▪️DR Congo make no secret on their intention to win Africa Zone 3 for the fourth year in a row with a dominant performance
July 5, 2026
Chants of “beta ye!” (beat them!) shook the rafters at the Palais des Sports in Libreville on Day Two of the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Democratic Republic of Congo boxers didn’t just compete—they completely took over. By the time the final bell rang on the round-robin tournament, DR Congo had racked up an astonishing 12 victories, sending a terrifyingly clear message to the rest of the teams: the crown stays in Kinshasa.
Among the standout winners were defending Zone 3 champions light-flyweight Diyoka Benedicte, Mbalayi Merveille and Malewu Tekasala who outpointed Elenga Chancelle of Congo Brazzaville with Diyoka beating compatriot Bayiso Mansisca 5-0 and Mbalayi defeating Assa Mandase of Gabon 5-0. The three boxers stepped into the ring with cold precision, systematically dismantling their opponents to the rhythm of their roaring compatriots in the stands. Every jab, hook, and cross from the Congolese fighters was met with an explosion of cheers from the DR Congo camp, creating a partisan wall of sound that suffocated their rivals.
With this absolute dominance, DRC has all but locked up the tournament. They aren’t just eyeing the trophy; they are on the verge of capturing the Zone 3 championship for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year.
For Cameroon boxers, it was not a good day in the office winning two and losing five bouts. Defending flyweight champion Issouhou Mouhaman was unlucky when his fight against DR Congo’s Mabela Bofenda was abandoned in the second round with heavyweight Baguigana Georges losing for the second time to DR Congo’s Mbangi William. Female bantamweight Ebilitigue Nelly was beaten 5-0 by DR Congo’s Bisambu Deborah, men’s bantamweight Dzanhkou Yanhoy lost 5-0 to DR Congo’s Ilunga Kabange while light-middleweight Yantou Koloko was defeated 5-0 by DR Congo’s Disashi Joseph.
Cameroon’s two victories came via light-heavyweight Ngon A Ngon who stopped Gabon’s Moukagni Mohanti in the third round and middleweight walkover winner Njitack Kouanchipe.
Hosts Gabon and Congo Brazzaville chalked up two victories apiece with Gabon’s Mandela Cup champion Lendoye Arthur winning his first fight against compatriot Mba Ndong.
Medallists will be determined on the number of victories per weight in the three-day round robin tournament which ends today, July 5, 2026.
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