▪️They’re both hot medal prospects in this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

April 25, 2026

The 2025 Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championship in Nairobi proved to be a defining moment for Ugandan women’s boxing, with featherweight Fatuma “The Thunder” Nabikolo and Emily Nakalema underlining their status as top-tier talents by securing gold medals.

Their dominant performances established them as essential selections for any serious coach prioritizing excellence, skill, and championship mentality in their squad when selecting his/her team for a major international tournament.

Fatuma demonstrated exceptional skill in the 57kg division, securing the gold medal with a comprehensive and clinical 5-0 victory over Congo’s Phoba Kerene in the finals, highlighting her technical superiority, confidence and endurance on the continental stage.

Emily Nakalema showcased natural power in the ring, notably overpowering Tanzania’s Salma Yahya to win her gold medal with a first round stoppage win, showcasing the type of aggressive, finishing capability that coaches look for in high-pressure tournaments.

The performances of Fatuma and Nakalema, along with other “Bombers” (Uganda’s national boxing team), saw Uganda leave Nairobi with a total of 15 medals, displaying superb tactical boxing that once made Uganda one of the world’s boxing superpowers.

Both Fatuma and Nakalema demonstrated that they can win when it matters most, making them key figures for future international competitions..

Their ability to manage top-tier competition and secure technical knockouts or unanimous decisions makes them undeniably the first names on a team sheet for top-level competition for any professional coach worth his/her salt.

The success of Fatuma and Nakalema during the Africa Zone 3 tournament featuring strong competition from DR Congo and Kenya, solidified their places as premier female boxers in Uganda and the wider region.

Glasgow here comes Uganda’s two fearless boxers ready to take on the best in the squared circle.

▪️Vuyolwethu has reassured her fans that this is not a permanent retirement but a strategic pause to rebuild her life outside the ring 

April 25, 2026

South African international boxing sensation Dila Vuyolwethu aka Skolo is trading her gloves for textbooks, announcing a temporary hiatus from boxing in 2026 to finalize her studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

A bronze medallist at the 2024 Africa Elite Championships, Vuyolwethu, who has previously spoken openly about overcoming a severe three-year battle with drug addiction, has made the conscious decision to pause her boxing career to prioritize education.

This academic powerhouse is set to graduate in May, 2026 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, a milestone she describes as crucial to her life’s purpose outside the ring.

“Boxing taught me how to fight, but education is teaching me how to live,” Vuyolwethu told boxersworld.co.ke following the announcement of sidestepping the ring.

Having represented South Africa in various international tournaments from 2018, Vuyolwethu has reassured fans that this is not a permanent retirement, but a strategic pause to rebuild her life and career structure.

She has confirmed her commitment to return to the squared circle in 2027, stronger and with a degree in hand. She will however move to the paid ranks.

“I have several responsibilities, that’s why I want to make some money in pro boxing,” she said but remained non-committal on whether she will rejoin the national team.

Vuyolwethu’s planned break marks a new chapter in a story of remarkable resilience, focusing on long-term sustainability rather than short-term success.

“Right now I am at the university of Cape Town furthering my education,” she told me, adding: “I will be graduating in the first week of May with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, so I’m unable to attend boxing gym as this degree course is so demanding. I spend most of my time at school from 7am to 4pm in the afternoon come back very tired and still have to plan for the following day. I have decided to take a step back from boxing for now and focus on my studies. People can expect my return to competitions in 2027 but as a professional boxer.

“My last competition was the Provincial Championships in 2025 in which I won a gold medal and crowned the best boxer. I could not go to nationals because I was busy in school.

“I also took part in the University Games but I was fighting in the bantamweight class in December, 2025 without having trained because I was busy with my final year examinations.”

In a previous interview with boxersworld.co.ke, Vuyolwethu said the 2024 season was her most successful ever, winning medals in all tournaments she participated and put the icing on the cake with her first ever medal in the African Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships held in DR Congo’s capital city, Kinshasa.

The charming and affable South African star boxer has made tremendous progression ever since she made her international debut in the Africa Youth Men’s and Women’s Championships in Casablanca, Morocco in 2018 winning a bronze medal in the flyweight division. She lost 5-0 in the semi-finals to Algeria’s Yasmine Khither.

“I was still new in the international stage, some sceptics expected me to fold back but I was confident, I just lacked experience,” Vuyolwethu told boxersworld.co.ke on her impressive show in Morocco.

“I was so excited winning a medal in my debut for my country.”

After the Africa Youth Championships in Morocco, Vuyolwethu, then 18 years old, maintained her consistency, winning flyweight gold in the Mandela Centenary youth tournament featuring Swaziland and Lesotho in Eastern Cape. Her brilliant performance also earned her the best boxer award in the female category.

Vuyolwethu’s ascendancy in 2018 continued unabated, winning her second gold medal in Region Five Games in Botswana.

She graduated to the national senior team in 2019 but a shoulder injury temporarily scuttled her relentless march to the top.

Her morale was further dampened in 2020 following the death of her beloved grandmother Ann Rose Dila.

“The death of my grand mum killed me emotionally” recalls Vuyolwethu but through her unwavering determination and resilience, she bounced back with a bang in 2021 during which she won the national title and was unbeaten in the national team selections emerging the top light-flyweight.

The steady march to glory was now unstoppable. At the inaugural International University World Cup Combat Games in Turkey she bagged a bronze medal and a silver in the Zone 4 Championships in Maputo in 2022.

Two unsuccessful attempts in the African Men’s and Women’s Championships in 2022 and 2023 toughened Vuyolwethu’s resolve to do better, culminating in her first medal – a bronze – in the premier African boxing event held in Kinshasa, DR Congo in 2024.

“I can say that’s my most memorable achievement because I didn’t win any medal in the African Championships in 2022 and 2023. Standing in the podium in Kinshasa meant a lot to me.”

Vuyolwethu was defeated 4-1 in the minimumweight semi-finals by Morocco’s debutant El Harouad Hafsa but she was not convinced.

“They robbed me I won the fight, the Moroccan did nothing in the ring,” said Vuyolwethu who also won a silver medal in the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup in Durban.

▪️The Zone 4 event will take place in Namibia’s northern province town of Katima Mulilo from May 3-11

April 24, 2026

The gloves are off and the stakes are high as Namibia prepares to host the prestigious IBA Africa Zone 4 Boxing Championships from May 3–11, 2026.

For nine intense days, the northern province town of Katima Mulilo will become the epicenter of regional pugilism, featuring the best emerging and established talent from across Southern Africa.

The Secretaty-General of IBA Africa Zone 4, Taolo Tlouetsile, confirmed Namibia will host the 2026 event for Southern African countries.

“I can confirm that the preparations are going well. We received positive feedback from NFs,” Taolo told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview from Botswana.

He went on: “We hope the turnout will be much better from the previous edition. We have the support from IBA Africa to train coaches and R & Js.” We’ll have certification courses for IBA Star 1 for coaches and the IBA Star 1 and 2 for R & Js.”

Taolo said the following eight countries have confirmed participation:

1. Namibia 🇳🇦 13 men and 8 women

2. Malawi 🇲🇼 3 men and 2 women, 1 manager and 1 coach

3. Lesotho 🇱🇸 8 men and 4 women, executive rep, 1 manager, and 3 coaches

4. Zambia 🇿🇲 9 men and 8 women

5. Seychelles 🇸🇨 4 men, and 2 coaches

6. Comoros 🇰🇲 waiting for their team list

7. Eswatini 🇸🇿 waiting for their list

8. SANABO 🇿🇦 waiting for their list

Defending champions Mozambique is among the six countries yet to confirm participation. Here they are:

1. Botswana 🇧🇼

2. Madagascar 🇲🇬

3. Mauritius 🇲🇺

4. Mozambique 🇲🇿

5. Angola 🇦🇴

6. Zimbabwe

Mozambique won the five-nation 2025 Zone 4 Championships in Maputo with 10 gold, five silver and three bronze medals. Eswatini placed second 5-3-8 followed by Botswana 2-2-3, Lesotho 2-1-5 and wooden spoonists Seychelles 1-1-0.

Glamour girls Alcinda Dos Santos and Rady Gramane and Armando Sigauque were among the international boxers who won the 10 gold medals.

Alcinda defeated Eswatini’s Lindelwa Fakundze at light-middleweight in the finals, middleweight Gramane beat compatriot Rabia Pedro and Sigauque outpointed Lesotho’s Toka Litabe..

Mozambique therefore enters the ring with a massive target on their back, having cemented their status as a regional powerhouse. However, Namibia—fueled by a passionate home crowd and a desire to dominate on home soil—promises to turn the ring into a fortress.

With local pride on the line and elite bragging rights at stake, this tournament is set to be a war for regional supremacy.

▪️Bertal and compatriot Africa flyweight champion Issam Bensayar won their first fights in the ongoing World Boxing Cup in Brazil

April 23, 2026

Putting behind a shaky start in the ongoing World Boxing Cup in Brazil, Morocco’s world bantamweight champion Widad Bertal (pictured) and Africa flyweight champion Issam Bensayar won their opening bouts on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Bertal beat Hungary’s Hanna Lakotoa 5-0 in women’s bantamweight.

Known for her aggressive ring craft and showboating, Bertal didn’t just win; she commanded the ring, displaying relentless agility and precision, proving that her technical brilliance is unmatched on the global stage as seen in winning gold at the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Serbia.

Bertal’s compatriot, Issam Bensayar, who is the reigning Africa flyweight champion, proved his mettle by matching the high energy of his teammate, navigating a challenging bout with strategic movement and decisive striking to ensure the Moroccan flag flew high with a convincing 5-0 victory over Ireland’s Louis Rooney.

The other Moroccans in action on Day Three, Africa light-middleweight champion Saida Lahmidi and middleweight Akram El Massmoudi lost their fights with the latter losing 5-0 to Brazil’s Thauan Silva and Saida going down 4-0 to China’s world champion Liu Yang, a gold medallist in the welterweight division at the 2023 Women’s World Championships and Paris Olympics silver medallist. She also won silver at the 2019 Women’s World Championships.

boxersworld.co.ke

▪️Only two Moroccan boxers, two-time African champion Yasmine Mouttaki and Wissal Fakhit have won their fights 

▪️The results so far show four African countries Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya are in Brazil for the World Boxing Cup

April 22, 2026

The dreams of 13 African boxers died on Brazilian canvas in the opening stages of the World Boxing Cup in Foz Do Iguaca, Brazil.

They arrived in South America representing the grit of their respective nations, but have been left with the heavy lessons of elite global competition.

The tournament, aimed at testing the world’s best, turned into a harsh reality check for the African hopefuls.

The tactical superiority of seasoned European and South American fighters left little room for error. One by one, the African pugilists were forced to succumb to judges’ decisions or forced stoppages, their journey ending far earlier than anticipated.

Only two African boxers – all Moroccans – have chalked up victories in the first two days, April 20 and April 21, 2026.

The two all Moroccan winners are two-time African champion flyweight Yasmine Mouttaki (pictured) and minimumweight Wissal Fakhir who stopped Tunisia’s Wafa Hafsi in the third round while Mouttaki, world bronze medallist in 2023, was on top her game beating Mexico’s Valeria Ameparan.

The 13 boxers eliminated are lightweight Imad Azoui, middleweight Mounia Toutire, light-middleweight Reda Enniche, bantamweight Othman Chadghour and light-welterweight Ellalouva Mohamed all of them from Morocco..

Others are light-heavyweight Youssef Rafrafi,minimumweight Wafa Hafsi, featherweight Islem Ferchichi, flyweight Nour El Houda, light-welterweight Hussein Atia all Tunisians, Egypt’s light-heavyweight Fares Elsharkam, Libyans heavyweight Adim Adel and light-welterweight Salah Aldeen.

The results highlight the glaring, urgent need for more high-profile international exposure and specialized coaching in the technical nuances of the sport in Africa.

There will be no medals for the 13 boxers. Yet, in the silent, empty changing rooms of Brazil, the groundwork for the next generation was laid. They came as hopefuls, and they return as battle-hardened carrying the bitter taste of defeat that, for some, will fuel a fire for a stronger, smarter comeback.

boxersworld.co.ke

▪️All 14-member countries of the IBA Africa Zone 3 are expected to participate in this championship held in Nairobi in 2025

April 22, 2026

Gabon’s capital city Libreville will host the 2026 IBA Africa Zone 3 Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships from May 23-31.

“We’re all set to host this important event in our capital city,” Gabon Boxing Federation Secretary-General Paul Ilengou told boxersworld.co.ke in a telephone interview from Libreville.

“We thank our government for accepting to support us host the Zone 3 Championships,” he said, adding that they expect all the 14-member countries to attend.

The IBA Africa Zone 3 member countries are Kenya, DR Congo, Tanzania, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Ethiopia, Somalia, Gabon, Uganda, Rwanda, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic.

IBA Africa Zone 3 Championships is classified as AOB 1-Star Category, and will be officiated by International Technical Officials (ITO) and IBA certified officials.

Participant’s duration for registration is between April 13-May 6.

As per regulations of the championships, teams having 8-10 boxers will be allowed six coaches, 4 boxers five coaches, 2-3 boxers four coaches and one boxer three coaches.

The 2025 IBA Zone 3 Boxing Championships in Nairobi attracted eight member countries.

For the third year running DR Congo won the championships with 12 gold, four silver and four bronze medals followed by Kenya 5-11-8, Uganda 5-4-6, Cameroon 2-0-3, Tanzania 1-4-9, Ethiopia 0-1-2, Gabon 0-0-3 and Rwanda 0-0-2.

▪️Boxers have historically struggled to adapt to the art of scoring points compared to European, Asian and American boxers. They land shots some of which do not translate into points, using unnecessary power against their technically superior opponents 

April 21, 2026

Africa’s technical undoing in boxing stems from a combination of outdated training methods, lack of exposure to modern scoring systems, and inadequate infrastructure compared to international counterparts.

Despite producing immense natural talent, many African boxers struggle at elite levels due to technical and tactical shortcomings.

Key Technical and Tactical Shortcomings: Focus on Power Over Technique

African boxers often prefer to land strong, isolated blows, while modern international boxing favors speed, high volume of punches per minute, and combinations.

Lack of Ring Craft and Movement

There is a noted deficiency in mastering footwork, movement and coordination between different parts of the body.

Poor Management of Early Rounds

Many fighters struggle with, or fail to start strong in, the first round, often putting them at a significant point deficit early in, for example, World Championship bouts.

Inability to Adapt to Scoring Trends

Boxers have historically struggled to adapt to the art of scoring points compared to European, Asian and American boxers. They land shots that do not translate into points, particularly when competing against more experienced European or American opponents.

Structural and Educational Issues: Unqualified Coaching Personnel

Many local boxing clubs, particularly in developing areas, are run by individuals with limited formal training or technical experience. This mostly happens at the rudimentary stage where the basics are not properly taught to the newcomers not to mention a tendency by some coaches to rush boxers to spar when they have not mastered other basics eg throwing a jab. This is a critical area that has to be addressed urgently. Once the basics are not well disseminated, a boxer is half-baked.

Lack of exposure

A shortage of international friendlies and tournaments prevents boxers from gaining the necessary experience and ring craft to compete at the Olympic or world level.

Neglect of Education & Development

Development programs for coaches, referees, and judges are frequently overlooked, holding back the overall tactical development of the sport.

Lack of Sponsorship/Resources

Poor funding and sponsorship, particularly in amateur leagues limits the ability to train for international standards. There’s need for NFs to source for funding to improve on their local tournaments because the government and the international bodies cannot do everything for them. Improving means introducing cash incentives to inspire the boxers especially in this era of commercialisation in sports.

North vs Sub-Saharan Africa

While North African boxers often have better exposure and better performances, they have still, at times, suffered from similar technical gaps when compared to the highest international standards.

Attempts at Improvement on Grassroots Development

Initiatives like Kenya’s “Ndondi Mashinani” aim to take boxing to the local level to uncover and train talent early from the grassroots. However, such initiatives are most of the time hampered by inadequate funding to achieve the desired results.

Updated Tactics

Coaches are increasingly trying to address the need for improved speed, movement, and punch volume to align with modern, fast-paced tournament formats but at times the boxers themselves become the problem in failure to grasp what they’re taught while others once in the ring they panic, completely forgetting what the coaches taught them in the gym.

Challenges in Modernizing

Infrastructure

A critical lack of modern training facilities prevents effective training in new techniques. Interestingly, some of Africa’s top boxers such as Kenya’s two-time Olympic medallist Philip Waruinge, 1978 world champion Steve Muchoki, Seoul Olympic gold medallist Robert Wangila, Uganda’s former world champ Ayub Kalule, Ghana’s ex-WBC champ Azumah Nelson, Nigeria’s Hogan “Kid” Bassey, 1978 world champ Davidson Andeh and Dick Tiger conquered the world despite training and preparing for major events in gyms which lacked modern equipment. Here we can argue there’s that breed of boxers who were naturally gifted in boxing and even excelled in overseas tournaments with minimal exposure. This breed is rare these days.

Administrative Hurdles

Delays in organizing regular, high-quality continental competitions hinder progress but from what we’ve seen there’s another hurdle: even if tournaments in Africa are increased, attendance will not rise owing to insufficient funding to enable teams travel for these tournaments as a result of inadequate funding from their respective governments which just fund travel and accommodation but don’t bother on preparations. Unless African governments invest on thorough preparation of their teams and regular exposure, their boxers will find it difficult to excel in global championships and at the Olympics not to mention proper diet. It’s important for African teams to have nutritionists and psychologists in their teams especially during preparations.

Research, media and statistics

While boxing federations in the West and other continents are very serious on research, engaging the media and statistics, in most African countries this is an area neglected since time immemorial and it’s difficult to change the mindset of some of them now owing to little commitment on those charged with managing the sport. The media is a crucial component for boxing’s progress. This is where the International Boxing Association (IBA) stands heads and shoulders above most sports organisations in the world for recognizing the media as an important development partner especially digital media in this modern era of digitization.

Obsession for power at the expense of developing boxers

This is another big hurdle facing African boxing. Some administrators are just hungry for power but don’t bother on what it takes to develop their boxers to world class level with some of them feeling they’re more important than the boxers. Yet even when they have that power, they just become drunk with it but do very little to improve the sport. Their power struggle creates camps and hatred, thus wasting a lot of time gossiping and plotting for the downfall of their perceived enemies and ridiculing those in power instead of joining hands to focus on important progressive issues collectively. Others will spend most of their time yapping on social media platforms without any concrete agenda on boxing development. Their passion and genuine love for boxing is artificial, and this further compounds Africa’s development agenda in boxing.

▪️Issa “Fighter” Faki is the boxer to beat in the bantamweight division, and says he’s ready for the challenge as several top Tanzanian boxers parade for this eagerly awaited event starting today in Dar es Salaam

April 21, 2026

The Tanzanian boxing scene is buzzing with anticipation as the nation’s leading boxers gear up for a major showdown, with all eyes on the rising talent, Issa Faki, a pre-quartefinalist at the 2025 IBA Men’s Championships in Dubai and a bronze medalist in the Africa Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi.

Over 50 boxers converge today, April 21, 2026, at the Dar es Salaam Police Academy for the National Open Men’s and Women’s Championships.

Among the clubs to feature in the six-day tournament include Ngome, JKT, Magereza, Police and teams from other regions in Tanzania. This is the premier boxing tournament in Tanzania.

Top international boxers will also be in action among them Issa Faki who is currently riding high and the talk of town in Dar es Salaam following his historic achievement at the 2025 Men’s World Championships in Dubai where he became the first ever Tanzanian boxer in 51 years to win a bout in this prestigious boxing championship watched worldwide on IBA’s Channel.

Faki also became the second Tanzanian boxer to reach the Round of 16 in the World Championships.

Legendary Emmanuel Mlundwa, dubbed the Father of pro boxing in Tanzania, is the first boxer from East Africa’s most populous and largest nation to win at that level in the inaugural World Boxing Championships in 1974 in Havana, Cuba, when he outpointed Puerto Rico’s Alfredo Pereira in the Round of 32 at light-flyweight.

“It was such an inspiring moment for me and the rest of Tanzania more so because all my other teammates lost in their first fights,” recalls Mlundwa who is revered in his country for introducing pro boxing in 1982, and is now the Director of Pugilistic Syndicate of Tanzania (PST).

Mlundwa lost in the Round of 16 to Cuba’s eventual gold medallist Jorge Hernandez who beat Kenya’s Steve Muchoki in the finals.

And 51 years later, 22-year-old Faki equalled Mlundwa’s achievement.

Pitted against Sultan Al-Nuaim of United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Round of 32 at the Dubai Worlds, Faki ignited a wave of celebrations in the boxing fraternity in his country putting up an explosive show of strength and courage to stop the UAE boxer in the second round after subjecting him to two standing eight counts.

The Tanzanian boxing sensation imprinted his name into the history books, even though his remarkable journey concluded in the Round of 16.

Faki displayed exceptional skill, courage and composure against Kazakhstan’s Saken Bibossinov, the world’s No. 7 ranked bantamweight (54kg) fighter who won gold in the 2021 World Championships and a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Although he bowed out on points, Faki’s spirited performance signalled a breakthrough moment for Tanzanian boxing on the global stage.

Fresh off a monumental performance, Faki enters this year’s National Championship with a massive target on his back, facing the stiff task of proving that his international breakout wasn’t a fluke. He’s definitely under intense pressure because he’s the boxer to beat in the bantamweight class with several promising upcoming boxers aiming to dislodge him.

Faki will rely on his heavy right cross combined with the resilience and gritty stamina to get the better of his opponents.

His rise has been hailed as a good omen for the sport in Tanzania, displaying the potential for local boxers to effectively compete with the world’s best.

As the national championships start today, the focus is not just on winning, but on demonstrating the hard work and discipline needed for international success.

Will Faki’s strength allow him to dominate the national arena, or will the stiff challenge from rising regional talents prove too overwhelming?

It’s a battle of nerves for Faki Fighter who told boxersworld.co.ke he’s equal to the big task ahead.

“I know all the boxers in my weight want to make a name by defeating me but I’m telling them to be ready for war, I’ve trained very well and ready for them to prove I’m the best,” said Faki who burst into the limelight in the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi, winning a bronze medal in his international debut, and went on to punch his way to the pre-quarters in the Dubai Worlds.

“I couldn’t just believe it reaching round of 16, I felt big and a valuable contributor to Tanzanian boxing,” recalls Faki.

“I’m satisfied with my performance against Bibossinov, he’s a good boxer but I contained him even shaking him for a count of eight. Let him know next time we meet he will have it rough.

“The World Championships is a big event I felt proud taking part alongside other established boxers. It’s not an easy championship you need to be courageous and daring as well as preparing thoroughly.”

Comparing the standard of the African boxers with others from the dominant nations, Faki says the gap is not that big.

“What I noticed technically they’re above us especially on boxing skills and speed.

“The big lesson I learned in Dubai is that a boxer has to always in shape and prepared for any challenge.

“I thank my coach Saidi Jeba for preparing me well and coach Samwel Batman Kapungu whom I really thank for his expert guidance against the UAE boxer, without Batman I would not have won the fight.

“Sultan was a good boxer, strong with a powerful right punch and effective from a distance but I subdued him fighting close from the inside using my short right uppercut that destabilised him.”

Faki’s boxing journey started in 2022 on completion of his education at Mwapachu Secondary School in Tanga where he was born. His friend Kasimu Komando encouraged him to try his hand in boxing. At first Faki had no coach he used to train by himself at home.

“My friend Komando knew my dream was to become a soldier and told me you can’t join the army without any skill advising me to train hard to be a good boxer if I want to be a soldier,” says Faki.

“In 2023 is when I started training seriously under my first coach Hussein Shella. We were just a few boxers training outside his house. The most difficult part in our training was sparring, that’s when I felt the pain of a punch when I sparred for the first time against a boxer called Salmin Mizinga.”

Faki recalls the sparring with Mizinga ended with a swelled upper part of his eye. This did not go down well with his parents.

“My dad and mum were not amused seeing me with a swollen eye, they told me to stop boxing but I was not convinced. I continued attending training sessions under our coach Shella, I now wanted to be better than Mizinga.

“The first time to take part in a boxing competition known as Mtaa Kwa Mtaa was in early 2024. I lost to Issa Shabaan from Fitness Gym. The next day I met my second opponent again from Fitness Gym whom I defeated on points.”

In October, 2024, Faki decided to part company with Shella and joined Jeba Boxing Gym under the leadership of Nelson Mtunguja and coach Saidi Jeba.

“That’s where I took my next step in my determination to succeed in boxing. Towards the end of 2024 BFT organised a club tournament. My club Jeba participated, my coach Saidi Jeba escorted me to the ring, I lost to Issa Shabani. This is where I got my nickname Fighter from the leader of my club Jeba.”

Faki’s breakthrough came in 2025 during the National Club Championships. He first saw off Aziz Chala from Police and in the final he TKO’d Hussein Chombe of JWTZ to become the bantamweight champion, winning a gold medal and a trophy for the best boxer of the tournament.

Faki’s impressive performance did not go unnoticed. Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT) President Lukello Willilo, Secretary-General Makore Mashaga and national team coach Samwel Batman Kapungu included him in the national team for the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi.

Inspired by BFT’s recognition of his boxing potential, Faki did not let them down. He got a bye8 to the semi-finals, losing to DR Congo’s Bakora Kalongo.

▪️Newly-appointed patron Nono Kgafela-Mokoka accepted her role, and made it clear that her support would go beyond title, pledging to actively contribute to the growth of boxing in Botswana

April 19, 2026

The Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) officially launched the National Boxing League, Event 1 of Season 1, at Molefi Senior Secondary School Hall in Mochudi on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

A key highlight of the event was the appointment of Honourable Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, as the new Patron of BoBA. In her remarks, she spoke with genuine passion about the sport, drawing from her own experience as a former boxing referee and judge.

She shared how boxing has always been close to her, describing it as more than just a sport, but a space that builds discipline, resilience and strong character in young people. Accepting the role, she made it clear that her support would go beyond title, pledging to actively contribute to the growth of boxing in Botswana.

The launch was attended by Senior Vice President BNOC Mr. Mthandazo M. Moroka, BoBA President Mr. Dirang Thipe and his committee and members of the Mochudi leadership, reflecting both institutional and community support for the sport.

The Minister also welcomed the introduction of the league, saying it creates a much-needed platform for structured competition and talent development. She encouraged athletes to take the opportunity seriously, stay disciplined and give their best.

▪️She promises to play an active role in the development of the sport in Botswana to empower the youth through this popular combat sport in Africa

April 20, 2026

“Boxing is more than just a sport. It teaches discipline, respect, focus, and perseverance, values that are essential in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders.”

These were the opening remarks by Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, Minister of Child Welfare & Basic Education and Patron of the Botswana Boxing Association, at the official launch of the National Boxing League on April 18, 2026.

The event, held at Molefi Senior Secondary School, marked a historic step towards structured and consistent boxing competition in Botswana.

Speaking at the launch, BoBA President Dirang Thipe said the League represents a shift from irregular tournaments to a more organised system.

“This is not just another event. This is the beginning of a new era,” he said.

“We are introducing a structured and competitive platform that will keep our boxers active and improve performance.”

The National Boxing League will see 16 clubs from across the country compete in a round robin format across 7 weight categories in both elite men and women divisions.

It’s expected to run through to August 2026, providing consistent competition and a clear pathway for athlete development.

The Minister also welcomed the initiative, highlighting its role in youth development and grassroots growth.

“I am encouraged by the focus on young athletes. This initiative creates opportunities and aligns with our national goals of empowering youth,” she said.

The launch also included the official unveiling of the Minister as Patron, bringing both leadership and experience to the sport, having previously served as a Referee and Judge.

With strong participation and competitive bouts on the opening day, the League has already set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and impactful season.

The Botswana Boxing Association believes the League will play a key role in raising the standard of boxing and creating a clear pathway for future champions.

Saturday, April 18, 2026, will be remembered as the historic beginning of a new era for boxing in Botswana.