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▪️They are understood to have quietly left the Games Village when officials were busy watching the Commonwealth Games semi-finals on Friday, July 31

August 1, 2026

Three Ugandan boxers have vanished from their Games Village in Glasgow, Scotland, in a suspected pre-planned escape for “greener pastures.”

Welterweight star Emily Nakalema, alongside teammates Nuhu Batte and Ibrahim Kemis, reportedly slipped away on July 31, 2026.

Sources indicate the trio acted on a coordinated strategy with a UK-based contact. While Batte managed to secure his travel documents, Nakalema and Kemis left theirs behind—a move suspected to be a calculated tactic to delay repatriation, or due to restricted access.

The three took part in the Commonwealth Games boxing tournament with Emily, a gold medallist at the 2025 Africa Zone Three in Nairobi and bronze medalist in the 2023 Africa Championships in Yaounde, Cameroon, losing to Australia’s Eve Bryson in the quarter-finals.

Batte, one of the most impressive Ugandan boxers in Glasgow, was eliminated in the quarter-finals by England welterweight Patris Mughalzai while Kemis lost in the round of 32 to Zambia’s Albert Ngulube in the lightweight class.

This incident highlights a deeper, systemic issue of African athletes fleeing economic hardship back home. It mirrors a dramatic 2024 episode in Italy during the Olympic qualifiers, where Ugandan boxers Joshua Takamuhebwa and Yusuf Nkobeza reportedly threatened to physically assault their coach to reclaim their passports before vanishing. Takamuhebwa is now believed to be living in the Netherlands.

The sport has long been used as a vehicle for asylum. Notable past defections include Uganda’s 2017 African welterweight champion Muzamir Kakande going missing during the World Championships in Hamburg.

At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, several African boxers stayed behind to pursue pro boxing careers.

▪️ Ndevelo misses gold after a heartbreaking split decision loss
▪️Namibian coach Lungameni cries foul wondering how Ndevelo lost yet the scorecard shows he won
▪️Africa’s ring performance dips; fails to match Birmingham 2022

August 2, 2026

Africa’s boxing campaign at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games concluded with a bittersweet tally of one silver and eight bronze medals, exposing a massive structural divide between raw talent and elite execution.

Namibia’s African featherweight champion Tryagain Ndevelo secured the continent’s lone silver in the lightweight division, falling just short in a razor-thin 3-2 split decision against India’s Sachin Sachin.

Trailing early, the Indian boxer engineered a dramatic late comeback, forcing a decisive standing count on Ndevelo in the closing seconds of the final round.

Namibia’s coach Lungameni Ipundaka however disputed the decision, arguing the scorecard shows two judges gave it to Ndevelo at 29-27, one judge for Sachin 29-27 and two judges scored it a draw 28-28 apiece.

“I just don’t understand how we lost because the scorecard is showing that we are ahead on points, how did they decide the Indian boxer won that fight?,” Lungameni wondered aloud in an interview with boxersworld.co.ke

Despite missing out on the gold, Namibia topped the African boxing charts at the Games with one silver and two bronze followed by joint runners-up Zambia and Lesotho 0-0-2 and joint third Mauritius and Ghana at 0-0-1.

Namibia’s Mischa Monique Araes, the nation’s first female boxing Commonwealth Games medallist, and Philip Pumulo Haoseb were the two bronze winners.

Ghana’s campaign was highlighted by Amadu Mohammed securing a bronze medal in the men’s 55kg division.

Compared to 2022 Birmingham’s seven silver and 12 bronze medals, Africa’s performance dipped in Glasgow with only one silver and eight bronze medals. This underscored a stark regression for the continent.

A total 32 African boxers slugged it out in the quarter-finals with 23 eliminated. Nine advanced to the semi-finals and only one featured in the finals.

While questionable officiating drew frustrations in several early bouts, the reality is that most African fighters were soundly outclassed by technically superior and well exposed opponents from Great Britain, India Canada, and Australia.

The continent possesses immense boxing potential, but a chronic lack of sponsorship and funding occasioned by non-committed support from respective governments continues to kill its competitive edge.

Europe and Asia boast packed boxing calendars that guarantee continuous tournament exposure, while the African competitive calendar remains virtually non-existent. Calls to build a busier local circuit face a harsh economic paradox: even if Africa successfully hosted multiple events, cash-strapped governments simply cannot afford to fund regular athlete travel and attendance, leaving African boxers chronically isolated from the global standard.

Way forward: African governments must increase their funding to boxing, have proper structures with emphasis on junior and youth boxing, introduce prize money events locally and expose their boxers in some of the major tournaments abroad.

▪️Ndevelo, the last African boxer in action, gritted his teeth to score an upset victory over fancied Commonwealth Games champion Jude Gallagher to cruise to the finals to meet India’s Sachin Sachin

▪️Africa’s Glasgow eight bronze medallists are Zambia’s Catherine Mwape, Lesotho’s Pooana Khoahli, Zambia’s Emmanuel Katema,Lesotho’s Rapelang Maselela, Ghana’s Amadu Mohammed,Namibia’s Philip Haoseb, Mauritius’ Merven Clair and Namibia’s Mischa Araes

▪️Namibia’s coach, Lungameni Ipundaka, speaks out on dubious officiating in Glasgow and calls on African countries to plan staging a global sports event

August 1, 2026

A devastating boxing tornado ripped through the Commonwealth Games semi-finals on Friday, July 31, 2026, obliterating Africa’s gold medal hopes and leaving shattered dreams scattered across the ring in Glasgow.

In a dark, stormy session, consecutive semi-final losses acted as furious gusts of wind, blowing away Africa’s podium contenders one by one. Among the casualties of this “Dark Friday” was Ghana’s African Games bantamweight champion Amadu Mohammed and Mauritius’ most experienced African boxer in Glasgow, Merven Clair, beaten comprehensively 5-0 by Orlando Holley-Sotomi of Wales while Amadu lost 4-1 to Jye Dixon of Australia.

“Poor strategy cost the Ghanaian victory, noted our analyst, and went on: In the first round he won 5-0 then took his foot off the pedal losing the last two rounds 4-1 and 5-0 for a 4-1 split defeat. He failed to take advantage of his long reach and allowed the Aussie to walk in with flurries and step out with ease.Has himself to blame.”

Yet, amid the ruin and broken spirits, one man – Namibia’s lightweight Tryagain Ndevelo – managed to secure a dramatic victory, standing as the sole survivor to punch his way into the grand finals. While his teammates pick up the pieces of what could have been, he carries the weight and solitary hope of an entire continent into the ultimate battle for gold.

A featherweight gold medallist at the 2024 African Elite Champio ships, Ndevelo’s close 3-2 stunning points win over fancied Northern Ireland’s Commonwealth Games champion, Jude Gallagher, was the perfect tonic that brought back smiles on the faces of the eight African boxers swept by the storm.

An excited Ndevelo could not have summed it better in an interview with boxersworld.co.ke:

“I had said before and I’m repeating I’m here for the gold medal, I’ll do my best it’s every man for himself God for us all I’m grateful and happy to make it to the last fight of the tournament. It’s back to back now to the finish of my international tournaments. I went through a narrow path at African Championship to finish top. What if this is another power of the Almighty manifesting again. I give it all in his hands to guide and lead me to victory again.

Ndevelo recalls he had to use all the tricks in the book in the third round in which Gallagher went at him hammer and tongs.

“I had to survive to protect my first 2 rounds of dominance in the last round. Definitely, he had nothing to lose but to give his all and chase the score. All the opponents were good enough. What differs is just the styles of play. Like I said from the beginning that I had been here before, and it was never a walk in the park. Gallagher was strong and aggressive, on top of that, the defending champion. That’s more of what I should expect from him. Well done to him until we meet again in other competitions.”:

Our ring analyst watched all the semi-final action and shared his views on Ndevelo’s bout.

“Ndevelo put up a clever fight. He never tried to mix it up with the Irish boy. He established his range well and maintained the distance using sharp and precise straight punches to secure victory,” said the knowledgeable boxing analyst.

The sole African warrior now takes on India’s Sachin Sachin in today’s lightweight finals, August 1, 2026. Known as ⁠Sachin Siwach, he is an elite men’s 60kg division competitor from Miththal village, Bhiwani, Haryana. He is a former Youth World Champion and Commonwealth Youth Games gold medalist. He advanced through the preliminary rounds by defeating Canada’s Keoma Al-Ahmadieh 4-1 and England’s William Hewitt 4-1, then secured a 5-0 unanimous decision over Botswana’s Treasure Moremi in the quarter-finals.

Ndevelo first defeated Trinidad and Tobago’s Joseph Anthony in the round of 32, saw off Sri Lanka’s Ravindu Jayantha in pre-quarters and in the quarter-finals eliminated Niall Adams from Guernsey, a small island nation near the coast of France.

Africa’s Glasgow eight bronze medallists are Zambia’s Catherine Mwape, Lesotho’s Pooana Khoahli, Zambia’s Emmanuel Katema, Lesotho’s Rapelang Maselela, Ghana’s Amadu Mohammed, Namibia’s Philip Haoseb, Mauritius’ Merven Clair and Namibia’s Mischa Araes.

Meanwhile, Namibia’s coach Lungameni Ipundaka spoke to boxersworld.co.ke on various issues regarding boxing in Glasgow. He started by commenting on the strategy they used to beat Gallagher

We stayed true to our own boxing style. Our strategy was to box smart, accumulate points in the first two rounds, and then use the final round to showcase our boxer’s ability and confidence. We had also studied Gallagher’s boxing style before the bout, which helped us prepare tactically.

Was it 3-2 really in your opinion?

No, in our opinion we expected a better outcome based on how the fight unfolded. We believed our boxer had one enough to earn a unanimous decision.

Officiating has not been okay. Is Namibia a victim too?

Yes we feel our bantamweight boxer Philip Haoseb should have won against the Indian Rajumani. He is an exceptional talent who displayed outstanding boxing skills throughout the tournament. His semifinal against the Indian boxer, who is also a very good athlete was one of the best fights of the day. It was a highly competitive contest, and we believe Philip did enough to deserve greater recognition from the judges. As for the other bouts, I cannot comment because I was not directly involved.

Africa had 32 boxers in the quarters, then reduced to nine in semis and only one in the finals. Does this mean Africa is doing that badly in boxing? 

Africa has tremendous boxing talent. I had hoped to see more African nations progress to the finals because the quality is certainly there. Going forward, I believe it would benefit the sport if African countries were allocated more qualification opportunities for major international competitions.

Don’t you think it’s time Africa hosted such competitions like the Commonwealth Games and invite the rest of the world?

Absolutely. This is something we have discussed. Hosting major international boxing events in Africa would be a great opportunity to showcase the continent, its people, and its sporting talent. Africa has the capacity and capability to successfully host world-class competitions instead of we always going to boxing competitions hosted by other countries. We have the resources.

Talk about this quota system

I believe it would be beneficial to have a more balanced and equitable quota system. Africa has many highly competitive boxers who have the ability to perform and succeed on the world stage, and increased representation would create more opportunities for that talent to be showcased.

Selected Commonwealth Games semi-final results on July 31, 2026, featuring the African boxers:

Women’s bantamweight

Zambia’s Catherine Mwape lost 5-0 to to India’s Preeti Preeti

Men’s welterweight

Lesotho’s Pooana Khoahli lost 5-0 to Australia’s Jacob Cassar

Zambia’s Emmanuel Katema lost 4-1 to Patris Mughalzai

Women’s featherweight 

Lesotho’s Rapelang Maselela was stopped in the second round by India’s Jasmine Lamboria

Men’s bantamweight

Ghana’s Amadu was defeated 4-1 by Australia’s Jye Dixon

Namibia’s Philip Haoseb lost 4-1 to India’s Jadumani Singh Mandengbam

Men’s light-middleweight

Mauritius’ Merven Clair lost 5-0 to Orlando Holley-Sotomi

Women’s flyweight

Namibia’s Mischa Araes stopped in the second round by England’s Ruby White

Men’s lightweight

Namibia’s Tryagain Ndevelo beat 3-2 Northern Ireland’s Jude Gallagher

▪️Out of the 32 African quarter-finalists in the two-day action only nine squeezed their way to the podium glory

▪️Namibia led Africa with three boxers in semis, followed by Zambia and Lesotho two each, Ghana and Mauritius one apiece

▪️Three African women boxers, Zambia’s Catherine Mwape, Lesotho’s Rapelang Maselela and 18-year-old Namibia’s Mischa Araes make history as the first female Commonwealth Games boxing medallists for their respective countries

▪️Tears and heartbreak for Nigeria, Botswana, Eswatini, Togo, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, South Africa and East African boxers as they missed out on podium finish. They return home exactly as they arrived in Glasgow with their luggage. Take heart next time you’ll conquer!!!

July 30, 2026

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow witnessed a dramatic, hard-hitting quarter-final round as nine African boxers successfully punched their way into the semi-finals, though the road was paved with tears and heartbreak.

Out of 32 African boxers who stepped into the ring on a bruising “bad two days at the office” for the continent, only nine advanced to the final with 23 falling by the wayside in the quarter-finals.

Namibia emerged as the powerhouse of the quarters, leading the African contingent by placing three boxers into the medal rounds followed by their Southern Africa neighbours Zambia and Lesotho with two each. Ghana and Mauritius have one apiece in the crucial Last Four with Merven Clair finally winning a medal in his fourth participation in the Commonwealth Games.

The absolute revelation of the Games was Namibia’s 18-year-old Mischa Monique Araes. Making history with every punch, Araes became the first-ever female Namibian boxer to secure a Commonwealth Games medal. She cruised into the semi-finals with a commanding victory over Sri Lanka’s Nadeeka Ranasinghe, capturing the hearts of boxing fans and announcing herself as a major new talent on the global stage.

There was joy too for Zambia’s bantamweight Catherene Mwape and Lesotho’s featherweight Rapelang Maselela, inscribing their names in the annals of Africa’s boxing history as the first female boxers to win Commonwealth Games boxing medals for their respective countries by powering their way to the semis.

The dismal performance of Nigeria, Africa’s powerhouse in the Club Games, sticks out like a sore thumb with critics of the Nigerian federation accusing the bigwigs of poor selection. None of the six boxers – three men and women – won a single fight but kudos to their three female boxers, Blessing Oraekwe, Patricia Mbata and Kadijat Ajishola for their exemplary display, all of them losing by razor-thin 3-2 decisions.

Oraekwe, the last Nigerian in action in the light-middleweight bout against Australia’s Lekeisha Pergoliti, was on top of her game putting up a splendid show. The result could have gone either way.

“I thought she would be tough but it was easy work for me,” the southpaw Oraekwe told boxersworld.co.ke, blaming the referee for unnecessary warnings while not doing the same to her opponent.

“God knows why the referee chose to favour the Australian boxer, warning me for nothing but didn’t do the same or deduct points for my opponent.”

On the overall performance of the Nigerian team, Oraekwe says: “We all did our best mostly the female boxers but officiating was not good, in any case we’re not the only ones who finished without a medal so I don’t see why there should be any noise on this because in sports today you win tomorrow you lose. We showed this in the African Games in Accra. We’re happy with our federation they’re doing a good job give them time.”

In addition to Nigeria, among other African countries returning home with their luggage only are Botswana, Eswatini, Togo, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The first day of the quarters featured 15 African boxers with five advancing to the semis.

In the second quarters, initially Africa had 18 boxers but they were reduced to 17 after Ghana’s light-heavyweight Desmond Pappoe pulled out due to a shoulder injury.

Six out of the seven boxers lost in the first session with Mauritius’ light-middleweight Merven Clair the only winning, outpointing Ghana’s Precious Nettey 5-0.

The six losers were South Africa’s female light-middleweight Samukelisiwe Ncube stopped in the second round by Commonwealth Games defending champion Rosie Eccles of Wales. Ncube visited the canvas twice and at 2:40 the referee waved it off to save the South African from the ruthless fists of Eccles. Botswana’s lightweight Treasure Morema was beaten 5-0 by India’s Sachin Sachin, Lesotho’s light-middleweight Refiloe Thai was KO’d in the first round by Orlando Holley-Sotomi of Wales, Seychelles’ Micock Jade lost 5-0 to India’s Ankush Ankush and Togo’s super-heavyweight Ramzi Salifou went down 5-0 to Nigel Paul of Trinidad & Tobago.

The second session of the quarter-finals on July 29 had 10 boxers with three winning and seven eliminated. Winners were Namibia’s flyweight Mischa Araes and compatriot Tryagain Ndevelo defeating Niall Adams of Guernsey, a self-governing British Crown Dependency and Lesotho’s featherweight Rapelang Maselela who outpointed Tanzania’s Zawadi Kutaka, both bronze medallists in their respective zonal competitions in 2025.

Uganda’s female flyweight Angel Katushabe opened the exit door for the national African boxers going down 5-0 to England’s Ruby White. Others following suit were Kutaka, Nigeria’s Blessing Oraekwe, Zambia’s lightweight Albert Ngulube defeated by Jude Gallagher of Northern Ireland, Kenya’s Robert Okaka aka Man Ngori lost 5-0 to England’s Dimeji Shittu, Ghana’s super-heavyweight Daniel Plange beaten 5-0 by William McCartan of Northern Ireland and in the last bout of the night, the grandson of former Ugandan President Idi Amin, Aziz Abdul, was disqualified in the third round for head-butting his opponent in the third round of their super-heavyweight bout but he was quoted in a BBC report denying he did so.

Here’s the BBC report on Idi Amin’s grandson’s defeat:

The 25-year-old was punished after lifting his head into Damar Thomas’ chin as the pair grappled in the third round.

Abdul later claimed the judges were against him because he is a “black African”.

“When you watch the previous fights of England their boxers create a lot of fouls,” he said.

“I land a heavy punch on him, they never count. Instead of counting they deduct me.

“I am black African. He is in homeland.”

He had earlier said he would become new King of Scotland

After taking power in a coup in 1971, Amin ran a brutal regime during which an estimated half a million people were killed. He was also known as the Butcher of Uganda.

Abdul, who never met his grandfather, was chasing Uganda’s first Commonwealth boxing medal since Auckland in 1990 – something which would have been guaranteed had he beaten Thomas.

Instead, he was given warnings in the previous two rounds and was trailing on all of the judges’ scorecards.

“All I can say about this is the decision is not right, I am not happy,” he said.

“He elbowed me. He caught me with the elbow.

“It [the head movement] was not intentional. I was trying to come back.

“How can I headbutt someone? I would not.

“He was the person they wanted to win. He was the winner before.

“I knew if I did not get knockout I could not win the fight.”

BBC Sport has contacted Commonwealth Games organisers and World Boxing for a response to Abdul’s comments.

Thomas, who is now guaranteed at least a bronze medal, said it was “not the way” he wanted to win.

“I can’t change what happened today but I can control how I box on Friday,” he said.

Amin, himself a boxer, harboured a fascination with Scotland after serving in the King’s African Rifles in his 20s.

In the main light-heavyweight Fight of the Night, Kenya’s Okaka hurt England’s Shittu several times with body blows but Okaka failed to match the expertise of his more exposed opponent.

Head coach Musa Benjamin explains why Okaka lost to Shittu: “I’m disappointed with his performance. He didn’t follow the plan to the letter. He started very slow, very ineffective inside and didn’t put his punches together. Was unable to find his range and rhythm making it easy and comfortable for the English to pile on points.

“It’s now back to the drawing board… be busy with competitions-revival hopefully of regional and continental tournaments and regular training camps.

After the fight, Shittu followed Okaka to their dressing room to congratulate the Kenyan boxer.

“He got hit with some body shots and felt the power he had witnessed in Okaka’s earlier fight.Says he planned to avoid any exchanges,” Musa said, adding: ” He told Okaka he was a tough fighter and he’s now sure of winning gold, he posed for a photo with Okaka to remember our courageous warrior.”

Musa feels lack of regular competitions is the undoing of most African countries.

“As long as we don’t have regular tournaments in Africa, we shall continue lagging behind. The others are very busy throughout the year.

There’s a very thin line between Africa and the rest.”

Okaka may have lost to Shittu but he is walking tall having learned new techniques and conquering Tanzania’s Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yusuf Changalawe in the East African bragging rights battle.

“As usual I thank God for everything, Shittu told me I was the main barrier to his gold medal plans because he knew he’s meeting a tough opponent,” said the KDF soldier.

“He knew I’m a pressure fighter so he didn’t want to come near me, he was holding then punches lightly and runs away to avoid the power of my punches so whenever I released my punches they were not getting the target as I wanted. He’s an awkward fighter I learned a lot on the tricks of the game.”

In an interview with boxersworld.co.ke, Zambia’s British coach Karl Whalley analysed the defeat of lightweight Albert Ngulube at the hands of Ireland’s Jude Gallagher.

“The boxer that eliminated Albert from the Commonwealth Games was the reigning champion and firm favourite. Our tactic was to keep the contest at long range and use Albert’s strength and fitness to dictate the pace. Despite Albert’s considerable success, against a vastly more experienced boxer, it was the Irishman’s ability to draw Albert into close quarter combat that was ultimately the deciding factor. On paper, few would have given our boxer a fighting chance. The reality was, that a Zambian warrior, with unrealised potential, took the favourite of the competition to a split points decision.

“I have been approached by numerous people, all praising the ability and attitude of the Zambian boxers. Although we came with ambition, very few within the boxing world gave this team a fighting chance. As we now enter the final stages, these young fighters have made history and also represented Zambia with a fierce pride. I know I have been blessed to have been part of this journey, and we now plan to turn the two assured medals into gold.”

Ngulube is now banking on his neighbour, Namibia’s Tryagain Ndevelo, to avenge the defeat when he meets Gallagher in the semi-finals on Friday.

“It won’t be easy for Jude, but he has to go down,” said a confident Ndevelo. “I have seen him and his style, so there will be many adjustments and work to do. I have top coaches in my corner, and one way or another, it has to go down.I will handle him professionally.”

Ndevelo is in high spirits ahead of his semi-final bout: “I’m grateful and appreciate all the support from Africa and Namibia. One down and another to go. I’m glad to pass the stage I ended at last time. Medal guaranteed now it’s still up to me to change the medal colour. Let me not mention which colour it will be but the colour has to change.

While the heavy losses stung the African camps, the remaining nine warriors now stand just two wins away from Commonwealth gold, carrying the boxing hopes of the entire continent on their gloves.

The boxing tournament at the ⁠Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has reached the medal rounds at the ⁠SEC Centre, Hall 5 with the semi-finals officially scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026.

Every remaining boxer is guaranteed at least a bronze medal, but they will battle for a spot in Saturday’s grand finale. A look at the nine African boxers in the semis:

Men’s Bantamweight & Featherweight

Amadu Mohammed (Ghana) vs. Jye Dixon (Australia): A massive bantamweight clash. ⁠Amadu, the African Games gold medallist, advanced by outpointing England’s Ellis Trowbridge, while the hard-hitting Australian Jye Dixon advanced via a second-round stoppage. Barring biased decision, the Ghanaian warrior will sail through to the finals

Philip Pumulo Haoseb (Namibia) vs. Jadumani Mandengbam Singh (India): A pure tactical battle in the Men’s 55kg semi-finals. India’s ⁠Jadumani Singh reached this stage following a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision over Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman. He has a head start over the Namibian.

Tryagain Ndevelo (Namibia) vs. Jude Gallagher (Northern Ireland): An elite 60kg Lightweight showdown. The experienced ⁠Tryagain Ndevelo is seeking his first major Games title on his third attempt, while ⁠Jude Gallagher—the reigning Commonwealth featherweight champion—enters after a razor-thin 3-2 split-decision win over Zambia’s Albert Ngulube. Gallagher has met his match. Tactical Ndevelo will march on.

Men’s Welterweight & Light-Middleweight

Emmanuel Katema vs. Patris Mughalzai (England): A technical chess match testing tactical precision. England’s deep boxing squad is heavily favored to use slick distance management. Katema will prevail.

Pooana Khoahli (Lesotho) vs. Jacob Kassar (Australia): A brutal test of work rate and endurance. Expect heavy mid-ring exchanges as both try to assert physical dominance. Either way depending on the work rate of each boxer.

Merven Clair (Mauritius) vs. Connor Williams (Wales): A veteran showcase. The highly motivated ⁠Connor Williams has already secured a historic first boxing medal for Wales at these Games and looks to continue his dream run. Not an easy one for Merven. He must rise up to the occasion.

Women’s Flyweight, Bantamweight & Featherweight

Catherine Mwape (Zambia) vs. Preeti Preeti (India): A high-octane 54kg bantamweight speed duel. The sharp 2022 Asian Games bronze medallist and 2025 World Boxing Cup gold medallist, ⁠Preeti Pawar, presents a formidable pacing challenge for Mwape not to mention her vast international exposure against the naturally gifted Zambian.

Mischa Monique Araes (Namibia) vs. Ruby White (England): A historic 51kg quarter-final and semi-final crossover. England’s 19-year-old rising star, ⁠Ruby White, booked her podium position after a dominant unanimous decision victory over Uganda’s Angel Katushabe and is favoured to advance.

Rapelang Maselela (Lesotho) vs. Jasmine Jasmine (India): A monumental 57kg technical test. Indian Olympian Jaismine Lamboria punched her ticket to this round by handily dismantling England’s Elise Glynn 4-1. Jasmine takes it clean.

boxersworld.co.ke

▪️Only five boxers from Ghana, Zambia, Lesotho and Namibia qualify for quarters

▪️Among the casualties include Zambia’s fancied Mwengo Mwale and Nigeria’s African Games champion Patricia Mbata whose defeat further compounded the misery of the West African giant

▪️Amidst the devastating tornado is a historic triumph for Zambia’s Catherine Mwape becoming the first ever female boxer to win Commonwealth Games medal for her country

▪️Sierra Leone boxer Josefien Betist and coach William Brereton vehemently protest her controversial defeat

▪️Africa aims to salvage the ruins today with 18 boxers taking to the ring in the second quarter-finals, highlights being Zambia’s Albert Ngulube vs Northern Ireland’s Commonwealth Games champion Jude Gallagher, Nigeria’s Blessing Oraekwe vs Australia’s Lekeisha Pergoliti and Fight of the Night Kenya’s “Man Ngori” Robert Okaka vs England’s 2025 World Boxing Cup champion Dimeji Shittu

July 29, 2026

Africa’s boxing medal hopes suffered a devastating jolt on the opening day of the quarter-finals, leaving continental hopes in tatters after 10 boxers were brutally eliminated, with only five advancing to the semi-finals in Glasgow on July 28, 2026.

The catastrophic day was characterized by controversy in Sierra Leone’s camp and high-profile casualties. Nigeria’s fancied African Games champion UK-based Patricia Mbata and Zambia’s World Championships quarter-finalist Mwengo Mwale both crashed out in shocking defeats. The exit of Sierra Leone’s star boxer Josefien Betist triggered outright fury. Betist suffered a controversial 3-2 split-decision loss to England’s Lucy Kings-Wheatley in their female lightweight bout.

Following the verdict, the Sierra Leonean coach William Brereton vehemently protested, complaining of heavily biased officiating that robbed them of victory.

“Not one person in the Stadium thought Josefien lost, it was a bad decision, last round we were judged to lose 3-2 we never lost the last round,” an angry Brereton told boxersworld.co.ke

“I’m heartbroken I thought I had done enough to get the win. But that’s boxing. Head up and we go again. All preparations for hopefully a very successful LA28,” says Josefien who strongly feels she carried the day.

Sierra Leone Boxing Association Communication Director Alhaji Koroma described the defeat as open robbery.

Koroma’s statement to boxersworld.co.ke reads: “I am very proud with Josefien’s performance and the coach’s resilience to see my country win its first ever Commonwealth Games medal, but tonight I saw something different from the judges, I saw a clear robbery, the scorecard shows a result that should have taken us to the semifinal and a medal. The split decision against us was as a result of our country’s Sierra Leone smaller image compared to England in sport. I believe we won and the scorecard shows it clearly, that was an utterly biased decision to marginalize smaller nations.”

Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale remained speechless for sometime, pondering on what really contributed to his defeat to the Indian southpaw Jadumani Mandengbam Singh.

“I just don’t know what I can say but I lost clean,” Mwale said.

As she climbs through the ropes for the redemption fight, Nigeria’s Blessing Oraekwe is devastated on what has transpired in their camp, especially following the defeat of medal prospect Patricia Mbata who lost 3-2 to England’s Mary Kate Smith.

“To be sincere I cried but of course that cant solve the issue on the ground, it’s so heart breaking,” Blessing told me in a chit chat.

A leading ring analyst says Patricia has herself to blame for failing to utilise her long reach opting to exchange with the short English girl much to her disadvantage.

“The girl was effective with the infighting. In round two, Patricia established her range a bit and won the round only to again invite her opponent inside where she couldn’t get in clean punches. She should have just moved around sticking her jab and applying straight punches,” says a top boxing analyst who works closely with boxersworld.co.ke

On Mwengo, the analyst says: “The Zambian is a boxer to watch, very calm and composed he’s good at both short and long distance. He was able to dispatch Tanzania’s Issa Faki with ease. He handled the Indian southpaw well only that the guy had good defense and counter-attacked with speed and brilliant precision. He’s lost to the best boxer of these Games.”

Kenya was not left out in the massive defeats as Rosemarion Otieno’s high medal hopes ended in years losing 4-1 to Canada’s Marie Bathoul.

The Germany-based Rosemarion blames herself for the loss.

Says Rosemarion in an interview with boxersworld.com: “The problem is that wasn’t a fight I should’ve lost. I wouldn’t blame it on the judges. I didn’t dominate the fight and that’s my mistake

“She looked more aggressive than me that’s all.. she’s not a better boxer than me but I respect her. I just did too little and when I was tired she took over.

“I am a pressure fighter, I relied too much on countering that I forgot to take the initiative myself. I didn’t change the tactic in the second round by increasing the frequency of my punches

“I feel this was a great disappointment to my country. I can do better.. But all in all, only one year of active boxing I am proud of what I’ve achieved. I have a lot more to learn..We are just getting started and we live to fight another day.”

Kenya’s head coach Musa Benjamin shares his views on Rosemarion’s exit: “She apparently had put a lot of pressure on herself so when she went down 3-2 the 1st round, she got completely demoralised instead of coming out on all cylinders.

“The Canadian was very quick both on her feet and hands and kept cancelling our girl’s single shots with her flurries and eventually able to steal it! Mid second round and last round, she looked jaded and didn’t throw as much as she’s capable of.

Her inexperience at this level was obvious but she’s definitely going to come back stronger. she’s got positive traits, good attitude, resilient and a lot of fire in her belly.”

Other African boxers swept by the raging tornado are Mauritius’ Marie Marine, Uganda’ duo, welterweight Emily Nakalema and Nuhu Batte, and Malawi’s Elias Bonzo.

Despite the wreckage, five warriors fought through the storm to secure guaranteed medals.

Ghana’s African Games bantamweight champion Amadu Mohammed set the tone early, outclassing England’s Ellis Trowbridge in a tense 4-1 split decision.

“It was not easy to win the fight against my opponent backed by majority of the fans here but I fought for Africa I’m happy I won,” Amadu told boxersworld.co.ke.

He went on:”I thank God for the win and the support of my coach and teammates I’m aiming for the gold.”

Every dark cloud has a silver lining. Zambia’s female bantamweight Catherine Mwape gave Africa a smile, making history as Zambia’s first-ever female Commonwealth Games boxing medalist by edging past Mauritius’ Marie Marine Gabriel 3-2.

Mwape’s teammate Emmanuel Katema, as expected, defeated neighbor Elias Bonzo of Malawi, forcing a referee stoppage at 2:27 in the second round.

Namibia’s Philip Pumulo Haoseb carved out a crucial victory to keep his country in the medal hunt with a 4-0 victory over New Zealand’s Alex Mukuka.

Here are the 18 African boxers fighting in today’s second quarter-finals, July 29, in the second quarter-finals.

First session women’s light-middleweight

South Africa’s Samukelisiwe Ncube vs Rosie Eccles of Wales

Men’s lightweight

Botswana’s Treasure Moremi vs India’s Sachin Sachin

Men’s light-middleweight

Lesotho’s Refiloe Thai vs Orlando Holley-Sotomi of Wales

Ghana’s Precious Netty vs Merven Clair

Men’s light-heavyweight

Seychelles’ Jade Micock vs India’s Ankush Ankush

Ghana’s Desmond Pappoe vs Canada’s Joshua Ofori

Men’s super-heavyweight

Togo’s Ramzi Salifou vs Nigel Paul of Trinidad & Tobago

Second session women’s flyweight

Uganda’s Angel Katushabe vs England’s Ruby White

Namibia’s Mischa Areas vs Sri Lanka’s Nadeeka Ranasinghe

Women’s featherweight

Tanzania’s Zawadi Kutaka vs Lesotho’s Rapelang Maselela

Women’s light-middleweight

Nigeria’s Blessing Oraekwe vs Australia’s Lekeisha Pergoliti

Men’s lightweight

Zambia’s Albert Ngulube vs Northern Ireland’s Jude Gallagher

Namibia’s Tryagain Ndevelo vs Niall Adam of Guernsey, a self-governing island near the UK.

Men’s light-heavyweight

Kenya’s Robert Okaka vs England’s Dimeji Shittu

Men’s super-heavyweight

Ghana’s Daniel Plange vs Northern Ireland’s William McCartan

Uganda’s Aziz Abdul vs England’s Damar Thomas

▪️Africa now has two boxers in the semis with Kenya’s Rosemarion Otieno, Mauritius’ Ziggy Agathe and Ghana’s Jibril Muntari falling by the wayside

July 28, 2026

Ghana’s Amadu Mohammed and Lesotho’s Pooana Khoahli have officially punched their way into the Commonwealth Games boxing semi-finals, guaranteeing at least two medals for the continent.

In tournament boxing, reaching the final four ensures a bronze at minimum. Win or lose from here, both fighters already have a medal in the bag, underlining Africa’s fierce determination to dominate on the global stage.

Amadu, the reigning bantamweight gold medallist from the 2023 African Games in Accra, showed precision to eliminate England’s Ellis Trowbridge. Meanwhile, in the welterweight division, Pooana outclassed Mauritius’ Ziggy Agathe in an emphatic 5-0 victory.

The victories provided a massive lift for the African contingent following an earlier heartbreak. High expectations had rested on Kenya’s female bantamweight Rosemarion Otieno to become the first African boxer to break into the semi-finals. However, despite a valiant effort, Otieno fell in a tough 4-1 decision to Canada’s Marie Bathoul. With Otieno’s departure, Amadu and Pooana completely answered the call. They carried the continent’s hopes into the ring and proved that African boxing is ready to take over Glasgow.

Ghana’s heavyweight Jibril Muntari was no match for Northern Ireland’s Garyn McAllister who hammered him 5-0.

[Five(5) Out, Five(5) standing still in contention for Medals – GOLD/SILVER/BRONZE].

•Actions continue today,Tuesday-28th & tomorrow, Wednesday-29th July,2026.

Venue:Scottish Event Campus(SEC).

5 Black Bombers at the pre medal stage(Quaterfinals):

Bouts:

Tuesday-28/07/2026

1. Men’s Bantamweight-55kg(Afternoon)

AMADU MOHAMMED

vs

Ellis Trowsbridge(England)

2. Men’s Heavyweight-90kg(Afternoon)

JIBRIL MUNTARI

vs

Gary McCallister(NIR)

Wednesday-29/07/2026

3. Men’s Light Middleweight-70kg(Afternoon)

PRECIOUS AKAI NETTEY

vs

Merven Clair(Mauritius)

4. Men’s Light Heavyweight -80kg(Afternoon)

DESMOND PAPPOE

vs

Joshua Ofori(Canada)

5. Men’s Super Heavyweight-92+Kg(Evening)

DANIEL PLANGE

vs

John William McCartan(NIR)

#Glasgow2026

#CommonwealthGames

#GBF#GHANAAMATEURBOXING

#GHANA’SMOST SUCCESSFUL

#Ghana’sLeadingMedalProspects

GBF MEDIA

▪️Quarter-finals start today with 15 African boxers in action. Nine more qualifed after July 27 Last 16 bouts to increase the total to 32

▪️Eyebrows raised on Mogunde’s suspicious defeat to Scotland’s Sonny Kerr. “Even fans booed the decision,” says the Kenyan boxer

▪️Mauritius strongman Merven Clair meets Ghana’s Precious Netty in quarters

▪️Treasure Moremi beats Toka Litabe in another Southern African derby

▪️Unlucky Lethabo Modukanele is out as Catherene Mwape battles Marie Marine Gabriel

July 28, 2026

Kenya’s Robert Okaka, universally known as “Man Ngori,” stole the show with a classic performance in the highly touted East African showdown on Day Four of the Commonwealth Games boxing event in Glasgow on July 27, 2026.

And nine more African boxers qualified for the quarter-finals to increase the number to 32. The quarter-finals start today, July 28, with 15 African boxers in action among them Kenya’s Rosemarion Otieno, Uganda’s Emily Nakalema and Nuhu Batte, Patricia Mbata out to salvage Nigeria’s pride, Zambians Catherene Mwape, Mwengo Mwale and Emmanuel Katema who meets neighbour Malawi’s Elias Bonzo in quarters.

Calm and composed, Okaka put up a textbook display, taking to class Tanzania’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yusuf Changalawe to claim East Africas light-heavyweight bragging rights.

The Kenyan boxer outwitted Changalawe to secure a statement victory for Kenya and a place in the quarter-finals for a date with England’s Dimeji Shittu who eliminated Uganda’s Alfred Ojok via a unanimous decision.

“I thank God for my victory and head coach Musa Benjamin for guiding me, I remained relaxed hitting the body and then upper part,” Okaka told boxersworld.co.ke

Okaka, a member of Kenya Defence Forces Boxing Club, has been showered with praise by his colleagues and seniors at his place of work among them Brigadier-General Paul Mungori.

“Okaka has a mindset of greatness, the boy is so disciplined and focused he’s our pride. We wish him the best of luck in the quarter-finals, he has made us in KDF and the country proud,” says Mungori.

The President of Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT), Lukelo Willilo, has congratulated Okaka for his deserved victory.

“We can’t blame our boxer Yusuf, he lost fairly to Okaka. He could not execute his game plan because of his injured right hand,” says Willilo.

An elated Kenya’s head coach Musa Benjamin was over the moon on Okaka’s educated display.

What was their strategy? I ask Musa.

“The plan was for Okaka to be composed and disciplined, box intelligently using his jab effectively to destabilise Yusuf before putting in sporadic combinations with precision,” says the Kenyan tactician.

“With this, coupled with quick hands, he was able to control the pace and get the win.

“For Mogunde’s case, I’m really saddened by the officiating exhibited much as I don’t like talking about it. We had planned to take the fight to the Scot and rattle him in the 1st round, and then make him start chasing in the 2nd round opening him for counters. Bonny won the 1st but in the 2nd the ref warns him (point deducted) for allegedly punching behind the head, making him lose that round! In the last round, Bonny wore him down with relentless pressure in an explosive performance that left no doubt about the winner but the officials decided to give it to the home boy on split points. The decision was booed.”

Mogunde was equally surprised Scotland’s Sonny Kerr won the fight 3-0. Three judges scored 29-27 in favour of Kerr.

“I’m so disappointed for being robbed of victory, boxing can be so cruel at times,” says Mogunde, adding: “I was docked a point but not the same for my opponent on fouls he committed, I hit him with a staggering punch he’s not given a count. It’s so painful, fans booed and several coaches told me I’ve been denied my rightful victory.”

An insider who spoke to boxersworld.co.ke on condition of anonymity says it could have gone either way.

“Sonny Kerr is the son of Kevin Kerr, one of the board of directors in Scotland’s boxing,” he told me.

“The bout was important for Scotland, it was very close could have also gone to the Kenyan.”

Day Four also featured a Southern African lightweight derby between Zambia’s African Games bronze medallist Albert Ngulube and Eswatini’s Mukelo Dlamini. The Zambian proved too classy for Dlamini, outmanoeuvring him to secure a decisive points win.

“He was smarter, I wasn’t myself and I couldn’t do any combination. He played exactly as I expected but I couldn’t used my hands at all…I salute to him,” says Dlamini.

On his part, Ngulube says:”It was an easy fight, I’m glad I won I’m now focused on my quarterfinal game.”

Ngulube will battle it out with the 2022 Commonwealth Games featherweight gold medalist Jude Gallagher of Northern Ireland in the quarter-finals.

Namibia’s Africa featherweight champion Tryagain Ndevelo also cruised to the quarters outpointing Ruhin Reza of Bangladesh. He meets Niall Adams of Guernsey, a small island and British Crown Dependency located in the English Channel near the coast of France.

Ndevelo hinted he might win his quarter-final bout on a walkover because his opponent suffered an injury in his fight against Ravindu Jayantha of Sri Lanka.

“I’m certain that he got a head injury. There is a 50/50 chance the doctor will not allow him to pass at the weigh-in and medical checkup, he got some stitches,” says Ndevelo and warned his opponent to avoid risking his health.

“If he passes, I will use that to my advantage. He is short and aggressive, so I know the style to handle him. It won’t be a walk in the park, but it has to go down Wednesday night.”

Commenting on his victory, Ndevelo says: “I’m glad to finally get through some blows, not a win by default but a deserving one.

“I’m focused and looking up to the next one.

It won’t be easy but it’s possible. Every man for himself and God for us all.”

It was a night of contrasting fortunes for the region as Uganda’s light-heavyweight Alfred Ojok saw his tournament dreams shattered, crashing out of competition by a unanimous defeat to England’s Dimeji Shittu.

The day saw an intense schedule with 21 African boxers entering the ring. Nine boxers tasted victory and advanced but 12 boxers were sent packing.

Despite the heavy losses, the nine victories successfully pushed an impressive total of 32 African boxers into the quarterfinal stages.

In some of the highlights on July 27, Botswana’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Lethabo Modukanele lost 5-0 to India’s Sakshi Sakshi, Mauritius’ longest-serving international Merven Clair outpointed Pason Taafaki of Tuvalo for a quarter-final date with Ghana’s Precicious Nettey who saw off Fiji’s Elijah Qiokata with Ghana’s light-heavyweight Desmond Pappoe squeezing a razor-thin 3-2 win over Tonga’s Josh Tonga for a quarter-final clash against Canada’s Joshua Ofori.

Catherine Mwape is Zambia’s lone female boxer in Glasgow. Unfazed by the pressure of carrying her nation’s female boxing hopes alone, Mwape made her intentions crystal clear She spoke passionately about her primary goal in the sport, making no secret of her absolute determination to punch her way into the medal bracket and secure a podium finish. She battles Mauritius’ Marie Marine in the quarters today following her points victory over Pakistan’s Malaika Zahid in pre-quarters.

In an interview with boxersworld.co.ke, I first asked Catherine what else she does besides boxing.

“l don’t work yet I just do boxing which I started in 2013, my first club was Raising Hope and my first coach was Peter kaliba,” says Catherine.

“My influencer was my big bro Teddy Mwape who was one of my best boxers. l started representing my nation in 2022 in Lilongwe Games Region 5.

“I’m confident of a podium finish. I trust myself and above all I use my foot work well, it really helps me to stay out of danger and control the ring, and defense.

“My big goal in Glasgow is to win gold and benefit from it. I also want to inspire a lot of people including young girls in Zambia not to waste their talents and should not limit themselves.”

Today’s quarter-finals featuring 15 boxers from Africa:

First session women’s bantamweight

Kenya’s Rosemarion Otieno vs Canada’s Marie Bathoul

Men’s bantamweight

Ghana’s Amadu Mohammed vs England’s Ellis Trowbridge

Men’s welterweight

Lesotho’s Pooana Khoahli vs Ziggy Agathe of Mauritius

Men’s heavyweight

Ghana’s Jibril Muntari vs Northern Ireland’s Garyn McAllister

Second session women’s bantamweight

Zambia’s Catherine Mwape vs Mauritius’ Marie Marine Gabriel

Women’s lightweight

Sierra Leone’s Josefien Betist vs England’s Sacha Hickey

Women’s welterweight

Uganda’s Emily Nakalema vs Australia’s Eve Bryson

Women’s middleweight

Nigeria’s Patricia Mbata vs England’s Kate Smith

Men’s bantamweight

Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale vs India’s Jadumani Mandengbam Singh

Namibia’s Philip Pumulo Haoseb vs New Zealand’s Alex Mukuka

Men’s welterweight

Uganda’s Nuhu Batte vs England’s Patris Mughalzai

Zambia’s Emmanuel Katema vs Malawi’s Elias Bonzo

▪️Five shown the door in the first session of Last 16 final day in Glasgow

July 27, 2026

Six more African boxers punched their tickets to the Commonwealth Games quarter-finals in the opening session, though five others were sent packing to bring the continent’s total eliminations to 27.

With 29 African fighters now locked into the last eight, more are expected to join the pack during the final Round of 16 evening session.

Long-serving Mauritian light-middleweight Merven Clair, a gold medallist at the 2019 African Games, led the charge to the elite eight, dominating Tuvalu’s Pason Taafaki in a flawless 5-0 points victory. Clair now advances to a tough Wednesday quarter-final against Ghana’s Precious Netty, who booked his spot by dismantling Elijah Qiokata of Fiji.

The continent’s dominance continued across the weight classes: Botswana’s Treasure Moremi squeezed a 3-2 win over Lesotho’s Toka Litabe, Refiloe Thai (Lesotho) outclassed Seychelles’ Lorenzo Bonne in a 5-0 light-middleweight shutout, Ghanas Precious Netty saw off Fiji’s Elijah Qiokata stopping him in one minute 17 seconds of the second round in a one-sided light-middleweight encounter, Jade Micock (Seychelles) ignited the light-heavyweight division, extinguishing Northern Ireland’s Eoghan Quinn 4-1, Desmond Pappoe (Ghana) closed the session in dramatic fashion, digging deep to edge Tonga’s Josh Tonga via a razor-thin 3-2 split decision.

In addition to Seychelles’ Lorenzo Bonne, other four African boxers shown the door in the first session are Ghana’s female flyweight Rematu Quaye, beaten 5-0 by Canada’s Amber-Jane Wall, Ghana’s lightweight Ebenezer Ankrah lost 3-2 to Scotland’s Nicholas Devlin, Mauritius’ lightweight Niven Chemben beaten 5-0 by Owain Harris-Allan of Wales and Lesotho’s lightweight Toka Litabe.

▪️Katema, Mwale and Mwape secure emphatic victories

▪️Total number of Africa’s quarter-finalists swells to 23

▪️Stung Nigeria bank on two lethal weapons Blessing and Patricia

▪️So far 26 African boxers have won their fights with 22 out of the competition

▪️Sensational Mukelo Dlamini vows to punish Albert Ngulube in Southern Africa battle

July 27, 2026

Ten African boxers powered their way to the quarter-finals with a similar number losing on Day Three of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on July 26, 2026.

Zambian trio Emmanuel Katema, Mwengo Mwale and Catherine Mwape stole the spotlight leading 10 African boxers into the quarter-finals to increase the total tally to 23 in the Last Eight.

The glory came with a sting. Ten African fighters were dumped out of the tournament, including Nigeria’s Kadijat Ajishola. She became the fourth boxer from the West African giant to be bundled out, going down in a blistering 3-2 split-decision war against Helen Jones of Wales. Nigeria’s gold medal hopes now rest entirely on two lethal weapons: African Games champions Blessing Oraekwe and Patricia Mbata both of whom start their journey from the quarters.

With 10 winners on Day Three, the total number of Africa’s quarter-finalists rose to 23 with 26 winners and 22 losers so far as the battle for personal prestige and glory to the country intensifies at Scotland Event Campus Hall 5.

Ghana’s African Games bantamweight champion Amadu Mohammed led the way stopping Kiribati’s Eriu Temakau in just one minute 54 seconds of round one in the first session that saw two others, Lesotho’s welterweight Pooana Khoahli and Mauritius’ Ziggy Agathe, cruise to quarters with identical 5-0 wins over Jamaica’s Martez Cope and James Paul of Papua New Guinea respectively.

Then came the Zambian juggernaut. Gritty bantamweight Catherine Mwape, appearing in the Commonwealth Games for the first time, saw off Pakistan’s Malaika Zahid 4-1, on-fire World Championships quarter-finalist Mwengo Mwale had the last laugh in the Southern Africa bantamweight duel, defeating South Africa’s Masibulele Sigwela 4-0 and world bronze medallist Katema handing the same dose to Scotland’s Leo Church whom he punished ruthlessly subjecting him to an eight standing count in the first round to signal his intention of going back home with a gold medal.

Other African boxers to book their quarter-final slots were Mauritius’ impressive female bantamweight Marie Marine Gabriel scoring 5-0 win over Samoa’s Danielle Domonique, Namibia’s bantamweight Pumulo Mutakela stopping Togo’s Charif Yaya, Uganda’s welterweight Nuhu Batte showing the power of “matoke” by squeezing a hard fought 3-2 win over India’s Pratap Yadav and Malawi’s main hope Elias Bonzo making mincemeat of Gibraltar’s Ewan Gracia with a unanimous victory.

In the quarterfinals, Bonzo now meets neighbour Katema, Ghana’s Amadu taking on England’s Ellis Trowbridge, Khoahli meeting Agathe, Batte vs England’s Patris Mughalzai, Mwape against Marie Marine, Pumulo vs New Zealands Alex Mukuka and Mwale battling India’s Jadumani Singh.

“I’m sure I will beat the Indian guy on my way to the medal bracket,” Mwale told boxersworld.co.ke, adding:”I’m in top shape I don’t see any boxer stopping me from winning gold.”

Nigeria’s bantamweight Kadijat Ajishola opened the door out for the 10 African losers on Day Three putting up a commendable show enroute to a 3-2 defeat to Helen Jones of Wales. Others who followed suit are Botswana’s Keatlaretse Modise, Lesotho’s bantamweight Mathealira Seholoholo, Ghana’s Nancy Bamfo, Malawi’s Deborah Mtenje, Ghana’s Adelaide Dede, South Africa’s Masibulele Sigwela, Mauritius’ Fabrice Valerie, Togo’s Charif Yaya and Namibia’s Patrus Jacobus.

A total of 201 global boxers competing (131 men, 70 women) from 43 nations.

The Round of 16 concludes today, Monday, July 27, with a packed card featuring 21 African boxers. Four explosive bouts will be strictly all-African affairs, highlighted by two massive regional derbies.

Commonwealth bronze medallist, Yusuf Changalawe.The Southern Africa Showdown: Zambia’s African Games bronze medallist Albert Ngulube squares off against Eswatini’s history-maker, Mukelo Dlamini.

21 African boxers take to the ring in the Round of 16 final day

Explosive exchanges are in the offing as four bouts feature an all-African affair among them the eagerly awaited East African light-heavyweight duel between Tanzania’s Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yusuf Changalawe vs Kenya’s twice Africa bronze medallist Robert “Man Ngori” Okaka and Southern Africa war between Eswatini’s first winner at the World Championships Mukelo Dlamini vs Zambia’s African Games bronze medallist Albert Ngulube at lightweight.

“Easy work for me I will win today,” a confident Dlamini told boxersworld.co.ke

Why does he feel this is a walk in the park for him?

“I fought guys that have the same style as him and I always come on top, I got the skills and tools to break him down.”

The first session will see 11 African boxers in action and 10 in the second session.

First session women’s flyweight 

Ghana’s Ramatu Quaye vs Canada’s Amber-Jane Wall

Men’s lightweight

Ghana’s Ebener Ankrah vs Scotland’s Nicholas Devlin

Mauritius’ Niven Chemben vs Owain Harris-Allan

Lesotho’s Toka Litabe vs Botswana’s Treasure Moremi

Men’s light-middleweight

Seychelles’ Lorenzo Bonne vs Lesotho’s Refiloe Thai

Ghana’s Precious Netty vs Fiji’s Elijah Qiokata

Mauritius’ Merven Clair vs Tuvalu’s Pasoni Taafaki

Men’s light-heavyweight

Seychelles’ Jade Micock vs Eoghan Quinn of Northern Ireland

Ghana’s Demond Pappoe vs Tonga’s Josh Tonga

Second session women’s flyweight

Botswana’s Lethabo Modukanele vs India’s Sakshi Sakshi

South Africa’s Thandolwethu Mathiba vs England’s Ruby White

Men’s lightweight

Zambia’s Albert Ngulube vs Eswatini’s Mukelo Dlamini

Namibia’s Tryagain Ndevelo vs Ruhin Reza of Bangladesh

Men’s light-middleweight 

Kenya’s Boniface Mogunde vs Scotland’s Sonny Kerr

Men’s light-heavyweight

Uganda’s Alfred Ojok vs England’s Dimeji Shittu

Kenya’s Robert Okaka vs Tanzania’s Yusuf Changalawe

Namibia’s Gebhard Ipinge vs Australia’s Paul Trainor