▪️ Rosemarion will take on Canada’s Marie-Bathoul in the quarterfinals at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday. Victory will assure Kenya of a medal since she will qualify for the semi-finals

July 27, 2026

Kenya’s Rosemarion Otieno is radiating supreme confidence ahead of her anxiously awaited lightweight quarterfinal bout against Canada’s Marie-Bathoul on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Glasgow.

With a historic medal on the line, the Germany-based pugilist is fully convinced that victory is within her grasp, urging Kenyan fans back home to prepare their celebrations.

The stakes could not be higher at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. A victory in the quarterfinals on Tuesday guarantees Otieno at least a bronze medal, which would secure Kenya’s very first podium finish of this year’s Games.

“I have trained intensely for this exact moment,” Rosemarion told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview, her focus locked on the upcoming clash.

“Marie-Bathoul is a tough opponent, but together with my coach we’ve of course analysed her previous fights and know exactly what to do. I’ll prepare myself both mentally and tactically to execute our game plan on the fight night. I am not just entering the ring to compete; I am entering to win. Kenyans back home should get ready to uncork their champagne bottles because the medal is coming home.”

Does Rosemarion feel she’s up to the big task in Glasgow?

“Absolutely, I feel I’m up to the task,” she says oozing tons of confidence.

“That’s exactly why I’m here. If I didn’t believe in myself and my abilities, there would have been no point coming to this tournament.”

The boxer’s development while training in Germany has sharpened her tactical execution and physical conditioning. Facing off against Canada’s formidable Marie-Bathoul will be a true test of skill, but Otieno’s camp believes her superior ring IQ will dictate the tempo of the fight.

“I’m highly motivated and yes, I do feel the pressure,” says the 26-year-old Rosemarion who landed in Darmstadt, Germany, in 2022 to pursue her studies, moving out of Ruai on the outskirts of Nairobi’s Central Business District where she was putting up and training at Kayole Wings Millers Boxing Club.

“I’m determined to channel that pressure from fans back home in the right direction and use it to bring out my best performance. I know

how much this means to the people of Kenya and I want to give them something to

celebrate. My goal is to make my country proud and give everything I have in the ring.”

Any butterflies in her stomach ahead of this crucial fight?

With a chuckle, Rosemarion responds:”Of course I still get butterflies in my stomach and I do feel nervous before a fight. I respect every opponent, and if I didn’t feel that way, boxing wouldn’t be such an exciting sport. At the same time, I always embrace the challenge and do my best to stay in control of my emotions so that I can perform at my best in the ring.”

Rosemarion feels proud having her roots in Siaya County, dubbed the home of boxing champions in Western Kenya, producing top boxers such as James “Demosh” Omondi, Charles “Dixie Kidi” Oduori, his elder brother Ojow Mamba and former Ugandan internationals Alex Odhiambo and James Odwori to mention but a few.

“I’m very proud of my roots in my county Siaya, they’ve shaped who I am, both as a person and as a boxer. We boxers from Siaya believe so much in ourselves,” says Rosemarion whose favourite food is fried chicken, or gweno as they call it in her mother tongue.

She represented Kenya for the first time this year in the Eindhoven Box Cup in May in the Netherlands with the blessings of the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK), making a big statement by winning a bronze medal.

“I’m truly grateful to BFK for the trust and confidence they’ve placed in me, the ball is now in my court to prove them right.”

She was over the moon when informed she had been selected in Kenya’s team for the Glasgow Games.

“I was incredibly excited,” says Rosemarion, adding:” I couldn’t believe it I had been selected to represent Kenya in Glasgow. It was a very emotional moment for me.”

As Kenyans brace up for the first boxing medal on Tuesday, the Kenyan contingent in Glasgow is rallying behind their boxer, hoping her unwavering faith will ignite a golden run for the nation.

▪️The total number of African boxers in Last 16 swells to 36 with 16 victories so far and 12 losses
▪️Nigeria left with three lethal bullets; casualty toll increases to three
▪️20 African boxers in action today among them Ghana’s African Games champion Amadu Mohammed, Zambia’s World Championships bronze medallist Emmanuel Katema, female boxers Malawi’s Deborah Mtenje and Mauritius’ Marie Marine Gabriel

July 26, 2026

African boxers unleashed a powerful storm on Day Two of the Commonwealth Games, with six more fighters punching their way into the pre-quarterfinals to bring the continent’s total win tally to 16 after Friday’s 10 victories.

The thrilling Saturday session saw dominant performances across multiple weight classes, though it brought contrasting fortunes for Commonwealth Games boxing powerhouse Nigeria.

Six pugilists booked their spots in the Round of 16 with decisive victories: In the lightweight division, Treasure Moremi (Botswana) outclassed Niue’s Phoenix Gataua, Jade Micock (Seychelles) beat 5-0 Dicks Lio of Solomon Islands, Albert Ngulube (Zambia) cruised through with 5-0 win over Uganda’s Ibrahim Kemis, Tryagain Ndevelo (Namibia), the reigning African featherweight champion, earned a walkover.

At light-heavyweight Alfred “Gorilla” Ojok (Uganda) powered through 5-0 against Niue’s Kalani Anitela-Launiu, Yusuf Changalawe (Tanzania), the 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, showcased elite pedigree with a 4-1 over Nigeria’s David Akintola.

In the Last 16 on July 27, Moremi meets Lesotho’s Toka Lotobe, Micock fights Northern Island’s Eoghan Quinn, Ngulube vs Pakistan’s Qudrat Ullah, Ndevelo battles Ruhon Reza of Bangladesh, Ojok meets England’s Dimesi Shittu who received a bye to pre-quarters with Tanzania’s Changalawe set for an East African showdown against Kenya’s IBA World Championships quarter-finalist Robert “Man Ngori” Okaka in what promises to be an explosive showdown.

“It will not be an easy fight for my neighbour Changalawe whom I respect a lot, I’ve trained very well I’m ready for him,” a confident Okaka told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview, thanking the Almighty for his guidance.

Changalawe was bullish, warning Okaka to expect the toughest fight of his life.

“Let him come face me we’re all carrying our flags high, he should be ready for a difficult fight,” said Changalawe.

Commenting on his victory over the Nigerian boxer, Changalawe said: “It was not an easy fight, my opponent was strong and tough but through the advice of my coach and God being with me I won. I’m assuring our President (Samia Suluhu) I’m taking home a gold medal, our national anthem must be played here.”

The total number of African boxers out of the Commonwealth Games rose to 12 following the losses of Malawi’s light-heavyweight Happy Gwira beaten by Jan Zaalan of Antigua and Barbuda, Uganda’s lightweight Ibrahim Kemis defeated by Zambia’s Albert Ngulube and Nigeria’s light-heavyweight David Akintola bundled out by Tanzania’s Yusuf Changalawe.

Nigerian Meltdown Continues

It was another brutal day in the office for Nigeria, suffering their third consecutive defeat of the tournament. Tanzania’s Yusuf Changalawe dismantled Nigeria’s David Akintola in a 4-1 split decision. This follows a disastrous opening day where light-middleweight Hassan Ayomide Folly was stunned by Lesotho’s Thai Refiloe, and welterweight Abdulramon Abdulwahab was shown the door by Uganda’s Nuhu Batte. With the male squad entirely wiped out, Nigeria now pins its ultimate medal hopes on its elite female boxers, who previously dominated the African Games in Accra where they accounted for five of the eight gold medals won by Nigeria.

The three female Nigerians yet to fight are 19-year-old bantamweight Kadijat Ajishola who is in action today, July 26, 2026 against Helen Jones of Wales, African Games champions,light-middleweight Blessing Oraekwe and UK-based Patricia Mbata both of whom are in the quarter-finals. Blessing fights Australia’s Lekeisha Pergoliti on July 29 and Patricia takes on England’s Mary Kate Smith on July 28.

Ajishola made her debut on May 7, 2026, during an international match between Ghana and Nigeria in Accra, putting up commendable performance enroute to a 5-0 victory over Ghana’s Ramatu Quaye.

Nigeria was among Africa’s top achievers at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, finishing second and 10th overall with one silver and three bronze medals behind joint top-placed and eighth overall Ghana and Mozambique 0-2-1.

Featherweight Elizabeth Oshoba, the Nigerian finalist, won silver losing to Northern Ireland’s Michaela Walsh.

The continental ledger is very impressive as the competition intensifies:

16 African boxers have so far won their fights

12 African boxers have been sent packing

36 total African pugilists are in the Round of 16

10 in the quarter-finals

20 AFRICAN BOXERS FIGHTING TODAY IN ROUND OF 16

Ghana’s African Games champion Amadu Mohammed, Zambia’s World Championships semi-finalist Emmanuel Katema and his compatriot, World Championships quarter-finalist Mwengo Mwale and Lesotho’s hard-hitting Mathealira Seholoholo are among Africa’s top boxers in action in Day Three of the Commonwealth Games boxing tournament in Glasgow.

Nigeria’s 19-year-old female bantamweight Kadijat Ajishola is one of the seven African women pugilists trading leather. She has a big responsibility to salvage Nigeria’s battered pride so far with all the three male boxers out of the competition.

The 20 Africans in action today:

Women’s bantamweight

Nigeria’s Kadijat Ajishola vs Helen Jones of Wales

Botswana’s Keatlaretse Modise vs New Zealand’s Greer Hau

Men’s bantamweight

Ghana’s Amadu Mohammed vs Kiribati’s Eriu Temakau

Men’s welterweight

Botswana’s Pooana Khoahli vs Jamaica’s Martez Cope

Mauritius’ Ziggy Agathe vs James Paul of Papua New Guinea

Second session women’s bantamweight

Ghana’s Nancy Bamfo vs Northern Ireland’s Nicole Clyde

Malawi’a Deborah Mtenje vs India’s Preeti Preeti

Mauritius Marie Marine Gabriel vs Daniel Dominique of Samoa

Zambia’s Catherine Mwape vs Pakistan’s Malaika Zahid

Women’s featherweight

Ghana’s Adelaide Dede vs Fiji’s Jasmine Dauna

Men’s bantamweight

Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale vs South Africa’s Masubule Sigwela

Mauritius’ Fabrice Valerie vs New Zealand’s Alex Mukuka

Namibia’s Pumulo Mutakela vs Togo’s Charif Yaya

Men’s welterweight

Uganda’s Nuhu Batte vs India’s Aditya Pritap

Zambia’s Emmanuel Katema vs Scotland’s Leo Church

Malawi’s Elias Bonzo vs Ewan Gracia of Gibraltar

Namibia’s Patrus Jacobus vs Connor Williams of Wales

▪️A total of 28 African boxers will trade leather in Day One of the eagerly awaited showdown
▪️Man Ngori lies in wait for the winner of highly charged light-heavyweight duel between Changalawe and Akintola
▪️Zambians Emmanuel Katema and Mwengo Mwale export their Dubai weapons to Glasgow
▪️ Namibia’s Africa featherweight champion Tryagain Ndevelo is also in the mix against Trinidad & Tobago’s Anthony Joseph

July 24, 2026

The opening bell has sounded in Glasgow, and Africa’s finest boxers are stepping into the squared circle with championship dreams on their minds.

Kenya’s Amina Martha Faki carries the monumental honor of being the first African boxer to step into the ring today leading the charge with 28 African boxers in action.

The African Games bantamweight bronze medallist faces a towering inference in England’s Lauren Mackie, a decorated World Boxing Cup bronze medallist.

Amina is a natural pressure fighter known for devastating punching power that can end any fight in a single blink.

To secure the win, Amina must adapt her relentless forward march and vary her angles to outmanoeuvre the technically sharp English boxer.

The ring action continues with some thrilling matchups featuring some of Africa’s most prominent power punchers.

Namibia’s Africa champion Tryagain Ndevelo, making his third appearance in the Commonwealth Games, is up against Trinidad $ Tobago’s Anthony Joseph at lightweight.

“This is now my time to take home a gold medal,” Ndevelo told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

Zambia’s welterweight Emmanuel Katema takes on Sri Lankan Chamil Pathmasiri. The Zambian world bronze medallist will use his elite tournament experience to dismantle the crafty Sri Lankan.

Mwengo Mwale (Zambia) vs. Faki Issa Faki (Tanzania)

In an all-African showdown, Zambia’s world quarter-finalist Mwale collides with Tanzania’s battle-tested Zone 3 bronze medallist Faki Issa Faki who was the country’s standout performer at the 2025 IBA Men’s World Championships in Dubai.

Yusuf Changalawe (Tanzania) vs. David Akintola (Nigeria)

The highlight is in the light-heavyweight division. Changalawe, a 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, welcomes Nigeria’s explosive newcomer Akintola to the big stage in a bout promised to deliver fireworks.

The stakes are exceptionally high for the light-heavyweight contenders. The victor of the Changalawe and Akintola war will earn a ticket to the Round of 16, where Kenya’s fierce world quarter-finalist Robert Okaka—affectionately known in the boxing world as “Man Ngori”—lies in wait to ounce on the winner like a hungry lion.

Here are the 28 African boxers in action on Day One at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Round of 32 women’s bantamweight

Kenya’s Amina Martha Faki vs England’s Lauren Mackie

Round of 32 men’s bantamweight

Lesotho’s Mathealira Seholoholo vs Louis Rooney of Northern Ireland

Round of 32 men’s welterweight

Lesotho’s Pooana Khoahli vs Niue’s Pao De Nero

Mauritius’ Ziggy Agathe vs South Africa’s Simamkele Damesi

Seychelles’ Jovanie Bouzin
vs Pakistan’s Afzal Khan

Round of 32 men’s light-middleweight

Lesotho’s Refioe Thai vs Nigeria’s Hassan Ayomide

Round of 16 women’s lightweight

Lesotho’s Realoboha vs Pakistan’s Fatima Zahra

Round of 32 men’s bantamweight

Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale vs Tanzania’s Faki Issa Faki

Mauritius’ Fabrice Valerie vs Nauru’s Marvin Marvelous Canon

Namibia’s Philip Haoseb vs Swaziland’s Siboniso Vilakati

Round of 32 men’s welterweight

Nigeria’s Abdulwahab Abdulramon vs Uganda’s Nuhu Batte

Ghana’s Abdul Wahib Omar vs England’s Patris Mughalzai

Zambia’s Emmanuel Katema vs Sri Lanka’s Chamil Pathmasiri

Malawi’s Elias Bonzo vs Antigua & Barbuda’s Alston Ryan

Round of 32 men’s lightweight

Botswana’s Treasure Moremi vs Niue’s Phoenix Gataua

Round of 32 men’s light-heavyweight

Malawi’s Happy Ngwira vs Antigua and Barbuda’s Zalaan Jan

Seychelles’ Jade Micock vs Solomon Islands’ Lio Dicks

Round of 32 men’s lightweight

Uganda’s Ibrahim Kemis vs Zambia’s Albert Ngulube

Namibia’s Tryagain Ndevelo vs Trinidad & Tobago’s Anthony Joseph

Round of 32 men’s light-heavyweight

Uganda’s Alfred Ojok vs Niue’s Kalani Anitelea-Launiu

Nigeria’s David Akintola vs Tanzania’s Yusuf Changalawe

▪️Mozambique Boxing Federation President Gabriel Junior wondered why they have been denied participation yet the test results arrived today in Glasgow from Portugal

July 23, 2026

A bureaucratic knockout has crushed the dreams of Africa’s finest boxers before they could even step into the ring at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

In a decision sparking widespread fury, World Boxing (WB) organizers have officially barred Mozambique and several African nations, including Gabon, from competing in the Commonwealth Games. The rigid stance has sidelined two-time African light-middleweight champion Alcinda Dos Santos and her three compatriots, despite the medical test results arriving in Glasgow today, July 23, 2026.

The controversy centers on mandatory medical tests conducted in Portugal. The Mozambican delegation pleaded with the organisers to include their boxers in the draws because they were sure the test samples were on the way but they refused.

Mozambique begged for a 24-hour extension. True to their word, the certified test results arrived in Glasgow today from Portugal.

However, WB organizers remained totally adamant and refused to reverse the ban.

Mozambique Boxing Federation President, Gabriel Junior, did not hold back his anger over the rigid treatment of his boxers.

“We pleaded with them to give us just 24 hours we provide the samples but they refused,” a furious Gabriel Junior told boxersworld.co.ke, Africa’s authoritative boxing website. “I’m so disappointed my boxers have been barred from the Games.”

The decision is being widely condemned as a massive embarrassment for World Boxing. By prioritizing strict administrative deadlines over the spirit of sportsmanship, WB has denied a global stage to Alcinda Dos Santos—one of the continent’s most celebrated and decorated athletes. Her three teammates share the same heartbreaking fate, leaving African boxing fans questioning the fairness of the sport’s governing body.

Mozambique Olympic Committee took all the steps to ensure the necessary procedures were followed as their communication here explains:

“The Mozambican Boxing Federation was recently accepted into World Boxing—just days before the registration deadline for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games—which allowed for their registration to be accepted and the delegation to be subsequently restructured.

“There are no laboratories in Mozambique capable of performing these tests; local labs merely collect samples and send them to Portugal, with results taking an average of about three weeks. This tight time frame left no margin for unforeseen issues that could compromise the Mozambican athletes’ participation. Given that boxing had won medals in the previous edition of the Games, the COM chose to give the athletes this opportunity, despite the unfavorable deadlines for meeting the requirements.

“Due to technical issues, the laboratory has not yet submitted the results—originally scheduled for presentation at the technical meeting—promising to do so on July 23rd.

“Despite providing proof of payment for the test and sample collection, as well as an email from the laboratory confirming that the results would only be delivered on Thursday due to technical issues, the technical committee did not accept our registration; consequently, our boxers were unfortunately not permitted to participate in the Games. Like Mozambique, several other countries were denied entry for the same reasons.

“The Mozambique Olympic Committee regrets the situation and reiterates its commitment to continue supporting athletes in their quest to qualify for the LA2028 Olympic Games.”

Gabon Boxing Federation Technical Director, Dieudonne Mefaghe, has blasted WB for their rigidity denying his two boxers, Mandela Cup welterweight champion Arthur Lendoye and welterweight Marie Madeleine, a golden opportunity to take part in the Commonwealth Games.

“This is very very unfair, In Gabon, gender test is done abroad,” fumed Mefaghe.

“Before leaving Libreville, my boxers had done the test three weeks ago.”

Several other countries have also been denied participation in the Commonwealth Games for the same reasons, leaving WB with a stinking egg on their face.

▪️Mozambique two-time African champion Alcinda Dos Santos and compatriots barred in gender test row
▪️10 African boxers – nine women and one male boxer – in the quarter-finals after the Commonwealth Games draws
▪️Ghana’s Jibril Muntari received a bye to the last eight, meets Northern Ireland’s Garyn McAllister
▪️”It’s a tough draw for us,” says Kenya’s head coach Musa Benjamin
▪️Uganda’s rising star Angel Katushabe, Nigeria’s African Games champions Blessing Oraekwe and Patricia Mbata, Kenya’s Rosemarion Otieno and Tanzania’s Zawadi Kutaka among nine African female boxers in the quarters.
▪️24 African pugilists ready to trade leather with the rest of the world, bringing to Glasgow powerful “boxing made in Africa” in the opening session on July 24. War is war!

July 23, 2026

The Commonwealth Games ring has turned into a legal and physical battleground, leaving 10 African boxers just one win away from the podium while a gender-testing storm erupts outside the ropes in Glasgow, Scotland.

Two-time African champion and 2022 world silver medallist Alcinda Dos Santos of Mozambique is officially out of the tournament.

Dos Santos and three of her compatriots were disqualified after failing to meet World Boxing’s (WB) strict new gender test requirements. Yet the Mozambican Olympic Committee sent proof of payment for the test and sample collection to the organisers done in Portugal. The ruling has sparked loud fury across the African continent.

Several African boxing federations hit back at the sport’s new world body, calling WB “insensitive” and “too strict for nothing.” Officials openly contrasted the decision with the International Boxing Association (IBA), praising the Umar Kremlev-led world governing body as far more “humane” in its handling of sensitive athlete eligibility cases.

*The Quarter-Final Lineup*

Despite the administrative heartbreak, 13 African fighters advanced to the Round of 16, and an elite group of 10 have smashed their way directly into the quarter-finals after the draws.

The quarter-final contingent features a historic nine women and one male boxer. Ghana’s Jibril Muntari received a bye to the last eight and is scheduled for a high-stakes heavyweight collision against Northern Ireland’s Garyn McAllister.

▪️Uganda’s rising star Angel Katushabe secures her spot in the flyweight elite. Katushabe will meet the winner between South Africa’s Thandolwethu Truelove Mathiba or England’s Ruby White. Namibia flyweight Monique Mischa clashes with either Scotland’s Brooke Neely or Sri Lanka’s Nadeeka Ranasinghe.

▪️African showdown: Tanzania’s Zawadi Kutaka will trade leather with Lesotho’s Rapelang Malecela in what is expected to be a highly charged all-African featherweight showdown

▪️Kenya’s powerhouse Rosemarion Otieno and Sierra Leone’s resilient Josefien Betist both advanced to the lightweight quarter-finals.
Rosemarion battles Canada’s Al-Ahmadieh Marie-Bathoul with Betis meeting either England’s Lucy Kings-Wheatley or Petronelia Nokenoke of Papua New Guinea.

▪️Uganda’s experienced Emily Nakalema secures her path forward as all eight welterweights start their path from the quarters. She battles Australia’s Elizabeth Bryson Eve.

▪️ Nigeria’s reigning African Games light-middleweight and middleweight champions Blessing Oraekwe and Patricia Mbata are raring to go. Blessing meets Australia’s Lekeisha Pergoliti while Patricia, the gold-medal favorite, squares it out with England’s Mary Kate Smith with the winner taking on Australia’s Emma-Sue Greentree.

India’s Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Lovina Borgonhain, one of the favourites for middleweight gold, received a bye to the semis and will face Tarona Taafaki from Tuvalu, a Polynesian microstate in the southern Pacific Ocean.

With 13 fighting in the Round of 16 and 10 already on the precipice of a Commonwealth medal, Africa’s boxing squad is turning institutional anger into pure ring motivation.

“This is the first time I’m representing my country in the Commonwealth Games, my main focus now is getting the job done. Nothing really matters to me than getting a medal,” Nigeria’s talented Blessing Oraekwe told boxersworld.co.ke in a phone chat.

The southpaw Nigerian burst into the limelight at the 2023 African Games in Accra, scoring an upset points win over fancied Mozambican Alcinda Dos Santos in the finals. Alcinda was yearning to take on Blessing to avenge the bitter Accra defeat.

Namibia’s African featherweight champion Tryagain Ndevelo is in an upbeat mood ahead of his round of 32 lightweight bout against Anthony Joseph of Trinidad and Tobago.

This is the third time Ndevelo is taking part in the Commonwealth Games having been at the 2018 and 2022 editions with no medal won.

“I feel calm and focused on the first match. One fight per time and every fight is like a final fight to me. I grow confident every day towards this game. Every man for himself and God for us all,” Ndevelo, the Namibian captain, told boxersworld.co.ke

Commenting on the draw, Kenya’s head coach Musa Benjamin said: “It’s a very tough draw against England, Scotland, Canada. Recovery time for Amina Martha who’s arriving later today and climbs the ring in tomorrow’s morning session is a concern to me. Anyway, to be top, you must beat the best so it’s game on.”

The Commonwealth Games boxing event – featuring 201 boxers, 131 men and 70 women from 43 countries – gets underway on Friday, July 24 with 24 African boxers in action.

Kenya’s bantamweight Amina Martha Faki is the first African boxer in the ring against tough England’s Lauren Mackie. The highlight is at light-heavyweight in which Tanzania’s bronze medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games Yusuf Changalawe has a date against Nigeria’s David Akintola in the round of 32 with the winner battling Kenya’s twice African bronze medallist and IBA World Championships quarter-finalist Robert Okaka aka Man Ngori in the round of 16.

Zambians, world quarter-finalist bantamweight, Mwengo Mwale and world bronze medallist, welterweight Emmanuel Katema will also be in action with Mwale meeting Tanzania’s standout performer at the 2025 World Championships Faki Issa Faki who is also a bronze medalist in the Nairobi Zone 3 Championships while world semi-finalist Katema battles Chamil Pathmasiri of Sri Lanka.

Full Africa’s opening schedule coming soon.

boxersworld.co.ke

▪️While swimming expands, slashing of weight classes in boxing hurts developing nations. It has to be stopped now!

July 22, 2026

The outspoken frustration of the 48kg Lesotho renowned boxer, Retsilisitsoe Kolobe Matshili, over the reduction of boxing weight categories to seven for men and women at the ⁠Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games highlights the mounting anger within the combat sports community.

In an interview with Africa’s authoritative boxing website, boxersworld.co.ke, Matshili accused the IOC and CGF of blatant discrimination and lack of fairplay.

The decision to implement exactly seven weight classes for both male and female divisions was driven by a push for gender parity and to align with the ⁠International Olympic Committee’s blueprint for the 2028 Olympic Games.

However, for boxers in historically vibrant divisions—especially in the lighter brackets like the 48kg class in Africa—this mandates severe cuts, changes in weight class, or total exclusion from the ⁠Commonwealth Games altogether.

Critics point out that the ⁠International Boxing Association (IBA) manages and hosts Men’s and Women’s World Championships with 25 combined weight categories with great success. Boxers and analysts argue that this expansive format gives more boxers an opportunity to display their talents on the world stage without forced qualifiers or drastic weight cutting. So, why can’t IOC and CGF – with several sponsors on board – emulate IBA?

The transition of the boxing tournament in Glasgow to be overseen by ⁠World Boxing—the body provisionally recognized by the IOC to govern the sport within the Olympic movement—has brought these differing philosophies to a head.

For federations relying on full Olympic-style brackets, the restriction is viewed by many as an administrative bottleneck.

And some IOC affiliates in Africa have implemented these changes with a lot of malice. Take for instance Kenya and Tanzanian boxing teams having one coach only!! Do they know the role of coaches in major Games?

Are there double standards with swimming and athletics? Why cut down boxing weight categories and the same is not done for swimming and athletics?

The most resonant point from the Lesotho boxer’s critique is the perceived double standards.

Boxing, alongside athletics, remains one of the absolute biggest crowd-pullers at the Games. Yet, CGF and IOC regulations often trim boxing brackets and quota spots in the name of cost-cutting and streamlining, while athletics and swimming continue to boast extensive event rosters and medal opportunities for essentially the same core athletes.

Sports purists argue this selective tightening unfairly marginalizes a working-class sport that historically yields vital medals for smaller nations. For many fighters, the reduction to 14 total divisions (seven for each gender) feels less like structural necessity and more like selective pruning. If these multi-sport governing bodies intend to de-emphasize boxing, fighters argue it should be communicated clearly and fairly, rather than heavily restricting the opportunities for athletes who have dedicated their lives to the ring.

And if IOC are fed up of boxing in their events, let them remove it eternally instead of this nonsense on weight reductions.

Over to you IOC President Kirsty Coventry. We know you were a great swimmer representing Zimbabwe successfully at the Olympic Games. I was with you at the 2004 Athens Olympics and salute you for your achievements.

Refuse to be arm-twisted and take a firm stand to benefit African boxers. We are watching closely.

Interestingly, there’s still nothing much at stake in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games for athletes other than medals only. In this modern age of commercialisation in sports, prize money is the in-thing. Sportsmen/women can’t eat medals and bygone prestige of these Games.

boxersworld.co.ke

▪️An impressive seven African boxers punched their way to the finals raising the hopes of a gold rush for the continent

▪️Botswana’s first ever female boxer to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games Lethabo Modukanele explains why African boxers stumbled

▪️One of the seven finalists, Ghana’s Joseph Commey did not enter the ring because he was unwell. “I felt like I have disappointed my country and ashamed of myself,” says Commey

July 17, 2026

African boxers may have failed to win gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games but statistically, their overall performance was the best ever in 24 years at the Club Games since the 2002 edition in Manchester, England.

The historic yet bittersweet chapter for African boxing, displaying immense raw talent that ultimately stopped just short of the highest podium.

Expectations were high when Africa entered the finals with unprecedented momentum. Seven elite fighters—five men and two women—had dismantled their opponents to secure a spot in the gold-medal bouts. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Fans and pundits confidently predicted a gold rush, expecting these finalists to break regional records and assert global dominance.

In the finals were Nigeria’s featherweight Elizabeth Oshoba, Mozambique two-time Africa champion Rady Gramane, Ghana’s bantamweight Abraham Mensah, Ghana’s featherweight Joseph Commey, Mauritius’ light-welterweight Richarno Colin, Zambia’s welterweight Stephen Zimba and Mozambique light-middleweight Tiago Muxanga.

Contrary to those high expectations, the gold-medal matches delivered a harsh reality check. None of the seven African finalists managed to secure a victory, all settling for silver medals.

In women’s bouts, Oshoba was beaten fair and square by Michaela Walsh of Northern Ireland and middleweight Gramane lost to Canada’s Tammara Thibeault.

The five men fared no better with Mensah losing to Dylan Eagleson of Northern Ireland, Commey giving away a walkover against Northern Ireland’s Jude Gallanger, Richarno losing to Scotland’s Reese Lynch, Zimba going down to Plan Croft of Wales and Muxanga beaten by Northern Ireland’s Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Aidan Walsh, brother to Michaela Walsh who defeated Nigeria’s Oshoba. Michaela had previously won silver in the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games with his brother Aidan winning silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

A crestfallen Ghana’s Commey describes the Birmingham Games as the most disappointing moment in his boxing career. He saw off India’s Mohammad Hassanmud in the semi-finals and was all set for Northern Ireland’s Jude Gallagher in the finals but he failed the medical check-up.

“I wanted to fight but I was stopped by my coach, that made me feel so ashamed of myself,” Commey told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

“I felt so much pain and disappointment for not fighting Gallagher although I was ill but I wanted to try my possible best to fight him on that day, I felt like I have let down my country, that was the most disappointing moment in my boxing career.”

Several factors contributed to the Birmingham collective heartbreak.

Boxing analysts point out that African fighters faced top-tier, heavily funded boxers, particularly from host nation England and powerhouse teams like Scotland, Northern Ireland and India.

Many bouts were decided by razor-thin split decisions where tactical discipline and defensive positioning edged out aggressive punching. In high-pressure finals, opponents with greater exposure to major international tournaments managed the clock and judges’ perceptions more effectively.

Despite the absence of gold, framing the tournament as a failure for Africa misses the broader, highly commendable achievement of the continent. African boxing demonstrated incredible depth and resilience across the entire event.

Boxers from nine different African nations climbed the podium, proving that boxing talent is distributed widely across the continent rather than concentrated in just one or two traditional powerhouses.

The continent amassed a total of 19 medals. This collective success highlighted a rising standard of athleticism and technique across both the men’s and women’s divisions. That two women qualified for the finals marked a massive leap forward for gender inclusivity and growth in African combat sports.

The Birmingham Games proved that African boxers possess the power, skill, and heart to compete with the world’s best. However, missing out on the prestigious gold medals highlights a critical gap. To turn silvers into golds, continental boxing federations and their respective governments must invest more heavily in international training camps, constant exposure in major tournaments in Europe, Asia and Americas, advanced tactical coaching, and mental conditioning for high-stakes finals possibly from sports psychologists.

The 19 medals haul in Birmingham was the best ever since the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England, where Africa won a total of 17 medals, two of them golds by Zambia’s flyweight Kennedy Kanyanta who beat Botswana’s former national team coach Lechedzani Luza and Nigeria’s light-heavyweight Jegbefumere Albert, the conqueror of Uganda’s Joseph Lubega.

At the Birmingham Games, Botswana’s Lethabo Modukanele won her country’s first ever boxing medal by a female boxer, a bronze in the minimumweight division.

Boxing is basically a game of addition and subtraction. I hit you to score points and avoid you hitting me back to ensure I’m on top, and if you hit me, I quickly counter to subtruct your points.

Boxing analysts wonder do the African boxers lose their concentration in the ring opting to rely on raw power and pressure fighting to handle their opponents?

That seven of them pounded their way to the finals negates the aforementioned because they didn’t make it on walkovers. They won their bouts decisively.

I interviewed Modukanele on phone in 2022 in Birmingham keen to get her views on why the six African boxers stumbled.

“The african boxing style is unique to africa, and so is every other region’s style,” said Modukanele.

She went on: “In africa, mostly East, West and below, our fighting style is based mainly on hitting hard, we are trained to have long lasting engines/stamina, so we tend to engage in fast-paced wars, and we look for constant engagement

“That fighting style is detrimental to our success when we face European and mostly Asian and Arab fighters. Those fighters have finesse, they have superb punch selection and their footwork is very good.

“Most of the African fighters rely on pressure fighting, which works to a certain extent.

“I also believe with the knowledge that those other fighters have, those skills coupled with the biased judging and refereeing, we go in already having doubts about our chances of winning.”

Modukanele lost on points 5-0 her semi-final minimumweight bout to England’s Demi-Jade Resztan.

She explains why she lost to the England boxer.

“My fight with the English girl was a case of the above mentioned.

“I started off well, having what I believed was the upperhand but then I got dragged into a fire-fight after receiving a count in the first round for slipping of all the things, and that worsened my game plan. I felt the count was unnecessary because she didn’t hit me with any punch.

“I went into the second round trying to recover, to balance the loss out with an intention of winning the last two rounds, and so the strategy for that was to apply more pressure, to attack incessantly but that only helped the English girl outscore me in the process.

“I got sloppy trying to apply the pressure and that allowed her to capitalize on my mistakes. I felt so disappointed, I had no choice but to accept the loss.”

Modukanele is at it again. She’s one of the Botswana boxers taking part in the Glasgow Games. Hopefully, this time around the smooth operator will get her act right plus the rest of the African boxers in Glasgow.

▪️Instead of sparring against the same local teammates day in and day out, the Zambians are sparring against boxers from different countries in Belfast

July 16, 2026

The pre-games training camp has been an absolute game-changer for the Zambian boxers. Leaving the familiar confines of the OYDC Zambia—Sports Development Centre in Lusaka, the team relocated to Belfast, Northern Ireland, to integrate with other international Commonwealth Games squads.

For rising talents such African Games featherweight bronze medallist Albert Ngulube and bantamweight Catherine Mwape, this camp has been an eye-opener. Instead of sparring against the same local teammates day in and day out, they are stepping into the ring with English, Canadian, and Northern Irish fighters. This melting pot of diverse boxing styles has enabled the Zambians learn to adjust to boxers with different styles such as southpaws, swarmers, counter-punchers, out-boxers, switch hitters and boxer-punchers.

In addition to Albert Ngulube and Catherine Mwape, others are African Games silver medallists, bantamweight Mwengo Mwale and welterweight Emmanuel Katema.

To inject more finesse, Zambia Boxing Federation in conjunction with the Olympic Committee have hired British coach Karl Whalley who is working together with the national team head coach Charles Kangwa.

A former national champion and England L3 coach and technical educator, Whalley speaks highly of the Zambian boxers ahead of the Commonwealth Games in an interview with boxersworld.co.ke before they left for Belfast.

“This is a very good team that has benefitted from a full-time training camp partner,” said Whalley.

“I’ve noticed cardio vascular fitness has improved over 8% in all boxers. Local muscular strength has improved by over 20%. Technical and tactical awareness has been continuously reviewed. I trust that the team now Respects Everyone but Fears No One.”

Whalley went on: “We have focussed on specificity of training techniques: tactical, psychological, physical and spiritual are all elements we have reviewed and developed.

“Team Zambia’s strength are its people. The weaknesses centre at around limited infrastructure and equipment shortfalls. Holistically, we have a need for a future coaching strategy and talent pathway.

“We have engaged in a range of new coaching techniques, endurance training, resilience training and nutrition/weight management.

While Whalley reckons boxing has not changed much, he feels it’s important for African governments to invest on coaching and analytical processes.

“Boxing remains the same sport as it always has been,” said Whalley.

“However, many nations have invested heavily in coach education, analysis processes and boxer development. Promoting ‘next generation’ squad training, from school boxers to international competitors.”

He contends proper training is crucial for a boxer’s success but that’s not guaranteed.

“No matter how hard a boxer trains, their success can never be guaranteed. A good draw in the Commonwealth Games is always important. Keeping the athletes fit and focused is the key to success when boxing against such high-calibre of boxers. We have worked considerably on adapting our counter attacks and a more relentless approach to our competitors.”

Whalley’s first bout was on his 11th birthday and the last fight 17 years later. He has so far trained eight national champions and numerous regional champions in the UK.

The Zambia federation also hired a British coach, Barry Philpott for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, cruising to the final for the first time since the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Stephen Zimba was among the seven African boxers in the final but one of them, Ghana’s Joseph Commey, did not fight as he was unwell. Zimba lost in the final to Loan Croft of Wales. Zambia placed 11th overall with two medals, silver and bronze from flyweight Patrick “Baddo” Chinyemba.

Zambia has so far won a total of 29 medals – two gold, eight silver and 19 bronze – in the Commonwealth Games since their first participation in Edinburgh, Scotland, 1970. Light-middleweight Julius Luipa won a silver and two bronze medals from light-welterweight Paul Kayuba and middleweight Samuel Kasongo, finishing eighth overall.

The best ever performance by the Zambian boxers in the Commonwealth Games was in 1974 and 2002, finishing fourth overall in both Games.

In the 1974 edition held in Christchurch, New Zealand, light-middleweight Lottie Mwale won Zambia’s first ever gold medal with bantamweight Newton Chisanga winning silver and a bronze from middleweight Julius Luipa.

At the 2002 Games in Manchester, England, flyweight Kennedy Kanyanta won Zambia’s second gold while lightweight Dennis Zimba brought home a silver with two bronzes by light-welterweight Davies Mwale and super-heavyweight Gozie Dijeh.

Turning to Glasgow, the Zambians are expected to maintain the momentum from their success at the 2025 IBA Men’s World Championships in Dubai where they emerged as the top-placed African nation, scooping two bronze medals through flyweight Patrick Chinyemba and light-welterweight Emmanuel Katema. Not only did they win bronze medals enabling Zambia finish 9th overall but they made $75,000 from the richest ever amateur boxing championships in the world with a total of $8.3 million at stake. Chinyemba lost in the semis to Russia’s Bair Batlaev while Katema was beaten by Omar Livaza of Kyrgyzstan.

Against this inspiring background, a lot is expected from the Zambians in Glasgow with Mwale and Katema carrying the hopes of the African continent.

▪️Macharia’s stunning upset victory over Africa bronze medallist Aloice Vincent has added more fire in the light-welterweight division and made BFK selectors to sit up and take notice

July 13, 2026

A super duper show in the second leg of the Kenya National Boxing League in Mombasa by Pius Macharia of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has catapulted him to more prominence in the light welterweight (63.5 kg) division, fueled by a stunning 3-2 upset victory over Prisons’ Africa bronze medallist Aloice Vincent at the scenic Mama Ngina Waterfront.

After seeing off the fancied Prisons’ pugilist in the semi-finals, Macharia put the icing on the cake with a comfortable victory over the impressive national novices champion Elvis Lincoln of Kasarani Youth Boxing Club, the conqueror of the Kenya Open champion Ayub Waweru of Nakuru’s Sombea.

A product of coach Mike Mungai at Umoja Boxing Club, Macharia’s gradual rise is the culmination of his patience, resilience and determination to overcome adversity like a real soldier having previously lost twice to Aloice Vincent.

“I have a feeling this is now my time to rule the light-welterweight division, I have struggled for quite sometime but now I’m in fine shape to dominate,” a confident Macharia told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

Macharia was mentally and physically prepared for the well attended second leg of the national league in Mombasa judging from his dazzling performance.

“I had adequate preparation with the guidance of my KDF coaches on how to handle pressure fighters since majority of my opponents are pressure fighters. It’s now time to work extra hard since I’m pretty sure my opponents will also be working extra hard to stop me from rising to the top. My big aim is to represent the national team in the 2026 Africa Elite Championships.”

When Macharia climbed through the ropes for his semi-final bout against Aloice Vincent, some keen boxing followers viewed him as the underdog because he had twice lost to the Prisons’ boxer but executed a calculated game plan to contain Vincent’s aggressive approach with a completely transformed version of himself: Impeccable timing, perfect fighting range and dictated the pace moving with calm predatory confidence. Macharia’s hard-earned victory not only secured him a spot in the finals but also served as a testament to his steady progression as well as an indication of his burning desire to rule the light-welterweight berth.

If Macharia maintains this upward trajectory, he’s definitely a hot favourite for a place in Kenya’s team for the Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships in October, 2026.

Recalling his encounter against Aloice Vincent, Macharia said he was psyched up for their third fight.

“I know him very well he’s a pressure fighter I already had a formular on how to contain him, maintaining my range was the rhythm I needed and this time I said to myself he will not defeat me again, I’m happy I have clicked at the right time and I’m in proper frame of mind.”

Pitted against national novices welterweight champion Elvis Lincoln of Kasarani Youth in the finals, Macharia didn’t take the fight lightly because Lincoln had demolished reigning Kenya Open champion Ayub Waweru of Sombea on the first day of the league. Macharia was well aware of his defeat by Waweru in the semi-finals of the Kenya Open Championships at Kaloleni Social Hall.

He therefore faced Lincoln cautiously, comfortably cruising to a 4-1 victory in the finals.

“I’m very happy with my performance but I’m not resting. I’ll train even harder for the third leg of the league in Vihiga,” said Macharia whose victory over Lincoln was the second one. He beat him 5-0 during the Kenya Open preliminaries.

“My final fight against Lincoln was less strenuous,” said Macharia.

In addition to Ayub Waweru, Aloice Vincent and Elvis Lincoln, there’s 2025 Africa Zone 3 bronze medallist Caleb Wandera in the same weight category. Wandera is currently undergoing Police training in Kiganio but by the time they are through in September he can’t make it for the Africa Championships. Therefore Macharia will have to be wary of Lincoln, Vincent and Waweru in his aim to represent Hit Squad in the Africa Elite Championships.

Macharia’s rise bridges the raw grit of community boxing with the disciplined machinery of the military. He attributes his ascendancy to a dual-coaching system that gave him the best of both worlds.

First came the foundation from the visionary owner of Umoja Boxing Club, Mike Mungai, who taught him the fundamentals when Macharia started to learn boxing in 2014.

“I owe Mungai a lot, he taught me all the basics of boxing,” said the 29-year-old Macharia. Under the tutelage of Mungai – a former boxer – Macharia was taught the stance, the jab, how to handle different opponents and the vital survival instinct required in the sport.

Then came the polish. On joining KDF in 2020, military coaches – all former internationals – took coach Mungai’s raw diamond and sharpened the edges. They added tactical discipline and elite physical conditioning to his natural talent.

Macharia is now translating his sporting success into social impact. He’s the beacon of hope among many youth in his Umoja Estate associated with wayward youth, crime and substance abuse. He regularly mentors the youth, steering them away from drug addiction and into the discipline of boxing which many of them have embraced positively and every evening they join coach Mungai for rigorous training sessions with high hopes of emulating their idol, Macharia whose involvement with boxing kept him away from peer pressure.

“The discipline in boxing helped me a lot to avoid becoming a zombie through drug abuse, what further changed my life is when I joined KDF through boxing,” Macharia told boxersworld.co.ke.

“I’m now settled assured of steady income,” said Macharia.

Macharia attributes drug abuse and crime in Umoja Estate among the youth to unemployment.

“Lack of jobs is a big challenge facing not only our youth in Umoja but countrywide,” said Macharia but through boxing a number of them are now breaking away from the habit by attending daily sessions and engaging in competitions. However, some don’t stay long in boxing due the pressure from their families to put food on the table.

The latest success story from Umoja Boxing Club is the national lightweight champion Emmanuel Omollo who has joined Police with high hopes of eventually landing a job with the cops.

Despite moving to KDF, Macharia is still closely associated with Umoja Boxing Club, and on the week of his trip to Mombasa trained at the club for inspiration. Macharia recalls coach Mungai’s advice before he left the gym heading to Mombasa with his teammates.

“Believe in what you have and what you have is the best, stick to the game plan,” was Mungai’s parting shot with his boxer ahead of the national league’s second leg.

Macharia is now looking forward to the third leg of national league in Vihiga, Western Kenya, from August 20-22. BFK’s selectors will use the third leg to pick on prospects for the Africa Championships in October. That’s why Macharia intends to stamp his authority in Vihiga and punch his way to the national team.

KDF Boxing Club coaches are very impressed by Macharia’s steady progress. Former top international Nick Abaka, one of KDF coaches, shared his views on Macharia.

“Macharia is a hardworking boxer with a positive attitude. He is always eager to learn, which makes him a pleasure for us as coaches to work with,” said Abaka, adding: “I truly admire his character and determination. Even after losing a few bouts, when many people had written him off, he never gave up. Instead, he kept working hard, believing in himself, and bouncing back stronger. That resilience is what sets true champions apart.

“Sometimes it is discouraging to see people you started with succeed more than you, but that is pressure every athlete must learn to manage. I thank God that Macharia has overcome that challenge. His journey reminds us that God’s timing is always perfect. Keep believing, keep working, and your time will surely come.”

We in boxersworld.co.ke wish Macharia the best of luck in his ambition of donning the national vest for the Hit Squad.

▪️KDF now lead the overall points table with 49 points following their dominant performance in Mombasa with Police second on 38

July 12, 2026

Against the scenic backdrop of the Kilindini Channel at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Kenya’s port city of Mombasa, Damacline Boyani stole the spotlight in the Kenya National Boxing League second leg finals on July 11, 2026.

The resilient 20-year-old former streetgirl, who used to sniff glue and jet fuel with her friends, pulled off a shocking 3-2 points victory over national light-flyweight champion, Jane Wangare of the Kenya Prisons Service. She was named the best female boxer in the Kenya Open Championships at Kaloleni Social Hall in April, 2026.

Damacline’s high profile win offers her a direct pathway out of street life, access to proper substance abuse rehabilitation and a secure environment for her six-month-old son. Her victory perfectly embodies the spirit of the Boxing Federation of Kenya Ndondi Mashinani initiative, proving elite-level talent exists far beyond the well-funded institutional teams like the KDF, Police and Prisons. Damacline’s triumph also serves as a profound beacon of hope for street children and youth facing extreme poverty across Kenya, demonstrating their current circumstances do not dictate their ultimate potential.

“I felt so nice beating Wangare I didn’t expect it. I was told she’s strong,” Damacline told boxersworld.co.ke.

A delighted Damacline went on:”I was scared heading to the ring because one of my friends a boxer told me Wangare has strong punches, and that I’ll not finish three rounds but when we started I didn’t feel her punches.

“What shocked me is when she was counted I couldn’t believe it it’s the national champion being counted to eight, I was so happy and this encouraged me, my coach Benja told me I was ahead.”

As she breastfed her baby, six-month-old Jamal, Damacline or Dama to her close friends, said she has quit street life and is now staying with her mum at Mwiki in Kenya’s capital city Nairobi.

“I used to sniff glue and jet fuel but I’ve now reformed. Boxing changed me, I’m very grateful to my coach Benja for pulling me out of the streets to join his club Kasarani Youth.”

Why did she name his son Jamal?

“I named my son Jamal after our federation President Jamal because he’s a good man he helps boxers,” responded Damacline who hails from Ogembo in Bomachoge Chache Sub-County, ⁠Kisii County.

“I would like our president Jamal to support me get a job with Kenya Police, I want to be a cop, I like their morale. I trained with the Police team at Mathare Depot I enjoyed it.”

In addition to Damacline Boyani, the other impressive performers among the rising stars were KDF’s light-welterweight Pius Macharia, G44’s pair of bantamweight Emmanuel Otieno and featherweight Euticus Wanjau, Kasarani Youth’s Elvis Lincoln and KDF’s Geofrey Ayacko.

Pius Macharia was in sparkling form upsetting Africa bronze medallist Aloice Vincent in their third match having lost twice to the Prisons boxer in past two encounters.

“Aloice is a pressure fighter but I contained him by maintaining my range,” Macharia, a product of coach Mike Munga at Umoja Boxing Club, told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

In the finals, Macharia beat Elvis Lincoln 4-1.

“The final against Lincoln was not strenuous, he’s a pressure fighter too but I now have the right formular to contain them.”

For Kasarani Youth coach, Benjamin Musyoka, Damacline’s achievement was the culmination of his laboured efforts convincing her to take up the sport.

“Damacline started boxing in June, 2024. I’m extremely delighted for her victory after struggling so much with her,” Musyoka told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

“She used to come irregularly for training. Today she comes, next day you don’t see her so I’m forced to trace Damacline pull her away from the streets in bad company and back to the gym for training. I’ll keep on supporting her hoping she gets a job at some of the big clubs.”

“We can’t doubt our performance as Kasarani Youth because in every competition there must be a winner and a loser.

“Thumbs up to the referees and judges for good officiating, they did a great job, it’s only one bout the bantamweight final.

Emmanuel Otieno from G44 sincerely speaking won that fight.”

In some of the highlights, Kasarani Youth sensational lightweight Ben Juma squeezed 3-2 points victory over KDF’s 2022 Africa silver medallist Samuel Njau, Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde scored his fourth consecutive victory over his main rival Alvin Oduor of KDF and in the process maintained his eight-year unbeaten run locally, light-heavyweight Robert “Man Ngori” Okaka outpointed Emmanuel Malaba of Vihiga, African Games bantamweight bronze medallist Amina Martha defeated her Commonwealth Games sparring partner Pauline Chege of KDF 5-0, Africa Zone 3 2025 silver medallist Mwinyi “Giant Killer” Kombo beat Euticus Wanjau of G44 5-0, African Games middleweight champion Edwin “Ocox” Okong’o of KDF outpointed Kibra Olympics’ Kennedy Omollo with KDF’s George Ayacko beating Sombea’s Jasper Sagali.

Meanwhile, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) pummelled their way to a spectacular victory, collecting 27 points to edge out their arch-rivals and defending champions, Kenya Police who placed second with 16 points followed by Kasarani Youth 8 and fourth-placed Sombea on six.

The soldiers now take over the overall lead with 49 points following the 22 points earned in the first leg of the league in Nakuru..

Led by Corporal Veronica Mbithe, KDF also dominated the women’s category to finish on top with eight points followed by Summit from Kisumu six and third-placed Vihiga four points.

The soldiers demonstrated supreme grit and technical mastery, making a statement across the league table of their intentions this season. While the reigning Police outfit brought their usual lethal intensity, the sheer volume of tactical victories by KDF’s formidable squad allowed them to break away in the standings. KDF’s dominance effectively disrupted the early-season rhythm of their traditional rivals, cementing their status as the team to beat for the overall national crown.

Spectators were treated to an electrifying atmosphere where each fierce jab and punishing hook resonated with the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. The coastal breeze carried the roar of passionate fans filling the iconic open-air arena. Boxers left everything in the ring under the floodlights, with the towering cranes and passing cargo ships of the Kilindini Harbour providing an industrial yet deeply scenic maritime backdrop.

Celebrating the 45th anniversary in 2026, the vibrant atmosphere in the national league and huge attendance of participants once again proved that boxing in Kenya is as dynamic and captivating as ever.