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.

boxersworld.co.ke

▪️The bitter truth to the comedians is that the IBA and WB are no longer in conflict they’re fuelling, and with the new centralized structure, the old AFBC executive has zero functional power

April 26, 2026

In the dusty corners of African boxing administration, a tiny group of former AFBC officials – backed by a disgruntled NFs leader – is wasting time fighting against their own shadow.

They are throwing punches at an empty ring, shouting accusations at the International Boxing Association (IBA) while holding up tattered banners of a “resistance” that no one else is watching. So frustrated and desperate, they’re are now seeking solace in some myopic African Whatsapp forums where they spend the whole day releasing pent-up emotions to one or two of their short-sighted sympathisers.

Their cause, once perhaps legitimate, has become an empty, echo-chamber crusade, fighting to bring down an organization that is actively consolidating its global grip, not collapsing. It’s only a mad man who can attempt to bring down a baobab tree using a razor blade. That’s what the comedians are doing.

The tragicomedy is that these ex-officials, who are joined on their dusty path by disgruntled anti-IBA bigots, are fighting a war that ended months ago. They scream “down with IBA” while ignoring the reality on the ground: the IBA has already restructured, establishing IBA Africa, stripping old, stagnant structures of their power.

These gifted comedians have rejected the legitimacy of reforms, calling for a “unity” that only isolates them further.

Behaving like punch-drunk boxers, the comedians have dug their heads deep in the sand, ignoring the glaring fact that IBA has moved to a centralized model, placing all operational authority in the hands of the IBA Continental Operations Desk.

They are simply fighting a “shadow” of the past, unaware that the IBA is already collaborating with IBA Africa Interim President General Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo with an intention to provide funds for the smooth operation of the new management structure and organise tournaments which will financially empower African boxers.

The funniest, and saddest part? These officials are desperately trying to align with splinter groups, oblivious to the fact that the broader boxing landscape has shifted.

While they fight their own shadow, the IBA has moved forward, and the supposed “conflict” they are fueling is a relic of the past.

They are like boxers who don’t hear the final bell, still swinging, still looking for a fight, while the crowd has already left the arena to watch the main event.

The bitter truth to the comedians is that the IBA and WB are no longer in conflict they’re fuelling, and with the new centralized structure, the old AFBC executive has zero functional power. They’re now in the deep waters of shark-infested ocean crying for help before being ripped apart.

The “fight” against the IBA is now just a sad, solitary dance—a performance of outrage that does nothing to the inevitable progress of African boxing under new unified management led by General Luyoyo. They are not fighting the IBA; they are fighting their own irrelevance. And in this fight, the shadow is winning.

At WB-affiliated African Boxing, they actually have no clout other than being mere cheer leaders while the real power barons – respected boxing leaders – are silently working towards a better future for African boxers. They’re aware that it’s only through concerted efforts that African boxing will prosper and produce world beaters.

Meanwhile, let’s keep on enjoying the daily free shows by the versatile comedians as the serious-minded African boxing leaders focus on the bigger picture.