▪️”I’m paving the way for upcoming boxers to concentrate on pro boxing, I’m aiming to become WBC champion,” says Kabeji
November 3, 2026
KINSHASA — The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Peter Pita Kabeji—the first boxer in history to win four consecutive gold medals at the Africa Elite Boxing Championships—has officially retired from amateur boxing to turn professional.
The 26-year-old Kabeji has signed with domestic outfit Luyoyo Promotions and will compete in the professional light-heavyweight division.
Kabeji permanently etched his name into the record books on October 31, 2026, at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Moving up to the heavyweight division for the tournament, the Congolese captain defeated Uganda’s Ebony Emmy Abel via a dominant second-round stoppage to secure his fourth consecutive continental crown.
“It is a true pleasure for me to become the first boxer to win four consecutive titles,” Kabeji told boxersworld.co.ke in an exclusive interview.
Reflecting on the historic tournament, which featured a record-breaking 171 boxers from 28 nations, Kabeji singled out Cameroon’s towering, Russia-based Tobie Ongolo Luis as his toughest opponent. Kabeji narrowly outpointed Ongolo in a grueling semifinal clash before capturing gold in the final.
“I have moved to pro boxing and will be fighting under Luyoyo Promotions in the light-heavyweight class, I aim to win WBC world title,” Kabeji explained, noting that the transition was fueled by a desire for greater competitive tests.
“I want the challenges of the bare-chested game, but I also want to pave the way for upcoming boxers to step up and represent the national team.”
As DR Congo’s most decorated amateur boxer of the modern era, Kabeji’s historic run spanned three different weight classes over four years:
• 2022 (Maputo): Won his first Africa light-heavyweight gold by outpointing Morocco’s Mohamed Assaghir.
• 2023 (Yaoundé): Defended his light-heavyweight crown against Congo Brazzaville’s Ngamissengue Mpi Anauel.
• 2024 (Kinshasa): Stepped up to cruiserweight to defeat Morocco’s Ahmed Badrani.
• 2026 (Kinshasa): Moved up to heavyweight, stopping Uganda’s Ebony Emmy Abel in the second round.
When asked about the phenomenal rise of Congolese boxing—which saw the host nation capture an unprecedented 17 gold medals at the 2026 championships—Kabeji credited a mixture of discipline and institutional backing.
“We work hard, and we are disciplined. We also have an excellent technical bench that truly understands the sport,” Kabeji said.
“Our federation president, General Ilunga Luyoyo, has contributed immensely to the developing of Congolese boxing inspiring boxers. Thanks to his efforts, government support, and the relentless hard work of our coaches, we have come this far.”
The historic milestone marks the end of a long amateur journey that began at home in Lubumbashi where he started boxing in 2010 at Club Gorille de Lubumbashi under coach Marcel Tshizubu.
“My first international competition was in Algeria at the 2018 African Youth Games,” Kabeji recalled. “I won the gold medal there after winning both of my fights.”
That early success in Algeria set the baseline for an illustrious career. He graduated to the senior national team for the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco, where he punched his way to the finals and returned home with a hard-fought silver medal—the definitive launching pad for a legacy forged in gold.
Clockwise: I'm psyched up for jab jab in the stadium that hosted the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle, my buddy Akim and pub owner Janet, Papa Wemba statues, Tata Raphael statue, one of the popular joints in Matonge known as Makola Muana Kin, Tata Raphael Stadium where Ali KO'd Foreman in 1974, mouth-watering fish from Congo River and makemba
▪️The most distinctive features at Matonge is the famous stadium which hosted the Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman Rumble in the Jungle blockbuster in 1974 and a statue of renowned Congolese musician Papa Wemba
November 3, 2026
If Kinshasa is the beating heart of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, then Matonge is its soul. Situated in the Kalamu municipality, this legendary neighborhood is often described as the true capital within the capital. It is a place where the streets never sleep, and the boundary between life and music completely dissolves.
Step into Matonge on any given weekend, and your senses are immediately flooded. It is a beautiful, unapologetic sensory overload. The neighborhood is famous for hosting the busiest, liveliest, and loudest public pubs in the city. Here, the clinking of cold drinks mixes with the roar of laughter and the aroma of street food. But above all, there is the music.
A visit to Kinshasa without sampling night life at Matonge is incomplete.
So, on Sunday after a hectic schedule in the Africa Elite Boxing Championships, I decided to sample Matonge’s light life accompanied by my buddy Katshi Tshitebwa, also known as Akim by friends and relatives.
Akim is also playing the role of my guide because he’s fluent in English and the local language lingala.
We order food, and he explains further: “This is braai fish called “Thomson”, plus fried banana known “makemba” and salads as compliments.
“Among the favourite food for the Congolese is pap accompanied by beans, cassava leaves,” he tells me as we seep popular beer in DR Congo Primus and Tembo waiting for our braai fish and makemba.
We have settled at Depot Terrasse pub owned by smart business lady, Janet Kankolongo, whose eatery is next to her pub where we ordered our food.
She’s such a warm lady, makes us comfortable as I converse with her in the limited lingala I know then I’m lost. We stop there amid a hearty laughter.
I ask Janet about business in Matonge.
“I’ve been having this pub in Matonge, precisely in 57th avenue du Stade for
10 years now,” she says.
“It used to be a very profitable business back in time but things are not okay especially after the Covid pandemic. Then the government decided to demolish the roofs of our open pubs, and now it’s more difficult to have many people in when it rains, or when it’s hot.
“We would like the government to let us work freely, build back our tents to beautify our business premises.”
All of a sudden I see Janet engaged in a heated exchange of words with one her customers. Since the verbal jabs are in lingala I later ask her what was the problem.
“This man is a regular attendant here, I’m mad with him because he has not repaid a soft loan I gave him,” Janet tells me.
“Now he wants beer on credit yet he has not paid back my money!,” an angry Janet responds as I cool her down.
Meanwhile, our chit chat on Matonge with Akim is getting more interesting.
“Matonge has many popular joints for tourists to enjoy themselves,” Akim says.
“There’s Terrasse Chez Jeannet, Staff Bana Kin, Chez Matou, the placemats is unique for its vibe by night is unmatched,” says Akim, introducing his cute wife Magalie Bangu and baby girl Candice Tshitebwa who have just joined us, wondering how come he’s so fluent in English than most of his countrymen.
“I did all my studies in Kinshasa, and my degree in HRM in Cape Town, in the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT),” Akim tells me. His exposure in South Africa was a valuable experience.
The vibrancy at Matonge is breathtaking. I’m hooked already because they play my favourite lingala music. I feel at home and sing along with some of them the popular remix Kitamata by icon Fally Ipupa originally done by the late celebrated singer of TP OK Jazz Josky Kiambukuta. Music is the lifeline of most Congolese. Little wonder I spot one of enjoying lingala songs from his portable system he has carried to the pub.
Tata Raphael Stadium, venue of the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle world heavyweight title fight between Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman
In the opposit joint near ours, young girls cannot control their urge to gyrate their hips to Koffie Olomide’s Papa Mobimba. As I enjoy their eye-catching dancing styles they smile and I do the same to encourage them. The Congolese are damn good dancers. To them dancing is a way of life. Encouragingly, they listen to no other music other than their own songs by their celebrated
musicians.
I find myself on my feet shaking a leg too. It seems Kitamata and Primus are taking their toll on me. Then Akim tells me about the controversy ignited by Ipupa’s remix of the song.
“Fally did the song without the blessing of Josky’s family, generating the controversy between him and Josky’s family,” Akim explains
“People love Fally’s remix more than the original song by Josky. A few months after it was released, Fally had to delete it from all his music platforms due to a misunderstanding with the late Josky’s family but I’m told the issue has now been sorted out amicably, a testament to the love the Congolese have for each other.”
Matonge is globally recognized as the soul of music in Kinshasa. As the weekend rolls in, the neighborhood transforms into a massive open-air amphitheater. Live bands set up on almost every corner, tuning their guitars and testing their microphones. Within hours, the infectious rhythms of Congolese Rumba and Soukous echo through the night, drawing residents and visitors alike into an unstoppable dance.
“At times we’re spoilt for choice which band we go dance their songs because our musicians are so good, we’re proud of them,” says Akim.
*Papa Wemba statue and Rumble in the Jungle boxing venue significant features*
You cannot truly understand Matonge without understanding its royalty. Standing proudly as a guardian of this musical empire is the statue of Papa Wemba. The legendary musician, fashion icon, and pioneer of Viva La Musica is immortalized here, reminding everyone of his eternal reign. Papa Wemba was affectionately known as the King of Molokai Village—a title that is deeply woven into the very geography of Matonge.
In fact, MOLOKAI is a clever acronym representing the core avenues that define the neighborhood:
M for Avenue Masimanimba, O for Avenue Oshwe, L for Avenue Lokolama, K for Avenue Kanda-Kanda and I for Avenue Inzia
These streets form the cultural matrix where modern Congolese subcultures, fashion movements like La Sape, and musical revolutions were born and bred.
Matonge’s legendary status is further cemented by its proximity to a monument of global sports history: the iconic Stade Tata Raphaël. Just a stone’s throw away, this stadium hosted the greatest boxing match of the 20th century—the legendary 1974 Rumble in the Jungle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The echoes of that historic fight still seem to linger in the air, adding to the neighborhood’s undeniable aura of greatness.
I revisit the stadium – formerly known as May 20 Stadium – having been there the last time I was in Kinshasa in 2024. As you enter inside the stadium, outside stands the statue of Tata Raphael (1890-1956) who was a Belgian missionary priest and a pioneer of education, scouting, and modern sports in Kinshasa (then Léopoldville).
Matonge is more than just a geographic location on a map of Kinshasa. It is an experience, a lifestyle, and a living museum of African culture. From the historic dust of Stade Tata Raphaël to the dazzling lights of its modern nightlife, it remains a place where history is revered, and the music never stops playing.
▪️This gradual ascent on the canvas is the result of a deliberate, long-term strategic plan orchestrated by the boss of Congolese Boxing Federation and IBA Africa Interim President, General Ilunga Luyoyo, alongside National Technical Director Toussaint Lofanga and assistant national coach Ilunga Baoba
November 3, 2026
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially solidified its status as the undisputed king of African boxing, shattering continental records on home soil.
Concluding on October 31, 2026, at the Stade des Martyrs Gymnasium in Kinshasa, the 2026 IBA Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships bore witness to a historic performance. The DRC team captured an unprecedented haul of 17 gold, 1 silver, and 6 bronze medals, culminating in a record total of 24 medals. This spectacular achievement eclipsed previous standards and marked a monumental leap forward for the Leopards, who finished as runners-up in both the 2023 and 2024 editions.
The driving force of this historic haul was a clean sweep by the Congolese women’s squad, who captured nine gold medals—including standout performances by defending champions Benedicte Diyoka (48kg) and Merveille Mbalayi Mbamba (63kg). Not to be outdone, the men’s squad won eight gold medals, spearheaded by dominant victories from seasoned icons David Tshama (75kg) and Peter Pita Kabeji (92kg).
The relentless ascent (2022–2026)
The modern era of Congolese boxing dominance has been defined by a well executed geometric ascent up the medal standings:
• 2022 (Maputo): The foundation was poured as the DRC finished 5th overall with a 2-3-4 medal tally, sparked by early continental titles from David Tshama (middleweight) and Pita Kabeji (light-heavyweight).
• 2023 (Yaoundé): The Leopards climbed to the 2nd spot overall, collecting a 5-6-4 medal haul to finish closely behind powerhouse Morocco.
• 2024 (Kinshasa & beyond): The DRC maintained its runner-up momentum behind Morocco on home soil (9-5-7), while simultaneously winning the inaugural Mandela Cup in Durban with a fierce 10-3-6 collection and finishing fourth at the African Games in Accra 2-5-4 to signal their expanding depth.
• 2026 (Kinshasa): Total supremacy. The host nation conquered 68% of all available gold medals in the tournament to sit standalone at the apex of African boxing. It will be interesting to see which country will better the astounding 17-gold medal harvest in Kinshasa.
A Heritage forged in gold
This modern-day golden age beautifully mirrors the country’s profound boxing lineage. The DRC’s very first taste of continental glory dates back to its debut at the 1968 African Boxing Championships in Lusaka, Zambia, where lightweight pioneer Cédar Sindo defeated Nigeria’s Dela Johnson in the finals. Four years later, at the 1972 Championships in Nairobi, the nation (then boxing under the flag of Zaire) placed 5th overall with one silver and three bronze medals highlighted by featherweight Mputu securing a hard-fought silver against Kenyan home favorite Sammy Mbogwa who was declared the Best Boxer.
The Luyoyo blueprint: commercializing African boxing
This phenomenal ascent on the canvas is the result of a deliberate, long-term strategic plan orchestrated by the boss of Congolese Boxing Federation and IBA Africa Interim President, General Ilunga Luyoyo, alongside National Technical Director Toussaint Lofanga and assistant national coach Ilunga Baoba.
Luyoyo’s vision seeks to rewire the African sports landscape by building sustainable economic self-reliance. Rather than treating boxing as a heavily subsidized amateur discipline or an exploitative pipeline for foreign promotional outfits, the federation has introduced a highly commercialized framework.
By seamlessly blending sovereign domestic backing with projected lucrative independent prize-money circuits—evidenced by Kinshasa independently hosting the 2024 African Elite Championships
and funding premier events without relying on traditional external international federation funding—the DRC is successfully transforming the continental boxing model.
The ultimate goal is to convert African soil into a premier destination capable of attracting elite international contenders from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, ensuring that home-grown talents no longer need to migrate abroad to achieve global prominence and financial security.
Today, the International Boxing Association (IBA) extends its warmest congratulations to its President, Umar Kremlev, on the occasion of his birthday. On behalf of the whole IBA Family, we would like to thank him for his leadership and for the care and energy he brings to the development of boxing around the world.
Mr Kremlev’s name is closely linked to the steady growth of the sport, which he treats with particular attention. Thanks to his determination and belief, more and more young athletes, coaches, referees and judges are finding their calling in boxing and building their future in the sport. He brings people, National Federations and communities together and guides them towards progress, fairness and stability.
Under his leadership, the IBA has reached a new level and broadened its work beyond competition into social and community projects, showing that boxing can offer far more than what happens between the ropes. Along the way, the organisation has continued to grow, and so have the people within it.
Dear Mr President, on this day we thank you for your honesty, perseverance and commitment to a better future, and for the faith and strength you devote to the good of sport and the people in it. Your dedication to unity and equality has brought fresh energy to boxing fans of all generations.
The IBA Family, which brings together people from every corner of the globe, wishes you good health and continued success. May your days be filled with happiness and harmony, and bring you many more moments to be proud of.
▪️He opened the doors of his elegant residence to national federation presidents, dignitaries, and special guests for a sumptuous dinner. The evening turned unforgettable when guests moved to Luyoyo’s private, fully equipped disco theater, trading their professional titles for dancing shoes
November 1, 2026
KINSHASA — The rhythm of the drums, the electric roar of thousands of boxing-mad fans, and a historic haul of gold medals marked the spectacular conclusion of the African Elite Boxing Championships on October 31, 2026.
In what is being hailed as a new dawn for African boxing, the Democratic Republic of Congo did not just host a tournament—they rewrote history, setting a jaw-dropping record of 17 gold medals.
At the heart of this boxing revolution is the visionary leadership of IBA Africa and Congolese Boxing Federation President, Ferdinand Luyoyo. From the opening bell to the final trophy presentation, Luyoyo injected a vibrant, professional energy into the tournament that has permanently elevated the sport across the continent.
The tone was set on day one with an elaborate, colorful opening ceremony that filled the arena with music, dance, and unbridled local pride. Passionate Congolese fans packed the stands, creating an intimidating yet celebratory atmosphere that fueled the athletes’ spirits.
Determined to treat the home team like world-class champions, Luyoyo went above and beyond to inspire his boxers. In an unprecedented move, he booked the entire host squad into the Pullman, Kinshasa’s premier five-star hotel. This ultimate gesture of respect and professional care paid off handsomely in the ring, as well-rested, highly motivated Congolese boxers dominated match after match.
Beyond the ring, Luyoyo’s legendary hospitality served as the perfect catalyst for unity within the African boxing family. Championing a united front for the sport, he opened the doors of his elegant residence to national federation presidents, dignitaries, and special guests for a sumptuous dinner. The evening turned unforgettable when guests moved to Luyoyo’s private, fully equipped disco theater, trading their professional titles for dancing shoes and playfully outdoing one another with their best dance moves.
Luyoyo’s deep passion for the sport is nothing new. As the founder of Luyoyo Promotions, he has long backed elite talent, managing top-tier fighters like cruiserweight star Junior Ilunga Makabu. His hands-on experience and corporate acumen have proven to the world that IBA Africa possesses the management clout and vision needed to completely reshape the landscape of African boxing.
The boxers themselves are the loudest in their praise. Three-time African middleweight champion David Tshama spoke emotionally about the federation president’s impact, crediting Luyoyo’s unwavering support, structural changes, and elite backing as the driving force behind the national team’s historic triumph and rapid rise to fame.
As the lights dim on Kinshasa 2026, the 17 gold medals shining in the DRC are a testament to what happens when raw talent meets world-class organization. Thanks to IBA Africa and Ferdinand Luyoyo, African boxing has punched its way into a glorious new era.
▪️Host DR Congo sets new record capturing a massive haul of 17 gold medals
▪️Critics demand action on R&Js involved in dubious officiating after questionable standing counts trigger a bizarre bantamweight final stoppage
▪️DRC talisman Kabeji etches his name into the history books with fourth consecutive gold medal and announces departure from amateur boxing
▪️Ngoune silences trash talk, defeats Gisele again to claim second African crown
▪️Zambia’s tiny team punches above expectations, Zimbabwe end 32-year drought and Uganda surprises boxing fraternity
▪️Mwengo Mwale – Amadu Mohamed bout fails to produce expected fireworks
November 1, 2026
Never before has a nation displayed such sheer dominance in the Africa Elite Boxing Championships as the Democratic Republic of Congo. Operating on another level, the host country shattered continental records by capturing a massive 17 gold medals from their 18 finalists in the Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships which ended on October 31, 2026.
Defending African flyweight champion Nyembo Gisele was the lone casualty among the DRC’s finalists. Gisele fell on points to her Cameroonian arch-rival, Reine Laure Ngoune, in a highly anticipated grudge match fueled by pre-fight trash talk. Ngoune outboxed the Congolese slugger by jabbing smartly and avoiding dangerous inside exchanges. The victory secured Ngoune her second African Championship title, repeating her 2023 victory over Gisele in Yaoundé.
Despite that single blemish, DR Congo easily cruised to the overall team crown with an astonishing haul of 17 gold, one silver, and six bronze medals. Cameroon finished a distant second with a 3-4-7 medal count. Bringing a lean squad of just five boxers, Zambia took third place (3-1-0), followed by Congo Brazzaville in fourth (1-5-5), and Mozambique in fifth (1-1-1).
Uganda emerged as the tournament’s surprise package. Battling administrative hurdles back home, a relatively unknown Ugandan roster fought its way to an impressive eighth-place finish, securing one silver and three bronze medals. Uganda’s sole finalist, heavyweight Ebony Emmy Abel, suffered a second-round stoppage loss to DRC’s talismanic captain, Pita Kabeji.
With this victory, Kabeji permanently etched his name into the history books as the first boxer ever to win four consecutive gold medals at the Africa Elite Championships, building on his previous titles from 2022, 2023, and 2024.
“I’m through with amateur boxing. I’m moving over to pro boxing to give upcoming youngsters a chance to shine,” Kabeji announced after his historic feat.
Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale and Ghana’s southpaw Amadu Mohamed highly touted featherweight final failed to live up to its blockbuster billing.
Mwale, a soldier by profession, fought with extreme caution after suffering a severe cut above his right eye in an earlier bout. Determined to avoid close-quarter exchanges with the powerful Ghanaian, Mwale navigated a cagey, tactical chess match to secure a points victory.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe celebrated an emotional milestone. Sending just two boxers to the tournament—minimumweight Blessing Sibanda and light-middleweight Christian Ndlovu—the duo managed to capture two bronze medals. In doing so, they shattered a painful 32-year continental medal drought for Zimbabwean boxing dating back to the 1994 Africa Elite Championships in South Africa where they won three bronze medals through the current head coach Alexander Kwangwari, the late light-heavyweight Daliso Lungu and heavyweight Ezwell Ndlovu.
A shadow over the ring: The Pina-Bakora officiating scandal
For all the superb organization, exquisite entrance aisles, and generous equipment donations provided by the International Boxing Association (IBA), the tournament was severely marred by a baffling officiating scandal in the bantamweight division and a few other bouts.
In what was widely condemned as the “black spot” of the championships, Cape Verde’s Olympic bronze medalist David Pina was denied an undisputed gold medal against DR Congo’s Kolongo Bakora.
Pina had put on a technical clinic, comfortably winning the first two rounds 5-0 and 4-1 on the judges’ scorecards. However, the third round descended into farce. The referee issued three highly controversial, uncalled-for mandatory counts against Pina for no apparent tactical reason. Under IBA rules, three counts in a single round trigger an automatic stoppage, handing Bakora a highly dubious victory.
The blatant manipulation sparked immediate outrage, violating the fundamental rule taught to international officials: to avoid unnecessary counts in close fights and never act as a biased “sixth judge.”
The Verdict: Time for the big stick
The tournament proved that the physical standard of African boxing is rising rapidly. With regular competitive events, boxers from the continent possess the raw talent and power to conquer the global stage.
However, the biased officiating remains a stumbling block holding the sport back. To safeguard the integrity of African boxing, IBA Africa must use a heavy hand to punish corrupt or incompetent officials. There is a growing consensus among federations that a stagnant pool of technical officials have overstayed their welcome. To pave the way for true progress, it is time to phase them out. No official should ever be allowed to feel indispensable.
▪️Coach Alexander Kwangwari is one of the three Zimbabwean boxers who won bronze medals in the 1994 Africa Elite Championships
October 31, 2026
Thirty-two years of waiting are officially over.
Zimbabwean boxing has punched its way back onto the continental podium, courtesy of two rising stars who refused to back down at the Africa Elite Boxing Championships in Kinshasa.
Minimumweight Bellsing Sibanda and light-middleweight Christian Ndlovu have made history, capturing two hard-fought bronze medals and ending a drought that has lasted since 1994.
Sibanda showed incredible grit in the ring, only falling in the semi-finals to Botswana’s Molatlhegho Kobamelo, who went on to take the silver. Ndlovu put on a warrior’s display before being eliminated by local favorite Disasui Yenge of the DR Congo.
In a beautiful twist of fate, the man guiding them from the corner was the very same man who last tasted continental glory for Zimbabwe. National coach Alexander Kwangwari was one of three boxers to win bronze at the 1994 Championships in Johannesburg, alongside heavyweight Ezwell Ndlovu and the late light-heavyweight Daliso Lungu.
Thirty-two years ago, Kwangwari did it as a fighter at light-middleweight. Today, he masterminded it from the corner. Big up to Sibanda, Ndlovu, and Coach Kwangwari—the drought is broken, and Zim boxing is back!
▪️The host has built an insurmountable lead, rendering Saturday’s remaining bouts a mere formality for the tournament crown
▪️Cape Verde’s David Pina denied gold through questionable officiating by Mauritian referee playing the role of “sixth judge”
▪️Zambians Albert Ngulube and Gerald Kabinda scoop two gold medals
▪️Rady Gramane grabs third gold in Africa Elite Championships
October 31, 2026
STADE DES MARTYRS, KINSHASA — In an absolute dominant Day One finals on home soil, a rampant DR Congo boxing team mathematically secured the Africa Elite Championships title on October 30, 2026, delivering an unprecedented 12-gold-medal sweep on the opening day of the continental finals.
The hosts remained completely unstoppable, sending 12 boxers into the ring—eight women and four men—and watching every single one of them emerge victorious.
The historic golden avalanche completely shattered the previous continental record set by Morocco, who clinched 10 gold medals at the 2024 edition in Kinshasa.
Zambian boxers, lightweight Albert Ngulube and welterweight Gerald Kabinda grabbed two gold medals, Mozambique (middleweight Rady Gramane) and Cameroon (women’s flyweight Nicole Moudjongue) one gold medal each. Southpaw Gramane outpointed Cape Verde’s Ivanusa Moreira to win her third gold in the African Championships having won in 2022 and 2023.
With 12 gold medals already in the bag, DR Congo has built an insurmountable lead, rendering Saturday’s remaining bouts a mere formality for the tournament crown. No other nation can catch up with them. Even with six more Congolese fighters still scheduled to step into the ring on Day Two, the party in Kinshasa has officially begun.
However, an otherwise flawless and historic day for the hosts was marred by a highly controversial officiating scandal in the bantamweight division.
While 11 of the evening’s gold medals were won with undisputed merit, the bout between Cape Verde’s Olympic bronze medalist David Pina and DR Congo’s Kolongo Bakora left a bitter taste in the arena. Pina comfortably controlled and won the opening two rounds, putting on a technical clinic that frustrated Kalongo.
The match turned into a farce in the third round when the Mauritian referee Jean Paul issued two baffling, entirely uncalled-for counts against Pina making it three counts in the last round. The blatant officiating errors sparked immediate disgust from Pina and his corner, casting a shameful shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of elite African boxing.
The third count for Pina meant he lost on stoppage since once a referee gives a boxer three counts in one round he/she is supposed to stop the fight. Usually during their courses, the referees are taught to avoid unnecessary counts especially in close fights, and are often reminded they should not be the “sixth judge.”
Despite the bantamweight controversy, the night belonged to the history-makers of DR Congo, who now look ahead to Saturday’s final sessions not as contenders, but as the undisputed, newly crowned kings and queens of African boxing.
Among the highlights in Saturday’s finals include: female flyweight DR Congo’s Nyembo Gisele vs Cameroon’s Reine Laure Ngoune, featherweight Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale vs Ghana’s Amadu Mohamed, light-heavyweight Cameroon’s Brandone Ngon A Ngon vs Congo’s Odzoua Reche and heavyweight DR Congo’s Pita Kabeji vs Uganda’s Ebong Emmy Abel.
▪️”All the Congolese were so excited—it was a level of happiness that is difficult to explain,” Mayambula told boxersworld.co.ke in Kinshasa
October 30, 2026
KINSHASA, DR Congo — Half a century ago, the eyes of the world were locked on Kinshasa for the Rumble in the Jungle.
For Nzau Mayambula, now 74 and serving as the Secretary General of the Congolese Boxing Federation, those memories remain as vivid as the floodlights of October 30, 1974.
Then a 22-year-old middleweight training under coach Ngunza Kibale at the local Kake Club, Mayambula’s entire life trajectory was reshaped by the night Muhammad Ali shocked the world by knocking out George Foreman in the eighth round to reclaim the world heavyweight crown.
Speaking from the sidelines of the Africa Elite Boxing Championships at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, Mayambula (pictured) reflected on a magical time when global music icons like James Brown and Miriam Makeba descended on the city, and the streets hummed with historic energy.
The people’s champion vs the reserved giant
“All the Congolese were excited—it was a level of happiness that is difficult to explain,” Mayambula recalls.
“That day inspired a generation of young men to take up boxing, all of them trying to imitate the two heavyweights. But Muhammad was always the favorite.”
The difference lay in how both men embraced Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). While Foreman remained reserved and detached, Ali fully immersed himself in the local culture. Though he trained out at a distant presidential estate in Nsele—requiring a long car journey to visit—Ali stayed centrally at the Grand Hotel (now the Pullman).
“Ali felt like a Congolese,” Mayambula says. “He would come right out of the hotel to speak with the ordinary people. He did his roadwork right alongside us, and they would watch us young local boxers training. During his training sessions, Ali would even lead the chants, singing ‘Ali, Boma ye!’ (Ali, kill him!) himself.”
A 6:00 pm arrival pm for a 2:00 am fight
On the night of the bout, Mayambula and his friends arrived at the Stade du 20 Mai (now Stade Tata Raphaël) at 6:00pm, despite the opening bell being scheduled for 2:00am to accommodate US closed-circuit television markets.
“My dad gave me some money to buy a ticket. I can’t remember exactly how much it cost now, but by the time we got inside, the stadium was already completely packed with people sitting everywhere, right down to the ground,” he says.
Conspicuously absent from the stadium seats was Zaire’s dictator, Mobutu Sese Seko, who had funded the record $10 million purse ($5 million for each fighter) to market his country globally. Fearing a security incident or a public coup under the global media glare, Mobutu chose to watch the historic upset via a closed-circuit feed from the safety of his palace.
A lasting boxing revolution
Ali’s legendary “rope-a-dope” tactic safely wore down the heavily favored, hard-hitting Foreman before unleashing the decisive eighth-round flurry.
For Mayambula, watching his idol mirror his own jab and dance across the ring cemented a lifelong obsession.
“The fight completely revolutionized boxing in the DRC,” Mayambula asserts. “Every young man wanted to move like Ali, fight like Ali, and be like Ali.”
Fifty-two years later, that spark has not faded. As he watches a new generation of continental talent exchange blows at the Africa Elite Championships, the Secretary General knows the foundational blocks of his federation were laid on that sweat-drenched, unforgettable morning in 1974.
▪️The new awards will celebrate media professionals who have helped bring boxing closer to audiences worldwide through compelling reporting, photography, broadcasting and social media content
October 30, 2026
IBA to recognise outstanding boxing media coverage with new awards at Global Boxing Forum
Journalists, photographers, media organisations and digital content creators will be honoured by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for their contribution to boxing coverage at the Global Boxing Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 4 December 2026.
The new awards will celebrate media professionals who have helped bring boxing closer to audiences worldwide through compelling reporting, photography, broadcasting and social media content.
They are set to reflect achievements throughout 2026, rather than focusing solely on coverage of the major IBA events scheduled for November and December.
The recognition is expected to span different areas of boxing media, from broadcasters, digital platforms and editorial teams to individual journalists, photographers and social media creators whose work has captured the drama and emotion of the sport and brought fans closer to the action.
The awards ceremony will take place during the Global Boxing Forum on 4 December, ahead of the IBA Ordinary Election Congress on 5 December.
Istanbul will host a series of major international boxing events in the weeks leading up to the Congress. The inaugural IBA President’s Cup will bring together boxers from across the globe, with competition taking place from 27 November to 4 December.
The tournament will conclude with its finals at Sinan Erdem Sports Arena, providing a fitting backdrop to the Global Boxing Forum and the celebration of those who bring the sport’s stories to fans everywhere.
Further details, including the award categories, evaluation criteria and the awards themselves, will be announced later in November 2026.
