▪️Kabwe has become Zambia’s first ever 3-Star referee and judge following Nairobi’s certification course in 2025
February 25, 2026
For years, the sound of boxers trading leather and the electric atmosphere of local Zambian fight nights have been the soundtrack to Warrant Officer 1 Darius Kabwe’s life.
Kabwe, a dedicated Zambia National Service officer, walked into the boxing arena not just as an official, but with the pride of a nation on his shoulders. Known for his keen eye and authoritative, yet fair hand in the ring, he dreamt of reaching the pinnacle of international officiating.
Now he has fulfilled his dream, rising to the top of IBA officiating hierarchy after successfully going through a certification course held in 2025 in Nairobi during the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
“It’s one of the happiest moments in my life, I’m very happy for this big achievement, I worked hard for it,” Kabwe told boxersworld.co.ke
The journey to the IBA 3-Star Referee and Judge (R&J) certification was anything but easy. It required years of rigorous training, countless local bouts, and the mastery of complex, lightning-fast technical evaluations.
When the news finally broke that he had obtained the prestigious certification, it was a game changer for Zambia boxing.
Kabwe’s achievement was met with immense pride from the Zambia Boxing Federation (ZBF) and the entire sports fraternity.
ZBF Secretary-General, Humphrey Kasosolwa, said it directly puts Zambia on the map, ensuring that Zambian officials are respected, recognized, and trusted on the global stage.
“We are extremely happy with this development because it puts Zambia on the map. Having an IBA 3-Star Referee and Judge means our country is now visible and respected in global officiating structures,” Kasosolwa said, adding: “This certification puts our country in a position to be represented at the highest level of international boxing. It also makes it easier for Zambian officials to be recognized and trusted on the global stage.”
He went on: “Kabwe’s qualification opens doors not only for international assignments but also for the growth of local officiating standards.
“It will be easier now for him to be recognized and selected for major tournaments, and it sets a benchmark for other Zambian officials to aspire to.”
As a 3-Star R&J, Kabwe can now officiate in prestigious events such as the Olympic Games and World Championships.
His success has ignited inspiration across Zambia, raising the profile of local officiating and proving that with dedication, a Zambian R&J can stand among the best in the world.
Kabwe’s involvement with boxing is not accidental. He is a former boxer and knows the pain of a punch.
His boxing journey began in 1987 in Chambishi Town on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia.
“That is where my passion for the sport was born and where I laid the foundation for my career in boxing,” Kabwe told boxersworld.co.ke in a telephone interview from Lusaka.
“A close friend influenced me to join boxing, my first club was Chambeshi ABC and my first coaches were the late Manford Royd and his brother Patrick Royd.”
It did not take long for the determined Kabwe to climb through the ropes for his first competition at paperweight.
“That same year 1987 I took part in my first competition in Chilabombwe Copperbelt and I won. I then moved to Lusaka in 1993 and joined the Green Eagles Boxing Club of Zambia National Service. My coach was the late Laston Mukobe.
“I continued competing actively until 2005. My final fight was at the World Military Games in Pretoria, South Africa, where I lost in the light-heavyweight quarter-finals against the late Kenyan Joseph Ndere. That bout marked the end of my career as an active boxer.” Besides paperweight and light-heavyweight, Kabwe also fought at bantam, lightweight and light-welterweight.
In 2007, Kabwe, now Warrant Officer One with Zambia National Service , was appointed assistant club coach, transitioning from being a boxer to developing other upcoming pugilists.
His journey in boxing, however, did not stop there.
When Zambia hosted the Region Five Games for Southern Region countries in 2012, the Zambia Boxing Federation organized a National Referees and Judges course.
“I enrolled, successfully completed the course, and was selected to officiate at the Region Five Games. That opportunity gave me the confidence to pursue officiating seriously as a Referee and Judge,” said Kabwe with a deserved sense of pride.
He was still determined to move higher in the international officiating ranks. In 2017, he obtained 1-Star Referee and Judge certification in Sudan. Two years later he upgraded to 2-Star level in Gaborone, Botswana.
In 2025, he financed his trip to Kenya to attend 3-Star certification course held concurrently with the Africa Zone 3 Championships.
“I’m happy I passed my exams to successfully attain the prestigious 3-Star Referee and Judge certification,” said Kabwe.
“I feel very proud for this achievement becoming the first Zambian to attain the 3-Star Referee and Judge status — a historic milestone for both myself and Zambian boxing.”
Kabwe has now set the bar higher for other R&Js in Zambia to work harder to emulate him. We wish Kabwe all the best hoping to see him at the IBA World Championships rubbing shoulders with best R&Js in the world.
