▪️As the tournament – being held in a league format – enters the second week, the Hilltop Hotel is fuelling the rapid growth of Rwanda boxing under the vibrant leadership of President Bashir Ntwari
March 19, 2026
Kigali, usually serene and sun-kissed, has become a cauldron of intensive exchange of punches as elite boxers seek individual and club glory in the national championships.
Sunday afternoon isn’t for resting anymore for avid boxing fans; it’s for The Ring. Under the roof of the Hilltop Hotel, the air is heavy—not with moisture, but boxers’ adrenaline running fast, some rushing to the rest room for that final crucial release before stepping into the ring.
Eight top-tier clubs have unleashed 48 boxers, transforming the venue into a mesmerizing theatre of pain and passion.
In addition to national glory, the boxers are fighting hard to earn points for their clubs in the tournament which is being staged in a league format.
The big question remains: which club will emerge victorious?
Rwanda is on fire! It’s a new era in the country’s boxing development. The canvas is bright, the ropes are tight, and the crowd—a mix of eager locals, boxers and passionate
coaches are roaring. Every punch landed echoes with the sound of “Ndayatsinze!” (I am winning!).
It’s raw speed versus strategic brutality. Young lions, eager to make a name for themselves in this new chapter of Rwandan boxing. They are trading lightning jabs, turning the ring into a frantic dance of dodging and weaving. The intensity is relentless.
Supported by Rafiki Sports, this isn’t just a tournament; it’s a Fight For Glory. The championship is turning the spotlight on Rwandan fighters, demanding discipline and showcasing the true, indomitable spirit of Rwanda’s boxing scene.
As the championships unfold, the Hilltop Hotel isn’t just hosting a fight; it’s fueling the evolution of a nation’s boxing destiny, one punch at a time. The battle is just beginning, and the future of Rwanda boxing looks exceptionally bright. Fists will explode again on Sunday in Week Two of action in the league-cum-national championships. Don’t miss the mouth-watering fights.
To add more spice and flavour, Rwandan boxers who took part in the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi and World Championships in Dubai, are also in the mix to demonstrate new techniques they’ve learned on the international scene. Upsets cannot be ruled as upcoming boxers aim to upstage the regulars.
Focusing on the internationals, there’s Rwanda’s first ever boxer to win at the World Championships, welterweight Niyonzima Pacific, two bronze medallists in the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships,
Iranezeza Aime and lightweight Murenzi Hassan, bantamweight Ntabanganyimana Valantin, Mugenga Innocent and Ndayishimie Patrick.
In one of the highlights, Ndayishimie – among the boxers who took part in Zone 3 Championships – outpointed Mugenga Innocent in a thrilling middleweight fight.
The participating clubs are Isata, Nyamirambo, Inkuba, Bodymax, Kimisagara, Amahoro, Kigali BC and The Real BC.
Boxing matches will take place every Sunday with a total of 48 boxers from eight clubs in seven weight categories.
Rwanda’s league-cum-national championships will last three months.
The seven weight categories are bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, light-welterweight, welterweight, light-middleweight and middleweight.
Owing to the low number of female boxers in Rwanda, they’ve not been included in the tournament but the federation is working hard to ensure more female boxers join boxing.
The brains behind this exciting tournament is the new Rwanda Boxing Federation President, Bashir Ntwari, a former boxer in England who has injected a lot of vigour, freshness and professionalism in Rwanda boxing which is now experiencing a significant growth with more youngsters taking up the sport eager to represent the national team.
Action in the league-cum-national championships resumes on Sunday, March 22, 2026 with each boxer eager to earn points for their clubs and national glory. See you at Hilltop Hotel.
