▪️Sokoni lauds IBA for empowering boxers financially through prize money and welcomes the move for the cake to be shared between boxers, coaches and NFs
25/11/2025
Zambia Boxing Federation President Boniface Sokoni does not mince his words on the advent of commercialisation of sports.
Commenting on the jaw-dropping total prize money of $8 32 million at stake in IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai, Sokoni told boxersworld.co.ke, this is the way to go for boxing to be at par with other well-paying disciplines such as athletics and football.
“The era of boxers fighting for medals and certificates at big international competitions is long gone,” says Sokoni who plans to emulate the IBA by having boxers paid in some tournaments in Zambia.
“As the President of the Zambia Boxing Federation, I welcome any initiative that benefits our boxers and promotes the growth of the sport. The introduction of significant prize money is a positive development, as it can motivate boxers and provide them with the financial rewards they deserve for their hard work and dedication.
“We’re always looking for ways to support our boxers , and initiatives like these can help elevate the sport in Zambia and globally.”
Sokoni is delighted by IBA embracing commercialisation of sports which is now the in-thing in most developed countries.
“Boxers can’t eat medals and certificates, times have changed, and it’s encouraging to see boxing evolve to recognize athletes’ achievements more substantially,” says Sokoni.
The Zambian boxing boss went on: “Boxers dedicate themselves to intense training and competition, and it’s fitting that they receive rewards that reflect their efforts.
“We’re seeing a shift towards more substantial recognition, including financial rewards, and that’s a positive trend for the sport’s growth and for motivating boxers.”
Sokoni lauds the move by the IBA to make it official the Dubai prize money will trickle down to the coaches and National Federations.
“For African National Federations like Zambia, receiving a share of the revenue or support from events like the World Championships can be a game-changer,” he says, adding: “It can help us invest in our programs, support our athletes’ development, and improve our infrastructure. We’re hopeful that such initiatives will contribute to strengthening boxing in Africa and provide more opportunities for our boxers to compete at the highest level.”
Sokoni is optimistic some of the Zambian boxers such as African Games flyweight champion, Patrick “Baddo” Chinyemba, will make it to the money bracket.
While acknowledging IBA’s generous gesture to increase the prize money in the Dubai tournament, Sokoni knows coaches and NFs will only get a share of the cake if their boxers are in the cookie jar.
“IBA’s efforts to increase financial support for boxers, coaches, and National Federations are steps in the right direction.
“Any initiative that puts more resources into the sport can have a positive impact on development and growth. We’re encouraged by these developments and look forward to seeing how they can benefit Zambian boxing and the broader African boxing community.”
