▪️Youngsters drawn from Nairobi, Kajiado and Nakuru put up impressive show but judges deny Kajiado boxer Maxwell Ochieng victory
▪️Given the stature of this event, there’s need for the IBA Africa to have it on their annual calendar so that the Wangila Memorial Cup becomes an annual prize money international tournament held in Nairobi featuring countries from across the world
August 9, 2026
The Uhuru Estate playground erupted as Nairobi’s own Clinton “Canelo” Omondi put on a textbook performance to steal the spotlight at the Robert Wangila Memorial Cup finals on August 8, 2026.
Stepping into the ring with the pedigree of a 2025 African Youth Games bronze medallist, Omondi outpointed William Malawi in the minimumweight category.
The Luanda hero delivered an educated display defined by pure economy in his attack. Every punch was calculated, and every attack hit the target with surgical precision, proving exactly why he and Sonia Atieno were Kenya’s standout medalists in Angola.
“I’m happy for my victory, my aim is to represent the national team Hit Squad,” Omondi told boxersworld.co.ke
“I thank Nairobi County for including me in this tournament, we need to take part in more contests timo gauge ourselves even against our neighbours Tanzania and Uganda,” said Omondi.
There were other highlights outside Omondi’s clinic. Kasarani Youth’s minimumweight sensation Damacline Boyani entered the ring riding high on her recent national league upset over international Jane Wangare. However, she met her match in Nairobi One’s fierce southpaw, Grace Atieno born at night. Atieno completely disrupted Boyani’s rhythm, forcing an eight-count before walking away with a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Controversy also sparked the Nairobi air during a light-welterweight showdown. Kajiado’s 18-year-old prospect Maxwell Ochieng looked dominant, using his towering height to keep Nairobi’s Godfrey Otieno completely at bay.
Despite a seemingly commanding performance from the teenager, the judges saw a different fight, surprisingly awarding victory to Otieno and robbing the youngster of a deserved win.
“I’m just surprised how I lost the fight because I thought I scored enough to be declared the winner,” said a calm Ochieng.
Jericho Boxing Club product Emmanuel “Manu” Chondo, who made his international debut in the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships, was on top of his game stopping Kayole’s Morgan Baraka in the first round.
“I’m encouraged by the potential I’ve watched today, this gives us a lot of hope for the future of our boxing,” said Kenya’s national team head coach Musa Benjamin, adding that they will be calling up more female boxers during their national team training sessions to further sharpen them.
This annual tournament is in honour of the late Robert “Aruba” Wangila, Africa’s first black boxer to win an Olympic Games gold medal during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He KO’d Laurent Boudouani of France in the second round.
After winning historic Olympic gold at the 1988 Seoul Games, Wangila turned professional in the United States and signed a four-year promotional contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank in Las Vegas.
He won his first 12 professional bouts under the banner before facing tougher competition, finishing his career with a 22-5 record (16 knockouts).
Wangila’s career ended after a July 1994 bout in Las Vegas against David Gonzales, where he suffered fatal head injuries and lost his life.
Given the stature of this tournament, there’s need for IBA Africa to have it on their annual calendar of events so that the Wangila Memorial Cup becomes an annual international tournament held in Nairobi with prize money to boot.
This is a very important tournament the Kenya government can support by offering accommodation to the visiting teams.
Full results of the Wangila Memorial Cup tournament:
Minimumweight
Clinton Omondi (Nairobi County) outpointed teammate William Malawi
Flyweight
Emmanuel Chondo (Nairobi County)
Bantamweight
Emmanuel Odhiambo (Nairobi B) beat Nakuru’s Daniel Otieno
Female minimumweight
Grace Atieno (Nairobi 1) outpointed Damacline Royani (Nairobi B)
Featherweight
Mugara Griffin outpointed Ryan Giggz (Nairobi 1)
Lightweight
Robert Gachuhi (Nairobi 1) outpointed Flex Kuria (Nakuru)
Female light-welterweight
Sylvia Obwamu (Nairobi 1) stopped Joyce Nyagah (Nairobi B) in the first round
Light-welterweight
Godfrey Otieno (Nairobi 1) outpointed Maxwell Ochieng (Kajiado)
Welterweight
Samuel Oduori (Nairobi 1) outponted Calvin Nyakenya (Kajiado)
Light-middleweight
Raymond Oduru (Nairobi 1) outpointed Joseph Munene (Nakuru)
Middleweight
Lawrence Obwochi (Nairobi C) outpointed Bradley Ochieng (Nairobi 1)
Light-heavyweight
Joseph Ouma (Nairobi 1) stopped John Liech (Kajiado) first round
Cruiserweight
Glenstone Agade (Nairobi 1) stopped Brian Miraji (Nairobi B) second round
