in the 1950’s to early 60s. He was now the President and decided to pick on Seruwagi aiming to avenge the defeat. Heavyweight Idi Amin was a very happy man after that “KO victory.”
Who will dominate President Ruto vs Jamal four rounder if it happens?
On paper, the President has an edge over Jamal because of his speed, agility, good footwork and craftiness. The President will however be cautioned to watch out for Jamal’s haymaker which can uproot a baobab tree.
The money raised in this fight will be a big boost to boxing development. BFK, the sole governing amateur boxing body in Kenya, is in dire need of sponsorship to support the Kenya National Boxing League, constant exposure of boxers to big tournaments in Europe and its Ndondi Mashinani initiative aimed at tapping talent from the grassroots.
With the International Boxing Association (IBA) having its own pro boxing shows, its affiliates including BFK can also organise their own version of pro boxing to empower the boxers financially. This is one of the issues the government can discuss with BFK now that they’ve shown interest in boxing by supporting April’s comedy show.
The Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC), have welcomed the surge in boxing’s popularity and media attention, hoping that they too will get the government’s attention to support Kenya’s pro boxers acquire a sponsor. KPBC chairman Reuben Ndolo has repeatedly urged the government to support them. Even pro boxer Morris Okolla has expressed his displeasure on the government giving them the cold shoulder citing the absence of senior ministry officials in pro boxing matches in Kenya.
Ring analysts argue that in case the government will not go a step further to support mainstream boxing following their involvement in this comedy show, observers will view the interest as a publicity stunt and in the process may end up with egg on their face. The impression the government will create is treating boxing as a passing novelty rather than a serious discipline in need of urgent attention to improve the standards of the sport, proper infrastructure and remuneration for the boxers. Such an attitude will undermine the many years of dedication by the boxers in the sport.
Boxing purists will be left wondering if President Ruto can pay boxing comedians Ksh 1 million, why can’t he do the same for some former star boxers such as the late Philip Waruinge, his younger, brother Sammy Mbogwa, Steve Muchoki, Ibrahim and Suleiman Bilali, Kamau Wanyoike and the late Dick “Tiger” Murunga to mention but a few.
Take note, some of them may have left us but they still have their families around to benefit from such monetary reward. Prezo Willy can even double up that amount because he’s known for his generosity.
▪️Now that President Ruto has shown interest in boxing by supporting the comedians, an exhibition match between the Head of State and Boxing Federation of Kenya President Anthony Otieno aka Jamal can be organized to raise funds for BFK. In 1974 Uganda’s President Idi Amin, a former boxer, KO’d national team head coach Grace Seruwagi in a sparring session before the start of the Africa Elite Boxing Championships in Kampala
09/02/2026
President William Ruto’s involvement in a boxing comedy match dubbed the “Mawe” showdown scheduled for April 4, 2026, in Nairobi has ignited a big debate among boxing stakeholders in Kenya.
While the event—featuring viral TikTok personalities Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer—is being promoted as a major entertainment spectacle, the government has drawn criticism from some quarters for supporting a comedy-style fight instead of investing in established organisations and boxers who have historically brought glory to the country.
President Ruto, along with various influencers and politicians, has backed the fight between Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer promising each one of them Ksh 1 million prize money.
The fight, organized by entertainer Oga Obinna, has generated massive social media hype, with politicians like Langata MP Jalang’o supporting the event, prompting boxing purists to question if the focus should be on elevating amateur boxing standards instead of viral stunts.
Ruto has pledged to sponsor 2,000 tickets for fans, further highlighting the high level of state engagement in this specific match.
Personally I don’t see any harm in Kenyan comedians making money through boxing but critics point out that this investment and attention for a comedy fight contrasts sharply with the reality on the ground.
Looking at it positively, the comedians are popularising boxing, and consequently the President will have to address the urgent financial needs of the sport and the importance of having a Strategic Plan to enable Kenya regain its glorious past in the ring.
For many years now the government has neglected boxing despite the sport being second to athletics in terms of achievements in major international events such as the Olympic, Commonwealth and African Games including the World Championships and the African Elite Boxing Championships.
Boxing purists therefore hope President Ruto’s involvement in this boxing comedy is a prelude to the government’s serious engagement with the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) to come up with a holistic and multi-faceted approach to improve this popular sport among the Kenyan youth.
Now that the President has shown interest in boxing, how about a four-round exhibition match between the Head of State against the Boxing Federation of Kenya President Anthony Otieno aka Jamal to raise funds for BFK’s activities?
This match will definitely draw worldwide attention, and will be a further testament to the President’s commitment in supporting Kenyan youth through sports like he did during the 2025 CHAN football tournament in Nairobi, motivating the Kenyan players with financial rewards. That was commendable gesture. The President changed the lives of those youngsters.
He can do the same with this boxing fund raiser. I recommend national team head coach Musa Benjamin to handle the President’s preparations and teach him how he can apply the boxing philosophy to retain his title in the 2027 General Election..
In 1974, Uganda’s President Idi Amin knocked out the national team head coach Grace Seruwagi in a sparring session before the start of the Africa Elite Boxing Championships in Kampala.
Boxing insiders told me this one was a grudge match. Amin had not forgotten the painful beating he was handed by Seruwagi when both of them were active boxers in the 1950’s to early 60s. He was now the President and decided to pick on Seruwagi aiming to avenge the defeat. Heavyweight Idi Amin was a very happy man after that “KO victory.”
Who will dominate President Ruto vs Jamal four rounder if it happens?
On paper, the President has an edge over Jamal because of his speed, agility, good footwork and craftiness. The President will however be cautioned to watch out for Jamal’s haymaker which can uproot a baobab tree.
The money raised in this fight will be a big boost to boxing development. BFK, the sole governing amateur boxing body in Kenya, is in dire need of sponsorship to support the Kenya National Boxing League, constant exposure of boxers to big tournaments in Europe and its Ndondi Mashinani initiative aimed at tapping talent from the grassroots.
With the International Boxing Association (IBA) having its own pro boxing shows, its affiliates including BFK can also organise their own version of pro boxing to empower the boxers financially. This is one of the issues the government can discuss with BFK now that they’ve shown interest in boxing by supporting April’s comedy show.
The Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC), have welcomed the surge in boxing’s popularity and media attention, hoping that they too will get the government’s attention to support Kenya’s pro boxers acquire a sponsor. KPBC chairman Reuben Ndolo has repeatedly urged the government to support them. Even pro boxer Morris Okolla has expressed his displeasure on the government giving them the cold shoulder citing the absence of senior ministry officials in pro boxing matches in Kenya.
Ring analysts argue that in case the government will not go a step further to support mainstream boxing following their involvement in this comedy show, observers will view the interest as a publicity stunt and in the process may end up with egg on their face. The impression the government will create is treating boxing as a passing novelty rather than a serious discipline in need of urgent attention to improve the standards of the sport, proper infrastructure and remuneration for the boxers. Such an attitude will undermine the many years of dedication by the boxers in the sport.
Boxing purists will be left wondering if President Ruto can pay boxing comedians Ksh 1 million, why can’t he do the same for some former star boxers such as the late Philip Waruinge, his younger, brother Sammy Mbogwa, Steve Muchoki, Ibrahim and Suleiman Bilali, Kamau Wanyoike and the late Dick “Tiger” Murunga to mention but a few.
Take note, some of them may have left us but they still have their families around to benefit from such monetary reward. Prezo Willy can even double up that amount because he’s known for his generosity.
Clockwise from top left Boxgirls coach Sophia with flyweight winner Mary Anyango, Nairobi's welterweight winner Clare Okwaluma, Kisumu coach, most impressive winner in the finals Elvis Lincoln, R&Js and fans watching, from left coach Liz Andiego, Clare Okwaluma and Nairobi head coach John Ochieng aka Chea who is seen in the ring instructing Elvis Lincoln
▪️Promising Elvis Lincoln puts on standout performance in the finals outpointing gutsy Kisumu’s Joshua Onyango at welterweight ▪️Nairobi continue dominating National Novices Tournament. Since BFK ascended to power in 2019 Nairobi has remained on top in this beginners event
Upcoming boxers from various counties displayed impressive performances in the Boxing Federation of Kenya National Novices Championships which ended on Saturday, Feb 7, 2026, at the Green Park Terminus Hall.
The novices is a tournament for beginners used as a pathway to the intermediate level. The successful boxers then move up to the Kenya Open Championships in which the graduates meet seasoned internationals to fight it our for national honours. Some of them eventually make it to the national team.
After the national novices championships, BFK’s county affiliates will now stage their intermediate championships followed by the nationals on February 26-28 in Thika and the Kenya Open from March 12-14 at Nairobi’s Charter Hall.
Once again Nairobi won the national novices championships, maintaining a firm grip on the overall title since 2019 when Boxing Federation of Kenya executive ascended to power.
Nairobi finished on top with 17 points followed by Kisumu nine points, Kiambu and Mombasa joint third with three points each.
Kajiado, Nakuru, Kilifi and Lamu were joint fourth on two points each, Migori fifth with one point while Machakos, Taita-Taveta, Homabay and Laikipia counties finished as wooden spoonists without a single point.
Kisumu moved up to the second position having placed third in the 2025 National Novices Championships.
A delighted head coach of Kisumu County Boxing Association Vincent Odongo praised his boxers and team of coaches for this remarkable improvement.
“I take this opportunity to thank my fellow coaches of Kisumu County and the boxers for the wonderful job they’ve done,” Odongo told boxersworld.co.ke
“Big up to my coaches Dominic Opiyo, Simon Wasuna, Charles Ayoma, Hongo Kauma, Olivety and my twin brother Victor Opiyo for a great job they did untill the end of the game.
“We are so proud taking number two position position. We’re now focused on maintaining our form in the National Intermediate Championships at the end of this month to dethrone Nairobi.
Odongo has once again appealed to Kisumu County to support them ahead of the National Intermediate Championships in Thika.
“I’m just praying for our Kisumu County leadership to support us financially because it’s not easy without their financial backing, we’re really trying our best to lift our Kisumu County. I also thank BFK President Anthony Otieno “Jamal” and his entire executive for their tireless efforts to develop boxing with limited resources.”
By finishing on top again, Nairobi reinforced its status as the Mecca of boxing in Kenya, producing the bulk of boxers to the national team with KDF and Police recruiting most of their boxers from Nairobi clubs.
It therefore came as no surprise Nairobi led with standout performances from welterweight Elvis Lincoln, female welterweight Clare Okwaluma, Nairobi Novices flyweight champion Ken Muhindi and minimumweight Abdi Mohammed.
Lincoln, handled by Ruaraka Youth Club’s head coach Benjamin Musyoka, put on the most impressive show in the finals outpointing a determined and gutsy Joshua Onyango of Kisumu by a close 2-1 decision. It was a toe-to-toe battle with Lincoln always carrying the fight to his opponent his punches mostly aimed at Onyango’s head. Both boxers got one standing count of eight each in the third round.
The 19-year-old Lincoln started boxing in 2023 while still a form two student at Githima High School in Kiambu.
“With so much determination, resilience and steady progress Lincoln is definitely a boxer to watch,” said his coach Musyoka otherwise known as Benja in the boxing fraternity.
“We at Ruaraka Youth are proud of Lincoln’s progress. His eagerness to learn, discipline and passion for boxing will take him places.”
On his ambition in boxing, Lincoln said he wants to land a job in the Kenya Defence Forces.
Okwaluma, coached by the doyen of female boxing in East Africa Liz Andiego, was in devastating form needing only 42 seconds to stop Nakuru’s Winnie Shisiali in the first round of the welterweight bout.
Okwaluma, 21, trains at Kayole Rapid under coach Andiego.
“My aim is to represent Kenya in this year’s Commonwealth Games,” Okwaluma told boxersworld.co.ke.
At flyweight, Nairobi’s Ken Muhindi maintained his steady rise by clinching the national novices title, stopping Nakuru’s Enock Wambua in the third round while in the minimum division Kibra’s Abdi Mohammed gave Nairobi “A” a winning start showing flashes of brilliance enroute to a 2-1 points victory over Ambrose Junior of Nairobi “B”.
Full results
Minimumweight
Abdi Mohammed (Nairobi A) outpointed Ambrose Junior (Nairobi B)
Flyweight
Ken Muhindi (Nairobi A) stopped Enock Wambua (Nakuru B) in the third round
Clockwise top is the Soviet Union team at the airport on arrival in Nairobi in 1984 ahead of their two-match tour against KDF and Kenya's national team.
Maurice Maina (left) battling Soviet Union's European junior champion Kazagzhjan Rudik whom he stopped in the third round of their light-flyweight bout in 1986 at the City Hall. Mbugua "Ironfist" Wanyoike, one of Kenya's three winners in the 1984 Jamhuri Day Cup match against the Soviet Union. He was the captain. Part of the national team that met the Soviets in 1984. James Olie of KDF team was among the nine casualties in Kisumu. George Mwangi (left) fighting Abdrakhamanov Karimzham in their light-flyweight bout won on points by the Kenyan in 1984 at the City Hall
▪️Visiting USSR prove too strong for KDF and the national boxing team returning home unbeaten in their third visit to Kenya
On December 9, 1984, nine KDF soldiers woke up ready for combat against a polished Soviet Union’s jagernaut in Kenya’s lakeside town of Kisumu.
They secured their weapons in the armoury to ensure operational readiness.
As usual, they conducted regular cleaning, lubrication and functional checks of their weapons ahead of what was expected to be a fiercely contested battle.
But before they dug deep in their trenches, the Soviet Union marksmen ambushed the Kenyan soldiers igniting a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Pungent smell of gunpowder lingered in the air with Kisumu residents taking cover. The courageous Kenyans fought back the well drilled Soviets who eventually defeated all the nine soldiers.
Away from this imaginary military narrative, what actually happened was a boxing contest between Kenya Defence Forces and the visiting Soviet Union’s national team at the Aga Khan Hall in Kisumu.
The Soviets were on a two-match tour to mark the Jamhuri Day celebrations, first taking on KDF in Kisumu and the national team in Nairobi.
Kenyan boxers were well aware of the visitors’ boxing prowess.
This was the Soviet’s third visit to Kenya having previously toured in 1970 and 1973, on both occasions beating the Kenyans.
In their first ever East African visit, they fought Kenya and Uganda’s national teams. They beat Uganda 6-4 bouts and then crossed over to Nairobi for Jamhuri Day celebrations match against Kenya at the City Hall, defeating the hosts 7-4 bouts.
Kenya’s four winners were flyweight Isaac Maina, light-welterweight Joseph Onyango, light-middleweight David Attan and middleweight Stephen “Kimbo” Matiani who was the captain while Sammy Ouma was the coach.
The Soviet Union’s second visit in 1973 was a nightmare for some of Kenya’s top boxers at the City Stadium.
As keen young boxers then in 1973, we were there with legendary Kamau “Pipino” Wanyoike, Napunyi Oduori and other junior boxing buddies. We were at the City Stadium early enough sitted on the Russia terraces waiting for the big show.
As if armed with stones in their fists, the Russians humiliated Kenya’s top boxers, captain David Attan, George Oduori, Muhammad Abdallah Kent then known as Simon Kent, Peter Dula and Fred Sabat all of whom visited the canvas in their fights.
We never expected it. It was like a movie watching the Kenyan star boxers making several trips to the canvas.
Lightweight George Oduori, then the reigning African Games featherweight champion, was the first one to sit on his trunks but he lasted the full course to lose on points. Then came the dreaded Attan who was twice floored in the first round for the referee to stop the fight. Kent and Sabat too were stopped in their fights after kissing the canvas but African Games champion Dula gritted his teeth to win on points despite being knocked down. In addition to Dula, flyweight George “Mosquito” Findo was the other Kenyan winner.
Boutwise, the Soviet Union beat Kenya 6-2 but the hosts were declared winners on points,16-14, following walkovers in the light-flyweight, featherweight and welterweight divisions.
Interestingly, the Russians arrived in the afternoon and fought on the same day in the evening showing no signs of jet lag.
Kenya’s team comprised Dallas Muthurwa light-flyweight rising star Steve “Destimo” Muchoki who made a successful international debut in November that same year against Uganda, flyweight George Findo, bantamweight Felix Maina, featherweight Sammy Mbogwa, lightweight George Oduori, light-welterweight Peter Odhiambo who represented Uganda in the 1970 Soviet Union tour, welterweight Mombasa-based John Opiyo, light-middleweight David Attan, middleweight Simon Kent later to be known as Muhammad Abdullah Kent, light-heavyweight Peter “Tallman” Dula and heavyweight Fred “Sachi” Sabat.
From Nairobi, the next stop was Mombasa for the second Jamhuri Day match against Kenya. The visitors won 5-2 bouts to lift the Jamhuri Cup. Kenya’s two winners were featherweight Sammy Mbogwa on a walkover and light-middleweight David Makumba whose victory impressed the ABA of Kenya so much that they selected him for the 1974 Commonwealth Games instead of David Attan. The latter did not take it lightly but that’s a story for another day.
Eleven years later, the Soviets were back to Kenya for their third visit, this time first taking on KDF in Kisumu and the national team in Nairobi.
Stylish featherweight David Ouma (left) prepares to unleash against Soviet Union’s Orzubek Norzanov
The ABA of Kenya decided to expose a new generation of boxers comprising mostly the Kenyan Open winners in Kisumu who were fresh from a successful trip of the Scandinavian countries. They included light-flyweight George Mwangi, David “Professor” Ouma, Steve “Dempsey” Mwema, Chris “Bingwa” Sande and Mbugua “Ironfist” Wanyoike who captained the national team against the Soviet Union at the City Hall.
It was another Jamhuri Day international show. The ABA of Kenya, under the astute leadership of Major Marsden Madoka, had made it a tradition to invite foreign teams every December.
The Soviet Union delegation was made up of nine boxers and six officials . They were met at the airport by ABA’s vice-chairman Mukuru Mukundi, secretary-general Harrison Kilonzo and Public Relations Officer David Njenga.
Until its dissolution in December 1991, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was composed of 15 countries which subsequently became independent nations. These republics were Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, and Estonia.
Immediately on arrival, the Soviet’s coach Kotov Alexander declared war.
“The Kenyans should expect fire in the ring, we know Kenya is a great boxing nation but we will show them who we are in boxing,” he said confidently.
Indeed it was fire from the Soviets who headed to Kisumu for their first match against KDF’s nine boxers.
KDF’s lineup was made up of light-flyweight Anthony Ikegu, flyweight David “Wonderboy” Wacheru, bantamweight Sammy “Kigos” Mwangi, featherweight Peter Mutua, lightweight David Wanjohi, light-welterweight David Kimani, welterweight James Olie, light-middleweight John Ogutu and heavyweight Lemmy “Cobra” Katibi.
Lemmy “Cobra” Katibi was stopped in the third round by the Soviet boxer in 1984 at heavyweight
Ikegu, Wacheru, Kigos, Mutua, Wanjohi and Olie were all products of the famous Madison Square Garden Gym’s Nakuru Amateur Boxing Club, Ogutu was at St Teresa’s Undugu known as Senti, Kimani started his boxing at Bahati Boxing Club and Cobra learnt his trade from 1972 at Tononoka Social Hall under coach Owiso Oure Katibi, his uncle and one of the indigenous pioneers of Kenya’s national team in the 1950’s.
Africa heavyweight champion James “Demosh” Omondi was also expected to be part of the team but he was not in good books with a senior official following an altercation during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
KDF was then riding high as the newly-crowned national league champions and runners-up to Breweries in the Kenya Open in Kisumu.
Much was therefore expected from the soldiers at Kisumu’s Aga Khan Hall but in what turned out to be one of the most miserable nights for KDF, all the nine boxers were beaten by the fitter and technically superior Soviet Union boxers. It was total humiliation with Ogutu and Katibi being stopped in the third round by Alifirenko Luri and Umirbekor Serik respectively.
Featherweight Mutua was KDF’s most impressive performer, sending down the Soviet to his knees in the third round. The result could have gone either way.
Even Olie who was at his peak was outboxed and outfoxed by the stronger Vladiminov Sergei.
“Up to this day I’m still very bitter when I remember that beating from the Soviets,” says Olie now back to his base in Nakuru.
Olie, still sharp mentally, vividly recalls what transpired in his welterweight fight.
“I had gained weight so I moved up to welterweight from light welter. The Soviet boxer was taller than me. He tried to keep me far but I maintained close contact with him, he was a very tough boxer. I knew our high altitude will affect my opponent so in the first and second rounds I kept him busy with hard shots especially to the body to tire him.
“In my calculation, I knew my opponent will be tired and exhausted in the third round but to my surprise he was even stronger. It’s like he was starting the fight. He really pushed me, and hit me with strong punches.”
Olie says he noticed something strange in between the rounds which might have given his opponent more stamina.
“The coach sprayed something in the boxer’s nose, the boxer came with a lot of energy in the third round, I think that was more than a spray. He did it to all boxers.
“From that day I realised we Kenyans we’re always playing it clean but other countries have several tricks they use some of them are dirty but we have to accept they were better than us in the ring, their boxing techniques were superior. I could not believe it seeing Cobra being heavily punished until he was stopped. Our team manager was Rtd Major Muhammed, coach the late Albert Matito and Charles Longisa as the trainer.”
Olie is a student of the late popular coach Peter Morris. He joined Nakuru ABC in 1977. The following year Armed Forces coach Albert Matito noticed his potential and recruited him to join their forces team.
“I reported at 1stKR in Nanyuki and welcomed by among others James “Demosh” Omondi, Joash Kitui and Chris “Kawasaki” Kariuki,” recalls Olie who made steady progress, winning the 1978 intermediate featherweight title and eventually debuting for the national team in 1980 during a visit to Kenya by Germany’s national team.
Back to the whipping by the Soviet Union in Kisumu. Katibi says one advantage the visitors had was being physically fitter than the Kenyans.
“We train a lot in Kenya but physically we don’t do what’s needed, that’s where we lose it, those guys had a lot of stamina and techniques. I was also not fighting in my usual light-heavyweight,” Katibi told boxersworld.co.ke
After Kisumu, it was the turn of the national team to face the Soviet jagernaut at the City Hall.
Nation photographer caught David Attan and Fred Sabat on the canvas when the Kenyans met the Soviets in 1973 at the City Stadium, Nairobi.
The Kenyans somewhat redeemed themselves despite losing 5-3 bouts. Kenya’s three winners were light-flyweight George Mwangi, a product of St Teresa’s Undugu Boxing Club, featherweight Dallas boxing artist David “Professor” Ouma and captain Mbugua Wanyoike, younger brother to ring marshall Kamau “Pipino” Wanyoike.
Bantamweight Gerald Otieno, Africa lightweight champion Titus Omondi, light-welterweight John Bosco Oduori, welterweight Chris “Bingwa” Sande and heavyweight George Okoth were the five Kenyan losers. Okoth was floored twice in the second round before coach Charles Anjimbi showed the towel, a signal to the referee his boxer has received enough punishment the referee should therefore stop the fight which he did.
The fourth and the last tour by the USSR was in 1986 for the usual Jamhuri Day celebrations match at the City Hall. They beat Kenya 4-2 bouts with light-flyweight Maurice “Kawata” Maina and welterweight Robert Wangila – making his debut – the only two winners. The four losers were light-middleweight Mohammed Orungi, debutants Dan Omwaka, Hosea Maina and Joseph Akhasamba.
▪️The talented Nigerian boxer will in April, 2026, fight in the undercard of Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper in an all-British world lightweight unification blockbuster
Elizabeth Oshoba hasn’t been seen inside a boxing ring since March of 2025. But after signing with Jake Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions last year, business will start to pick up in 2026.
“Signing with Jake Paul will change a lot of things for me and my career,” Oshoba told me over Zoom. “He is going to help my career and boost me further. I am going to be seen on the TV, it will be a televised fight. It will help me a lot in showcasing my talent.”
On Wednesday, MVP announced their first-ever UK show scheduled for April 5th in London, and a TV deal with Sky Sports. Oshoba will be on the undercard of that card that features Ellie Scotney going for undisputed at super-bantamweight and Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper clashing in a big all-British world lightweight unification showdown.
The Nigerian-born 26-year-old believes that the MVP/Sky working relationship will be a game-changer for her career.
“The platform is so important,” Oshoba says. “Right now, most people don’t really know me. I just need that big platform, and hopefully, every fight I now have will be on the TV.”
Oshoba has been boxing for well over a decade now. But like many, it was with a certain degree of reluctance in the beginning, before the sport grabbed her and didn’t let go.
“I started boxing when I was young, I was 13. Right from my childhood, I liked sports, and I have always been a sporty person. I loved sports, I played football and table tennis. I was very active when I was young. One day, my brother came home and said he had seen some girls doing boxing in the local area. He said he wanted me to join, and I said no, I am not going.
“I didn’t want to do boxing. After a few days, my brother and my dad had some discussions. My dad lied; he said we were going to the fire station, but he drove me to the gym.
“When I stepped into the gym and saw some girls like me, that piqued my interest. I trained that day in my normal clothes, because I didn’t plan on going to the boxing gym that day. But from that day on, I just fell in love with boxing. I knew this was where I needed to be, and the next day I went to the gym myself.”
Sadly for Oshoba, the entry into boxing led to her being bullied at school.
“I went to a public school, which was like a poor school,” the 26-year-old relayed to me. “My coach was just using the front of his house as a gym. It had a punching bag, a tyre, and some rope as a ring. People living in the area who were coming to my school started bullying me. They started to abuse me and push me. But at some point, I had got frustrated, and I had to fight back.
“One day, I had a fight with a guy and beat him up. That was when everyone started to step back, and that was the day I was free from being bullied.”
From that day, everything changed for her. Winning her first-ever medal brought her even more respect.
“I went to a tournament in Lagos, Nigeria and won a silver medal, and I took it to my school. It was in assembly in front of the whole school, and they introduced me as a boxer. That was when everyone started to respect me at school.”
Oshoba had an excellent amateur career, winning medals at the African and Commonwealth Games before turning professional in 2022. The unbeaten super-featherweight prospect has not lost in nine fights and is targeting very big things after her comeback fight in April.
“This year, I am looking forward to fighting for world titles. I want to fight for a world title. I am ready, and I am prepared.”
▪️Now that nominations are already ongoing, the NTO requirement effectively locks out aspiring candidates who do not already possess certification, leaving no realistic pathway to compliance before the electoral deadline.
▪️With a limited certification pool, high experience thresholds, costly training requirements, and no immediate opportunity for new candidates to meet the criteria, the 2026 UBF presidential race may be decided long before ballots are cast.
As nominations open for the 2026 Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) elections, a growing debate within the boxing fraternity is whether newly enforced eligibility requirements—particularly the National Technical Officer (NTO) certification—are inadvertently narrowing the presidential race in favour of incumbent president Moses Muhangi.
While UBF insists the rules are about governance and professionalism, an examination of the eligibility framework suggests the criteria may significantly reduce the pool of viable challengers, increasing the likelihood that Muhangi could face little or no opposition as he seeks a third term.
A Small Certification Pool, A Big Gatekeeper
At the center of the controversy is the NTO certification requirement, now mandatory for anyone seeking to serve on the UBF executive, including the presidency. According to Muhangi, only 28 individuals nationwide currently hold valid NTO certification, all trained through UBF-organised courses.
With Uganda having 120 boxing-active districts, critics argue that restricting presidential eligibility to fewer than 30 certified individuals creates a structural bottleneck—one that disproportionately benefits the incumbent, who already meets all requirements by virtue of office.
Although Muhangi maintains that candidates may alternatively hold an International Technical Officer (ITO) certificate from bodies such as IBA, WBC, or ABU, such qualifications remain rare and costly to obtain, further limiting accessibility for grassroots administrators and former boxers.
Timing and Cost: Barriers to Entry
The timing of the certification has raised additional concerns. Asked whether another NTO course could be organised before elections, Muhangi described the prospect as unlikely, citing a USD 6,000 cost for a five-day training of 25 participants.
With nominations already ongoing, this effectively locks out aspiring candidates who do not already possess certification, leaving no realistic pathway to compliance before the electoral deadline.
“This makes the NTO less of a qualification and more of a gatekeeping mechanism,” said one boxing administrator who requested anonymity. “You can’t introduce a requirement and then make it impossible to access.”
Experience Thresholds Favour the Status Quo
Beyond certification, presidential aspirants must also demonstrate:
At least 10 years of service in a club executive or five years as a UBF executive member
While these provisions emphasize experience, they also tilt the field toward long-serving insiders—many of whom are already aligned with the current leadership—making it difficult for reform-minded candidates to break through.
Combined with the requirement for endorsement from five boxing districts, critics say the rules collectively consolidate power among a small circle of established actors.
No Term Limits, No Reset
Uganda has no term limits for sports federation leadership, a fact Muhangi openly acknowledges.
“As long as people elect you every four years, you can continue,” he said, defending his bid for a third term on the basis of performance.
However, governance analysts argue that in systems without term limits, high entry barriers become even more consequential, as they reduce electoral competitiveness and weaken accountability.
UBF’s Defense: Governance Over Politics
Muhangi strongly rejects claims that the NTO certification is being used to eliminate rivals.
“NTO is intended to give boxing stakeholders knowledge about event organising, governance and officiating,” he said, adding that the requirement was approved by UBF members.
Yet observers note that intent and impact are not always the same. Even well-meaning governance reforms can, if poorly timed or unevenly accessible, produce anti-competitive outcomes.
An Election Without a Contest?
As scrutiny of nominations intensifies, the question is no longer just who qualifies—but how many realistically can.
With a limited certification pool, high experience thresholds, costly training requirements, and no immediate opportunity for new candidates to meet the criteria, the 2026 UBF presidential race may be decided long before ballots are cast.
Whether Muhangi eventually faces challengers or runs unopposed, the unfolding process has reignited debate about governance reforms, inclusivity, and whether the rules of the game are shaping the result as much as the vote itself.
