▪️National Kenya Open Championships explodes into action with 134 boxers – 113 men and 21 women – from 18 teams battling it out for personal and team glory ▪️Jakababa moves up to cruiserweight and will not meet rival Robert Okaka who has beaten him five times
April 1, 2026
The ring is set and the gloves are laced as Kenya’s upcoming and established boxers trade leather in the National Kenya Open Boxing Championships at the Kaloleni Social Hall, Nairobi, from 3pm today, April 1, 2026.
The one million dollar question remains: which team will end the domination of defending Open champions Kenya Police and KDF, placed second overall in the 2025 Kenya Open at Charter Hall.
The two service teams have dominated boxing in Kenya for over a decade since the demise of top clubs such as Breweries, Posta, Railways and Kenya Ports Authority.
Among the international boxers taking part are Africa Zone 3 minimum champion Silus Onyango, flyweight Emmanuel Chondo, Shaffi Bakari, Dennis Muthama, World Championships quarter-finalist Robert “Man Man Ngori” Okaka, African Games champion Edwin Okong’o, Zone 3 silver medallist Mwinyi Kombo, Washington Wandera and fast-rising boxing brothers, Chris Juma and Benedict Juma.
The 18 teams taking part are Police, KDF, Prisons, Lamu, Homa Bay, Nairobi, Kibra,Kajiado, Meru, Dallas, Sombea, Kisumu, G44, Kiambu, Nakuru,Laikipia, Mombasa and Kasarani Youth.
In women’s category, some of the top boxers in action include Africa Zone 3 champions Veronica Mbithe and her KDF teammate Friza Asiko.
Mbithe has received a bye to the flyweight finals, awaiting the winner of the semis bout between Nairobi’s Lencer Akinyi and Dora Mcharo. Friza meets Nakuru’s Winnie Shisali in the semis on Friday.
Shaffi, Kombo, Wandera, Aloice Vincent and Alvin Oduor and Edwin Okong’o have received byes to the quarters and will not be in action until on Thursday.
Bantamweight Muthama steps into the ring today against Eric Odicho of Sombea while at feather Chris Juma of Kasarani Youth opens his account against Kisumu’s Frank Omondi with his elder brother Ben Juma meeting Fidel Okoth of Nairobi B.
Robert Okaka will fight on Friday in the semis against Lazaro Odote of Mombasa, and Jakaba in Thursday’s quarters against Mohamed Hassan of Mombasa at cruiserweight.
▪️It’s a crucial fixture aligned with Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) regulations
April 1, 2026
The spotlight will firmly be on the capital this Saturday as Juluka Boxing Academy, in partnership with LIGI Bar & Restaurant, hosts the much-anticipated Harare Provincial Boxing Fiesta at Epworth Local Board Hall.
The tournament is not just another date on the calendar, but a crucial fixture aligned with Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) regulations, which mandate that each province stages an annual general meeting and maintains an active competition schedule. Such activity is essential in ensuring boxers are assessed and remain eligible for inter-provincial tournaments and national team selection.
Speaking ahead of the event, Juluka Boxing Academy director Thomas Kambuyi underscored the importance of the initiative, describing it as a deliberate effort to reposition Harare at the forefront of Zimbabwean boxing.
“This tournament is not just about the fights on the night, but about fulfilling our obligation as a province to remain active and relevant. The federation requires every province to demonstrate activity, and for us in Harare, the expectations are even higher.
“We have a responsibility to create opportunities for our boxers to showcase their talent, be assessed, and ultimately be considered for national duty. Without such platforms, talent remains hidden and undeveloped,” he said.
Harare, as the country’s capital, carries the weight of expectation in setting the standard for provincial boxing structures. Kambuyi acknowledged this reality, stressing that the fiesta is part of a broader vision to rebuild a strong and competitive boxing ecosystem.
“Harare should always lead from the front. We have the numbers, we have the talent, and we have the infrastructure. What has been missing is consistency in activity, and this is what we are addressing.”
Juluka Boxing Academy itself boasts a proud legacy, having produced several boxers who have successfully transitioned into the professional ranks, capturing both national and regional titles. Kambuyi believes the renewed corporate partnership signals a turning point.
“Juluka has always been a breeding ground for champions. Over the years, we have nurtured fighters who have gone on to achieve great things in professional boxing. This partnership with LIGI Bar & Restaurant is a major boost and will go a long way in reviving our past glory.
The event, scheduled to start at 1600hrs, will feature a lineup of exciting bouts showcasing both emerging and established amateur fighters from across the province. While invitations have been extended to clubs that include Roygri in Mvurwi and another academy based in Kadoma, local clubs expected to grace the occasion include St Mary’s, Shumba, Ultra Kick, Uprising, Issa Hard Rock and the hosts, Juluka.
Beyond the ring action, fans will also be treated to live entertainment from a host of local artists, adding a festival atmosphere to the occasion. Performances will be provided by the likes of Ziggy the Crusader, Sunken D, Crazy E, Madzibaba Teaspoon and Toto, among others.
Kambuyi emphasized that such integration of sport and entertainment is key to growing boxing’s appeal.
“We want to make boxing an experience. It’s not just about the bouts, but about bringing communities together, celebrating talent, and creating an environment where people can enjoy themselves while supporting the sport.”
With affordable entry fees and a strong card expected, the Harare Provincial Boxing Fiesta is poised to reignite interest in local boxing while fulfilling critical developmental and regulatory objectives.
And for Harare’s boxing fraternity, Saturday’s event represents more than just competition—it is a statement of intent.
Defending Kenya Open champions Police "Chafua" "Chafua" will be without Africa champion Boniface Mogunde pictured here with head coach Musa Benjamin (right) and deputy head coach David Munuhe in a past tournament
▪️Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde withdraws from the Kenya Open Championships
▪️Draws to be conducted from 10.30 am today after weigh-in and medical check-up
April 1, 2026
A provisional national boxing team to take part in various tournaments this year will be selected during the National Kenya Open Championships starting today, April 1, 2026, at the Kaloleni Social Hall in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi from 2pm.
Kenya’s national team head coach Musa Benjamin, in wishing all the participants the best of luck, has reminded the boxers on the importance of this four-day championships to feature pugilists from all over the country.
“This is a very important event in BFK’s calendar. New boxers, who have come through novices and intermediate, get a chance to prove themselves against the seasoned boxers, this is where future champions emerge,” Musa told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.
“It’s now time for the boxers to show what they are made of, technical and tactical ability, heart and resilience.
“It’s not just a fight for the title but personal growth and pride. We will get our provisional team from this Open Championship that will represent the country in various international competitions this year.”
Among the international tournaments lined up for the national team, nicknamed Hit Squad, is Africa Zone 3, Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships, two world championships and the Commonwealth Games.
Commenting on the reduction of weight classes to seven in the Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland, Musa expressed his big disappointment.
“Very unfortunate, the reduction denies boxers who don’t fall in those weight categories a chance to compete in the Games,” said Musa.
Meanwhile, Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface Mogunde of the defending champions, Kenya Police, will be unavailable for the Kenya Open owing to pressing family commitments.
“Mogunde will be excused since he has valid reasons to miss the Open, so we’re sure BFK will consider him when they pick the national team,” said Police coach James Wasao.
The medical and weigh-in will be conducted from 8am today followed by the technical meeting and the draws. Action starts at 2pm.
KDF's international lightweight Washington Wandera (far left) is under siege from youngsters Ben Juma in the middle and Emmanuel Omolo on the far right.
▪️KDF’s international Washington Wandera’s territory is in danger against ambitious youngsters Ben Juma and Emmanuel Omolo
March 31, 2026
The lightweight division in this year’s National Kenya Open Boxing Championships is a mix of ambitious youngsters and experienced Washington Wandera of KDF.
Kaloleni Social Hall will host the Kenya Open from April 1-4, 2026.
There’s fire in the lightweight division as Wandera, who represented the national team in the Men’s World Championships in Dubai, will use every trick in the book to protect his territory.
Since he started boxing in 2011 at Kibra Olympic Club under coach Hassan Salim, and later handled by 1994 Commonwealth Games heavyweight champion Ahmed Omar aka Kasongo, Wandera has gained considerable experience but Omolo and Ben Juma are not shaken. They want to topple Wandera who lost in the round of 16 during the World Championships in Dubai to Latvia’s Matvejs Prokudunis. Earlier, Wandera put up a superb show in outpointing Uganda’s Fahad Mulindwa in the round of 32.
In the 2025 Kenya Open at Charter Hall, Wandera controversially lost in the finals to Ethan Maina of Police. Maina, a product of popular Mbotela coach Raphael “Kamwana” Kamuya, has now moved up to light-welterweight.
Omolo learned his trade at Umoja Boxing Club under coach Mike Mungai, a former boxer, while Juma was at Kasarani Boxing Club handled by Ian “Major” Otieno before moving to Kasarani Youth.
After the departure of Nick “Commander” Okoth, there’s no lightweight who has shown an indication of emulating him. Maybe either the two youthful boxers might succeed but only if they get past the battle-hardened KDF soldier.
Juma’s burning ambition is to represent the national team, and dominate the lightweight berth. He says Wandera is his main rival.
“I’ve defeated Wandera once during the Robert Wangila Cup,” he told boxersworld.co.ke. That was his most memorable win.
Besides boxing what else does Juma do for a living?
“For now I’m jobless, if I can get a job at KDF I’ll be very happy,” says the 20-year-old Juma.
▪️The Mombasa-based Kombo will be representing his new club Police with the possibility of a permanent job
March 30, 2026
Defiant Mwinyi Kombo aka Giant Killer has declared total war against his rivals in the Kenya Open Boxing Championships scheduled for Kaloleni Social Hall from April 1-4.
Mwinyi arrived in Nairobi today, March 30, 2026, and trained with the rest of his Police teammates at Mathare Depot.
“I’m not here for a wedding, it’s war in the ring, Chris Juma has been talking a lot but I’ll speak with my fists in the ring,” Kombo told boxersworld.co.ke
Known for his lethal punches, Kombo said his rivals will see a new Kombo.
“Some claim I just use power without strategy, I’m very calculated in my boxing,” said Kombo who won featherweight silver in the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships losing in the finals to Uganda’s Kassim Murungi.
Unconfirmed reports have it that on the eve of his departure to Nairobi, Kombo spent the night solo in one of the Coastal beaches, perhaps talking to his ancestors.
Kombo was on top of his game in the 2024 Kenya Open, knocking out Isaac Meja and 2022 Africa Championships silver medallist Sam Njau who has since maintained a loud silence. At his best Njau can rock.
In a past interview, Kombo told me how he beat Njau.
“My strategy worked, I tricked Njau into playing my game ‘akaingia box’ (fell into my tricks) that’s how I finished him,” said Kombo.
“I was not just throwing punches at random, I was aiming at the target, I knew Njau moves a lot so I decided to box flat-footed cutting in and hitting him hard where it mattered. He couldn’t stand my power punches because I know I’m strong.”
Kombo explains how he finally KO’d Njau.
“He threw a one-two, I ducked and hit him with my powerful right uppercut and followed it with a left hook to the chin that finished him.”
Kombo went on to defeat Chris Juma, who outsmarted international Shaffi Bakari of Police enroute to a deserved points win in the quarter-finals.
“I can’t underrate Juma, he’s taller than me, he’s fast and a clever boxer but I have a new powerful dose for him,” said Kombo ahead of a possible rematch with the sensational form four schoolboy at Mwiki Secondary in Nairobi.
Kombo started boxing in 2012 at Changamwe Boxing Club in Mombasa, and singles out former Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) boxers, featherweight Shaban Wangalwa and bantamweight George “Spider” Opiyo, for giving him a firm foundation in boxing. He moved to Kongowea Boxing Club in 2017 landing into the safe hands of coach William Okumu whom Kombo said opened the door for him to fight outside Mombasa.
“Opiyo was a stylish boxer, he taught me all the tricks like changing my game to confuse my opponent, feinting as well as being unpredictable. Shaban mostly taught me punching accurately with power and various training exercises. I can’t forget Opiyo and Shaban, they made me what I am today.”
▪️Top international boxers gearing up for the fight of their lives, it’s ish! ish!
March 30, 2026
Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) has switched the National Kenya Open Boxing Championships to the famous Kaloleni Social Hall.
BFK’s Competition Secretary John Waweru told boxersworld.co.ke that owing to unavoidable circumstances, they have been forced to move this big event from Charter Hall to Kaloleni from April 1-4.
“Everything else remains unchanged, the weigh-in and medical check-up starts at 8am on Wednesday followed by the technical meeting and draws from 10.30 am,” said Waweru.
For boxing addicts in Eastlands, this is sweet news. This is the home of some of Kenya’s past and current top boxers.
Kaloleni Social Hall has hosted a dozen major boxing competitions in the past including the fiercely fought 197O Commonwealth Games boxing trials.
This is where Eastleigh Secondary School student David Attan announced his arrival in big-time boxing, twice defeating the renowned John Olulu in 1969.
Among other marquee boxing events held in Kaloleni, home of 1000 Street, is the 2018 Commonwealth Games trials.
KDF’s Africa Zone 3 gold medallist Veronica Mbithe, her teammate Peter “The Beast” Abuti and twice Commonwealth Games medallist Benson Gicharu provided some of the highlights.
Gicharu, as usual, mesmerised the packed hall with his acrobatic flips following his demolition of KDF’s Isaac Meja, Abuti signalled his intention to don the national vest with an impressive display against Nick Abaka who prevailed. Impressed by his performance, the selectors picked Abuti as a sparring partner when the team camped in Nakuru.
Mbithe upstaged her rival Christine Ongare but didn’t travel to Gold Coast, Australia, opting for KDF job training in Eldoret.
▪️He was just too strong for his Ongata Rongai clubmate
Kenya’s youth international Brian “Brayo” Arianda is back from Bangkok with vengeance.
Putting behind his loss in the Futures U19 tournament, Arianda put up a dominant show to stop his Ongata Rongai clubmate, Alphonce Otieno, after only 33 seconds of the first round in this flyweight bout during the The B-Boxing Dynasty Boxing Cup first leg on March 28, 2026, at the Sheria Mtaani Wellness Centre.
He carried the fight to Otieno from the first bell, shaking him with heavy shots that spelt doom for his opponent. In the course of close-quarter exchanges Arianda released a right cross which exploded on Otieno’s face for an eight count.
On realising Otieno was still unstable and groggy the referee wisely stopped the fight.
“That’s a morale boosting win for me, I fought my clubmate because no opponent of my age was available,” said Arianda.
The 16-year-old Arianda made his international debut in the Futures Cup U19 tournament in Bangkok this month, losing to Turkey’s Mahammet Ali in the round of 32.
▪️She’s going for her third light-flyweight title in a row in the National Open Boxing Championships at Charter Hall from April 1-4
March 29, 2026
Smooth-talking Africa Zone 3 light-flyweight champion Veronica Mbithe aka Pioneer (pictured) is a perfect blend of feminine elegance and intellectual violence when in the ring.
While Mbithe brings girlish touch in boxing, she remains committed on the ideals of this tough combat sport that requires resilience, determination and perseverance.
Not many fans are aware that the Landy Mawe-bred Mbithe is going for a treble in the Boxing Federation of Kenya’s National Open Boxing Championships starting on April 1 at Nairobi’s Charter Hall.
She’s the two-time National Open light-flyweight champion. Victory in the finals will enable her win the Open title for three times in a row, emulating the doyen of women’s boxing in East Africa Liz Andiego who has won the Open title a dozen times.
In the 2025 Open Championships, Mbithe outpointed Nairobi’s Faith Nafuna in the finals of the light-flyweight division.
The Armed Forces Corporal put up a polished display, showing considerable improvement in her boxing style, getting over her past swimming approach.
With Nafuna now in Eldoret attending KDF training, Mbithe is unchallenged unless a newcomer springs a surprise. Much will be known during the weigh-in and boxers registration in the light-flyweight category next Wednesday.
Mbithe honed her skills at Dallas Boxing Club from 2014 under coach Charles Mukula who at one time had to intervene to convince Mbithe’s mum, Eunice Nziva, to let her daughter pursue boxing.
To show her dislike for the sport, Mbithe’s mum had hidden her training kit in a desperate attempt to keep her away from boxing.
Hours of persuasion by coach Mukula forced Mbithe’s mum to reluctantly accept her daughter remains in boxing.
Mbithe’s employment by KDF, however, changed her negative perception on boxing. She became a big beneficiary of her daughters earnings as she poured money on her salon business that is now thriving.
Mbithe the pioneer became the first ever female boxer to be employed by KDF in 2018, paving way for others such as Friza Asiko, Pauline Chege and Agnes Wambua to follow suit.
Her diligence at work enabled Mbithe rise to the rank of Corporal, becoming the first female boxer to be promoted to that position.
In a past interview with boxersworld.co.ke, Mbithe attributed her success in life to boxing. “Through boxing, I now have a job, and I’m now a Corporal,” says Mbithe, adding: “Boxing has empowered me greatly not forgetting changing my family’s life, it also has opened other avenues and channels, I urge female boxers to work hard and be patient to make it in life.”
Whom does Mbithe single out for her success in boxing and the military?
“My success is not just pegged on one person but several notably Colonel Paul Mungori who gave us women a chance in the KDF boxing team, secondly coach Charles Mukula who taught me boxing straight after high school at Dallas Boxing Club in Muthurwa Estate, I still visit Mukula at Dallas to train with him and encourage boxers at my former club. I can’t forget my roots, Mukula made me what I am today in boxing.”
Mbithe has several admirers including rising boxing giant Ellah Demesi who recently represented Kenya’s youth team in the Futures U19 tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.
A member of Kibra Youth Club, Ellah is following in the footsteps of Mbithe.
She’s among the upcoming female boxers who will throng Charter Hall to watch their idol Mbithe doing her thing in the National Open Championships.
Don’t miss the National Open Championship showdown. It’s going to be a blast.
For the uninitiated: “Intellectual violence” in the boxing ring refers to the use of high-level boxing intelligence (Fight IQ), strategy, and psychological manipulation to dominate an opponent, rather than relying solely on brute physical strength. It is the mental aspect of “The Sweet Science,” where a boxer breaks down an opponent’s patterns, exploits weaknesses, and forces them into mistakes, turning a physical contest into a tactical, often psychological, battle.
▪️In the main card Zvikomborero Chemhere vs Marlon Chirevo for National Flyweight/Inaugural Independence Title ▪️The return of celebrated Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire vying for National Super-Featherweight title against Patience Mastara ▪️Zimbabwe’s business tycoon Taurai Tungwarara, CEO of Tenga Zonke Inc will sponsor this Deltaforce historic event which has received the government’s approval for use of national emblems on championship belts
March 29, 2026
As Zimbabwe gears up for its 46th Independence anniversary, the nation’s ring warriors are preparing to turn the City Sports Centre into a battleground of resilience and ambition.
The Independence Day Boxing Bonanza, set for April 11, 2026, is not just a fight night; it is a declaration of purpose, combining high-stakes pugilism with a crusade against youth drug abuse.
Organized by Deltaforce Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Academy’s Director Clyde Musonda, the card is headlined by two massive national title fights designed to showcase local talent.
In the premier 12-round encounter, Zvikomborero Chemhere and Marlon Chirevo will go toe-to-toe for the national flyweight title. The stakes are raised even higher as the winner will also be crowned the inaugural Independence Day Champion, walking away with two belts.
Top left is one of Africa’s top promoters and matchmaker Clyde Musonda, the brains behind this massive show on April 11. Well done Clyde for a job well done.
Former WBC Interim Super-Bantamweight champion Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire returns walking tall to battle it out with Patience Mastara for the national super-featherweight title. This fight, featuring the female Independence Day championship belt, is a testament to the growth of female boxing in the region.
Fighting for a Purpose
Promoter Clyde Musonda of Deltaforce Academy highlighted that the event aligns with the nation’s 46th Independence celebration, aiming to empower young boxers and offer them an alternative to the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse.
“This Boxing Bonanza carries a message far beyond the ring — it is a call to action,” organizers noted, stressing the event’s mission to foster discipline and national identity in the spirit of independence.
National Flyweight Championship (12 Rounds) Zvikomborero Chemhere vs. Marlon Chirevo
National Super-Featherweight Female Title (10 Rounds): Kudakwashe Chiwandire vs. Patience Mastara
National Lightweight Title (12 Rounds): Nyasha Phiri vs. Delan Kanyemba
National
Super-Bantamweight Title Revai Madondo vs. Sehliselwe Nhliziyo.
The tournament has received government endorsement, allowing the use of national emblems, highlighting its importance on the national calendar.
Ardent boxing fans can’t wait to see their ring queen Chiwandire (6-4-1) back in action.
She’s one of the most popular boxers in Zimbabwe and a magnetic crowd puller.
Kuda, as she’s affectionately known by some of her admirers, made her professional debut on November 28, 2015, outpointing Barbara Banda.
Fast forward to February 26, 2022. Chiwandire upset fancied Zambia’s former WBC world bantamweight champion Catherine Phiri to capture the vacant WBC female interim super-bantamweight title at the Government Complex in Lusaka.
Her burning ambition to dethrone Mexico’s WBC world super-bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado on March 18, 2023, went up in flames when she lost by a unanimous decision in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Among the international fights, Zimbabwe’s UK-based Joseph Maphosa (15-1-1, 2 KOs) will for the first time fight on home soil against Malawi’s Aubrey Masamba in a six-round flyweight bout.
Maphosa is eagerly looking ahead to touch down in Harare to fight before home supporters to honour the country of his birth.
“I can’t overemphasise how happy I am to be returning home for this fight,” Maphosa told heraldonline.co.zw/zims
“I am looking forward to the duel. I am a bit anxious but very happy for obvious reasons.
“I started boxing when I was only 13 at a club in Middlesbrough, England. I then went on to box for Team GB Olympic Team in 20as an amateur together with Anthony Joshua (gold medallist), Josh Buast from Ghana and also Nicola Adams (gold medallist).
“I spent over two years training in the same gym with Antony Joshua. I learnt a lot from him and I believe he rubbed a lot onto me.
“I signed a professional contract with Frank Warren and Bt Sports.
“So, I have some experience and I want to promise Zimbabwean fans a lot of fireworks when I face Masamba.”
Maphosa is not new to fighting African boxers as his last fight was against former continental champion Issac Qauye whom he defeated by KO.
The April 11 card will be promoted by a former Zimbabwean international boxer, Clyde Musonda, the Director of Delta Force Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Academy. He is also the matchmaker.
Kudos to Zimbabwe’s business tycoon Taurai Tungwarara, the CEO of Tenga Zonke Inc, for shouldering the heavy and important responsibility of sponsoring this eagerly awaited showdown.
Speaking during the launch, promoter Musonda said: “As Delta Force Boxing and MMA Academy, we are deeply humbled and profoundly grateful
to the Government of Zimbabwe, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency
Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for affording us this invaluable opportunity to be part of
this year’s Independence celebrations.
“This gesture is not only a recognition of the role sport
plays in nation-building, but also a powerful endorsement of boxing as a vehicle for youth
empowerment, discipline, and national pride.
We sincerely thank the Government for its continued support in nurturing sporting talent and
creating platforms where young Zimbabweans can showcase their abilities, tell their stories,
and inspire a nation.
Ladies and gentlemen, boxing is more than just a sport—it is a symbol of resilience, courage,
and determination.
“These are the same qualities that define Zimbabwe and its people. As we
prepare for this Boxing Bonanza, we are not just organizing an event; we are building a
movement—one that celebrates our independence while investing in the future of our youth.
“In alignment with His Excellency’s Vision 2030 framework, Delta Force Boxing and MMA
Academy stands firmly committed to the fight against drug and substance abuse. We
recognize that our young people are the cornerstone of our nation’s future, and we must
protect them from the scourge of drugs that threatens to derail their potential. Through boxing
and structured sporting programs, we aim to provide positive alternatives, mentorship, and
purpose-driven pathways for our youth.
“This Boxing Bonanza therefore carries a message far beyond the ring—it is a call to action.
We call upon individuals, corporates, and all stakeholders across Zimbabwe to come on
board and support this noble initiative. Your partnership, sponsorship, and participation will
not only contribute to the success of this event but will also play a crucial role in shaping a
healthier, more disciplined, and empowered generation.
“Let us unite—businesses, communities, and citizens alike—in celebrating our independence
through sport. Let us invest in our youth, support their dreams, and stand together in the fight
against drug abuse.
Together, we can make the Zimbabwean Independence Boxing Bonanza a resounding
success and a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
That’s Clyde Musonda, one of Zimbabwe’s most successful promoters narrating the importance of the April 11 card. He deserves a hefty pat on the back for putting together this massive boxing extravaganza. It has not been easy for Clyde but through patience and passion to lift Zimbabwe and Africa boxing as a whole he finally succeeded to bring sponsor Tungwarara on board and receiving the government’s support.
We appreciate you Tungwarara for your generous sponsorship. This show should now mark the beginning of your long association with our friend Musonda. He means well for the game.
A featherweight rematch looms between Mwinyi Kombo (left) and sensational schoolboy Chris Juma (right).
▪️Battle looms large between Kombo, schoolboy Chris Juma and KDF’s Isaac Meja
March 27, 2026
Africa Zone 3 silver medallist Mwinyi Kombo aka Giant Killer has joined Kenya Police ahead of the National Open Boxing Championships scheduled for Nairobi Charter Hall from April 1-4, 2026.
Kombo has been boxing for Kenya Prisons before moving to the defending Kenya Open and National League champions nicknamed Chafua Chafua.
A silver medallist at the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi, Kombo is among the international boxers who have joined Police. Others are Zone 3 bronze medallists, featherweight Paul “Pacman” Omondi, light-welterweight Caleb Wandera and welterweight Wiseman Kavondo.
Omondi, Wandera and Kavondo have already been employed and currently undergoing training at Kiganjo Police College.
The cops are beefing up their team for the new season, and with Kombo on board, they’re well represented in the featherweight class.
Kombo is currently training in Mombasa and will join the cops next Monday in readiness for the National Open which starts on Wednesday.
Sparks will fly in the featherweight division with sensational form four student at Mwiki Secondary, Chris Juma, baying for Kombo’s blood. Isaac Meja is a likely choice for the soldiers who are playing their cards close to the chest.
Chris still believes he beat Kombo in the final of the 2024 Kenya Open at Green Park Terminus Hall.
“I want to prove I’m the best featherweight in Kenya, I’ve trained well ready for Kombo and others,” Chris, who will represent Ruaraka Youth, told boxersworld.co.ke. Kombo relinquished his featherweight title to Nairobi’s Michael Ndonga.
Chafua Chafua will be without Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface Mogunde owing to unavoidable circumstances.
In the absence of Mogunde, the cops can talk to Steve Olang to hold fort. Olang makes his pro debut tonight in the Kalakoda Promotions card.
