▪️The African boxers have won four gold, four silver and 18 bronze medals since the inauguration of the World Boxing Championships in 1974

Africa’s total medal tally in Men’s World Boxing Championships has now shot up to 26.

This follows the three bronze medals won by Mali’s French-based middleweight Djibril Traore, Zambia’s flyweight Patrick Chinyemba and his compatriot light-welterweight Emmanuel Katema in the just concluded Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai.

For Traore it’s double celebration for killing two birds with one stone.

Traore not only won Africa’s first medal in eight years in Men’s Boxing Worlds but he bacame Mali’s first ever boxer to win a medal in IBA’s signature event.

Kudos to this son of Africa and his coach Rachid Hallaf who plotted the defeat of Spain’s Sergio Martinez by instructing his boxer to adopt the swarmer approach against the taller Spaniard.

“My strategy was to leave no room for the Spaniard to make any move, to deliver a very intense first round in order to create openings later on,” a delighted Hallaf told boxersworid.co.ke in an interview.

Traore, who has been living in France for over 10 years now, implemented the strategy to perfection. A swarmer is an aggressive, relentless boxer who closes distance to overwhelm an opponent with a consistent flurry of fast, short punches including hooks and uppercuts at close quarters.

This is exactly what Traore did with clinical efficiency , only changing angles but he stuck to Martinez like a tick does when sucking a cow’s blood.

Traore first did Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) from the age of 12 to 14 before switching to boxing in 2018 at 15 years.

“My first coaches were Tonio De Susa and Andy, then I moved to US Melun, my current club where I’ve been since 2020,” Traore told boxersworld.co.ke, the Voice of the African Boxer.

He has represented Mali for one year now, making his debut at the 2024 African Elite Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo where he settled for bronze after losing in the semi-finals to the eventual gold medallist DR Congo’s David Tshama. Dubai Worlds was his second participation in a major international tournament.

For Chinyemba, this was his second time to take part in Men’s World Boxing Championships and the first appearance for Katema who represented the national team for the first in 2019 and Chinyemba’s debut was in 2018. He has since then risen to become one of the world’s best flyweights, representing Zambia twice in the Olympics, winning gold at the 2022 Africa Elite Championships, gold at the 2023 Olympic qualifiers and clinching the flyweight title at the African Games in Accra.

Katema came into prominence when he caused a major upset by defeating two-time African champion Jugurtha Ait Bekka of Algeria before losing in the finals to Ghana’a 2020 Olympics bronze medallist Samuel Takyi.

While African countries missed the elusive gold medal – last won in 2015 by Morocco’s Mohammed Rabii – the overall performance in Dubai is a remarkable improvement notably ending the eight-year dry spell without winning a medal with three bronzes, 12 boxers qualifying for the quarter-finals and 32 in the pre-quarters or round of 16 of you like it that way.

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda also had their own fare share of success with light-heavyweight Robert Okaka becoming the first Kenyan in 43 years to qualify for the quarter-finals and Uganda making it to the quarters for the first time in 51 years through welterweight Bob Turyatemba while Tanzania’s bantamweight Issa Faki earned their first victory since 1974 when Emmanuel won his fight in the inaugural World Championships.

Africa’s 26 medallists in Men’s World Boxing Championships since its inauguration in 1974:

Gold

Light-welterweight Ayub Kalule Uganda), light-flyweight Steve Muchoki (Kenya), lightweight Davidson Andeh (Nigeria) and welterweight Mohammed Rabii (Morocco)

Silver

Light-flyweight Steve Muchoki (Kenya), light-heavyweight Jacklord Jacobs (Nigeria), featherweight Nourredine Medjehoud (Algeria) and light-flyweight Mohamed Flisi (Algeria)

Bronze

Light-welterweight Amon Kotey (Ghana), light-middleweight Joseph Nsubuga (Uganda), heavyweight Fatayi Ayinla (Nigeria), welterweight Roland Omuruyi (Nigeria), light-middleweight Kabbary Salem (Egypt), flyweight Hassan Mustafa (Egypt), featherweight Houcine Soltani (Algeria), light-welterweight Moses James (Nigeria), flyweight Hassan Mustafa in 1993. The first time the Egyptian won bronze was 1991 in Sydney, middleweight Mohamed Misbahi (Morocco), light-flyweight Hamid Berhill (Morocco), middleweight Mohammed Hikal, light-flyweight Mohamed Flisi (Algeria), middleweight Hosam Abdin (Egypt), super-heavyweight Arsene Fokou Fosso, middleweight Djibril Traore (Mali), flyweight Patrick Chinyemba (Zambia) and light-welterweight Emmanuel Katema (Zambia).

The finals featured 12 boxers from Russia, 6 from Uzbekistan, 5 from Kazakhstan, and one athlete each from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Azerbaijan.

13/12/2025

Results of the Boxing World Championship 2025 Final Bouts

48 kg: Edmond Khudoyan (Russia) — Subhan Mammadov (Azerbaijan) 3:4

51 kg: Hasanboy Dusmatov (Uzbekistan) — Bair Batlaev (Russia) 4:1

54 kg: Vyacheslav Rogozin (Russia) — Saken Bibossynov (Kazakhstan) 2:5

57 kg: Orazbek Asykulov (Kazakhstan) — Khusravkhon Rahimov (Tajikistan) 5:0

60 kg: Abdumalik Khalokov (Uzbekistan) — Vsevolod Shumkov (Russia) 3:4

63.5 kg: Ilya Popov (Russia) — Omar Livaza (Kyrgyzstan) 5:0

67 kg: Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev (Uzbekistan) — Evgeny Kool (Russia) 5:0

71 kg: Sergey Koldenkov (Russia) — Ablaykhan Zhussupov (Kazakhstan) 1:4

75 kg: Sabyrzhan Akkalykov (Kazakhstan) — Ismail Mutsolgov (Russia) 0:5

80 kg: Dzhambulat Bizhamov (Russia) — Javokhir Ummataliev (Uzbekistan) 5:0

86 kg: Sharabutdin Ataev (Russia) — Alexey Alferov (Belarus) 5:0

92 kg: Turabek Khabibullaev (Uzbekistan) — Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (Russia) 0:5

+92 kg: Arman Makhanov (Uzbekistan) — David Surov (Russia) | David Surov (Russia) WIN with TKO.

▪️Kazakhstan finish second followed by Uzbekistan

13/12/2025

Russia emerged overall winners of the 23rd edition of IBA World Boxing Championships which ended on December 13, 2025, at that Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. A total of 428 boxers from 109 countries took part.

Russian boxers, who earned $ 2,925,000 in prize money, won 7 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze medals. Stiff challenge was provided by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan national teams.

Armenian boxers also performed successfully at the tournament, winning a record number of medals for the country at World Championships — 5 bronze medals.

The prize money was distributed as follows:

1st place — $300,000

2nd place — $150,000

3rd place — $75,000

5th place — $10,000

Medal table of the 2025 Boxing World Championship:

Russia — 7 gold, 5 silver, 1 bronze

Kazakhstan — 3 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze

Uzbekistan — 2 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze

Azerbaijan — 1 gold, 2 bronze

Kyrgyzstan — 1 silver, 1 bronze

Tajikistan — 1 silver, 1 bronze

Belarus — 1 silver

Armenia — 5 bronze

Georgia — 2 bronze

Spain — 2 bronze

Zambia — 2 bronze

Cuba, Mali, Moldova, Nepal, Turkmenistan — 1 bronze medal each

All results of the 2025 IBA Boxing World Championships

48 kg

Subkhan Mammadov (Azerbaijan)

Edmond Khudoyan (Russia)

Sahil Alakhverdovi (Georgia) and Temirtas Zhussupov (Kazakhstan)

51 kg

Hasanboy Dusmatov (Uzbekistan)

Bair Batlaev (Russia)

Rudolf Garboyan (Armenia) and Patrick Chinyemba (Zambia)

54 kg

Saken Bibossinov (Kazakhstan)

Vyacheslav Rogozin (Russia)

Chandra Bahadur Thapa (Nepal) and Asilbek Jadlilov (Uzbekistan)

57 kg

Orazbek Akkylkulov (Kazakhstan)

Khusravkhon Rahimov (Tajikistan)

Andrey Peglivanyan (Russia) and Khujanazar Nortojiev (Uzbekistan)

60 kg

Vsevolod Shumkov (Russia)

Abdumalik Khalokov (Uzbekistan)

Akmal Ubaidov (Tajikistan) and Artur Bezayan (Armenia)

63.5 kg

Ilya Popov (Russia)

Omar Livaza (Kyrgyzstan)

Yertugan Zeynullinov (Kazakhstan) and Emmanuel Katema (Zambia)

67 kg

Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev (Uzbekistan)

Evgeny Kool (Russia)

Alexandru Paraschiv (Moldova) and Hovhannes Bachkov (Armenia)

71 kg

Ablaykhan Zhussupov (Kazakhstan)

Sergey Koldenkov (Russia)

Bayramurdy Nurmagammedov (Turkmenistan) and Ikhtiyar Nishonov (Kyrgyzstan)

75 kg

Ismail Mutsolgov (Russia)

Sabyrzhan Akkalykov (Kazakhstan)

Fazliddin Erkinboev (Uzbekistan) and Djibril Traore (Mali)

80 kg

Dzhambulat Bizhamov (Russia)

Javokhir Ummataliev (Uzbekistan)

Arlen Lopez (Cuba) and Gazimagomed Jalilov (Spain)

86 kg

Sharabutdin Ataev (Russia)

Alexey Alferov (Belarus)

Giorgi Kushitashvili (Georgia) and Rafael Hovhannisyan (Armenia)

92 kg

Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (Russia)

Turabek Khabibullaev (Uzbekistan)

Loren Alfonso (Azerbaijan) and Emmanuel Reyes (Spain)

+92 kg

David Surov (Russia)

Arman Makhanov (Uzbekistan)

David Chaloyan (Armenia) and Mahammad Abdullaev (Azerbaijan)

Courtesy Sportaran

▪️The host of Africa’s premier boxing tournament has yet to be decided
▪️Total prize money for World Championships to be increased to $10,000,000 with bronze medallists earning $30,000
▪️IBA Gym Program under way in various countries worldwide

Good news for African boxers.
The 2026 Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships has received a big boost of $1000,000 total prize money, International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev announced today, December 13, 2025.

Addressing participants during the IBA’s Global Boxing Forum in Dubai, Kremlev said this is the total prize money allocated to all their confederations in IBA’s committed efforts to commercialise boxing.

“Next year we will hold four continental tournaments each with a prize fund of one million dollars shared between national federations, coaches and athletes,” said Kremlev.

The African Elite Championships was due to have taken place at the end of this year but was postponed to 2026 in order to organise an elaborate event befitting its status.

Gabon had indicated an interest to host this prestigious African boxing event.

On the increase of World Championships prizemoney to $10qq million, Kremlev said their goal is to encourage more participation as well as boosting boxers’ morqale, and that plans were underway to increase weight categories to 14 including the addition of a new super-heavyweight category.

“I thank you all for your dedication and contribution to the development of boxing in your countries,” Kremlev told the participants.

“The IBA is ready to work with you all, share your ideas and we will participate personally I’m ready to visit and help organise tournaments together.”

Kremlev asked national federations to submit their application for equipment to the IBA Assistance Program ahead of the distribution in 2026.

“Next year we will also begin investing in training infrastructure through the IBA Gym Program,” said Kremlev adding that they intend to estabillsh IBA Gyms in various countries worldwide to encourage youth to take up boxing.

▪️Zambia tops Africa with two bronze medals by Patrick Chinyemba and Emmanuel Katema followed by Mali one bronze from Djibril Traore 

▪️African boxers’ spirited efforts to progress to IBA Men’s World Championships finals came to a screeching halt when all three boxers in the semi-finals were eliminated

▪️Way forward Africa must seek economic independence to run their own boxing events without piggyback rides and governments must invest in boxing

12/12/2025

Ending eight years of “infertility” with three bronze medals, 12 boxers in the quarter-finals and 32 in pre-quarters is Africa’s success story in the 23rd edition of the IBA World Boxing Championships at the Dubai Tennis Stadium.

Mali’s French-based Djibril Traore was the toast of Africa when he broke the eight-year dry spell by powering his way to the semi-finals leading Zambia’s star boxer Patrick Chinyemba and his compatriot Emmanuel Katema..

Traore outpointed Spain’s Sergio Martinez in the middleweight division, thanks to coach Rachid Hallaf who plotted the downfall of Martinez with a properly planned swarmer strategy which Traore executed with clinical efficiency giving the Spaniard no room to breathe.

After exhausting his energy against Martinez, boxing analysts feel Traore and other winning quarter-finalists needed one-day break ahead of the semis.There was no break and it took it’s toll on Traore against fresh Russian Ismail Mustagov who defeated the Malian boxer.

“Physically, I struggled to maintain the same intensity as in my previous fights due to accumulated fatigue but also because of my opponent’s excellent mobility,” said Traore and went on:.”So I don’t really have any excuses; he was simply better than me tonight, and I congratulate him.”

Traore knows what he will work on to improve on the weak areas.”I need to improve my positioning and footwork to be more explosive and less rushed in my attacks,” he told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

The stocky Malian boxer is excited he’s the first one to have broken the eight-year barren spell during which Africa missed medals at the 2021 and 2023 World Championships.

“Honestly, it’s a real pleasure. I’ve received tremendous support from my people, my friends, and Africans in general, which has motivated me a lot. I probably haven’t fully grasped the magnitude of this achievement yet,” said Traore on winning Africa’s first medal in eight years.

“Perhaps it’s due to today’s defeat, but my primary ambition was to become world champion and write an even more significant chapter in history. That said, it remains an incredible experience, and we’ll come back even better.”

Traore and the two Zambian boxers, Patrick Chinyemba and Emmanuel Katema, have each earned $75,000 for reaching the semi-finals and that’s $225,000 in total. Long live IBA, he says.

“This is an excellent initiative and a source of motivation for athletes. This sport demands enormous sacrifices; we train every day, and the fact that the IBA rewards boxers in this way demonstrates its recognition of the work done by the athletes and their teams (coaches, technical staff, federation, etc.). I thank the IBA for offering these opportunities to athletes,” said Traore whose coach Rachid Hallaf has several suggestions on how to raise Africa’s boxing standards.

“African boxing is not lacking in talent, but it lacks expertise and programs that allows athletes to compete internationally more often,” said Hallaf.

He went on: “It is therefore necessary to go to other continents to gain experience. On the continent, the African Championship is insufficient, and indeed, the idea of organising a major international tournament on African soil would be a huge step forward for all boxers and referees! This world championship was sorely lacking in African referees outside of Algeria and Morocco, and it is also important that our referees be recognized by the world boxing governing bodies.”

Hallaf’s views on R&Js were echoed by several African leaders I spoke to most of them saying that there’s need for a rotational system in sub-saharan Africa now elevated to Star-3. They argue the North African R&Js have eaten the cake for too long, and therefore should take a break.

“We can’t have the same R&Js in every World Championships, it’s high time the North Africans and the Zimbabwean gave others a chance,” one of the African officials said.

The five African R&Js in Dubai are Semlali Oumayma (Morocco), Aridhi Chokri (Tunisia), Ali Mohsen (Egypt), Mohamed Besmi (Algeria) and Steven Masiyambumbi (Zimbabwe).

Africa also has four International Technical Officials (ITOs) in the event; G.Rajcoomar also known as Raj from Mauritius, Mohamed Braham from Tunisia, Abdelilah Oughiri and Dr Mandani from Algeria.

As African delegates gather in Dubai for the IBA Congress they should put their heads together to seek economic independence to enable them fund their own tournaments with prize money to boot without relying on piggyback rides. The IBA has done a lot for Africa but they can’t carry the cross alone. Wake up Africa, the sleeping giant.

African governments will also have to invest more in boxing development. Supporting their teams with transport and accommodation expenses to attend major competitions is commendable but it’s not enough. Interestingly, most governments hardly bother with their team’s preparations, and don’t even attend the training sessions to monitor their progress and meet the boxers. Little wonder they don’t even know their boxers.

Kenya’s head coach Musa Benjamin said from what he had observed in Dubai, African teams have a mountain to climb against formidable opposition from the European Eastern bloc countries and Central Asia led by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

“Our brothers up against this European Eastern bloc boxers have their work cut out. They are very smart and tricky customers. They’re composed, sharp, fast and change positions quickly without compromising themselves,” said Musa.

“You don’t catch them off balance or off guard easily.It’s very difficult to get your rhythm against them. Generally, Africa have given a commendable account of themselves. Without regular tournaments -sometimes for a whole year – the performance here was incredible.”

The ball is in your court African delegates. Besides the Congress, have your own meeting in Dubai to plan on economic independence without which you will forever be economic slaves of Europe in boxing.

This habit of seeking positions at the top without implementation of any solid progress is the bane of Africa’s boxing leadership.

▪️The former states of the collapsed Soviet Union will face off in the finals on Saturday, December 13, 2025
▪️For the first time Cuban boxers failed to qualify for the finals. Their sole semi-finalist light-heavyweight Arlen Lopez lost to Uzbekistan’s Javohir Ummataliev

Russia dominated the semi-finals of the IBA World Boxing Championships, landing a record 12 boxers in the finals at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Russia became the absolute record holder for the number of finalists — 12 boxers in 13 weight categories.

Out of 13 Russian boxers, only one failed to reach the final — Andrey Peglivanyan (57 kg), who lost to Tajikistan’s Khusravkhon Rahimov in the semifinal.

Six boxers from Uzbekistan and four from Kazakhstan also reached the finals. Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus and Azerbaijan each produced one finalist.

Team Armenia, which had five semifinalists, failed to bring any boxer to the final and finished the tournament with five bronze medals.

The finals will feature six Russia vs Uzbekistan matchups and three Russia vs Kazakhstan showdowns.

Theoretically, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan could prevent Russia from taking first place in gold medals, but the Russian boxers demonstrated excellent form and high-level preparation throughout the tournament.

For the first time in the history of the World Championships, Cuba- represented by only four boxers – failed to make it to the finals. The lone semi-finalist, light-heavyweight Arlen Lopez lost to Uzbekistan’s Javohir Ummataliev.

Cuba’s superstar Julio Cesar La Cruz was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev who won 4-1.

With most of the West European countries shifting to World Boxing, Spain was however in Dubai. They had two boxers in the semi-finals but they did not make it to the finals.

Africa once again failed to qualify for the finals with three boxers in the semi-finals all of whom lost their fights. Zambia had two boxers and Mali one. It’s kudos to Africa for returning to the medals bracket after a dry spell of eight years.

The finals will be a battle between Russia vs Central Asia.

All of them are among the 15 states which emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The 15 new independent states were Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. These republics, which were previously constituent republics of the USSR, became sovereign nations after the dissolution of the communist government.

Eastern Europe:Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova

Baltic States: Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia

Caucasus: Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan

Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan

Some of the 15 new states such as Uzbekistan, Armenia and Lithuania made their debut in the World Championships in 1993 with Armenia finishing fourth with one gold and one bronze.

Since 1993, the former Soviet Union states have grown in stature with Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan winning the World Championships severally.

Number of finalists by country

Russia — 12

Uzbekistan — 6

Kazakhstan — 4

Azerbaijan — 1

Tajikistan — 1

Kyrgyzstan — 1

Belarus — 1

Number of semifinalists by country:

Russia — 13
Uzbekistan — 9
Kazakhstan — 6
Armenia — 5
Azerbaijan — 3
Georgia — 2
Zambia — 2
Tajikistan — 2
Kyrgyzstan — 2
Spain — 2
Nepal — 1
Moldova — 1
Turkmenistan — 1
Mali — 1
Cuba — 1
Belarus — 1

Final matchups of the 2025 Boxing World Championships

48 kg: Edmond Khudoyan (Russia) vs Subkhan Mamedov (Azerbaijan)

51 kg: Hasanboy Dusmatov (Uzbekistan) vs Bair Batlaev (Russia)

54 kg: Vyacheslav Rogozin (Russia) vs Saken Bibossynov (Kazakhstan)

57 kg: Orazbek Asykulov (Kazakhstan) vs Khusravkhon Rahimov (Tajikistan)

60 kg: Abdumalik Khalokov (Uzbekistan) vs Vsevolod Shumkov (Russia)

63.5 kg: Ilya Popov (Russia) vs Omar Livaza (Kyrgyzstan)

67 kg: Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev (Uzbekistan) vs Evgeniy Kool (Russia)

71 kg: Sergey Koldenkov (Russia) vs Ablaykhan Zhussupov (Kazakhstan)

75 kg: Sabyrzhan Akkalyk (Kazakhstan) vs Ismail Mutsolgov (Russia)

80 kg: Djambulat Bijamov (Russia) vs Javokhir Ummataliyev (Uzbekistan)

86 kg: Sharabutdin Ataev (Russia) vs Alexei Alferov (Belarus)

92 kg: Turabek Khabibullaev (Uzbekistan) vs Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (Russia)

+92 kg: Arman Makhanov (Uzbekistan) vs David Surov (Russia)

Additional reporting by Sportaran

▪️I thank the IBA for enabling me earn such a huge amount of money in my life I never expected it at all
▪️My defeat to the Russian boxer is an eye-opener he used his reach very well and constant jabs to destabilise my strategy

11/12/2025

Kenya’s KDF soldier Robert Okaka may have lost to Russia’s Dzhambulat Bizhamov in Dubai but the $10,000 prize money he has earned is a big leap forward in his boxing progression.

“I never imagined one day I’ll earn such a huge amount of money in my life but the IBA has made it happen,” says the soft-spoken Okaka aka Man Man Ngori.

The $10,000 is Okaka’s biggest ever paycheck, courtesy of the International Boxing Association’s ambitious plan to empower boxers financially through commercialisation of boxing.

It’s the first time quarter-finalists are earning $10,000 in Men’s World Boxing Championships, an initiative broached by the IBA’s Russian billionaire President Umar Kremlev and Secretary-General & CEO Chris Roberts OBE.

Okaka is justified to earn the money. He’s the most impressive Kenyan boxer in the ongoing IBA Men’s World Championships in Dubai, putting up a splendid show to bow out in the quarter-finals.

He is also the first Kenyan boxer in 43 years to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Men’s World Boxing Championships since 1982 when Olympic bronze medallist Ibrahim. “Surf” Bilali and Hussein “Juba” Khalili made it to the last eight in Munich, Germany.

This in itself is a remarkable milestone for Okaka and the Boxing Federation of Kenya whose head coach Musa Benjamin has now been nicknamed General by the Kenyan and Botswana boxers for successfully plotting the fall of Tunisia’s Youssef Rafrafi in the pre-quarters.

In addition to the quarter-finals feat, the $10,000 Okaka has earned is the icing on the cake that made him rewind to the rough and tough life he went through before being employed by the Kenya Defence Forces.

“I’m happy earning $10,000 because I never expected to get such a huge amount remembering my survival days as a water vendor and garbage collecter in Ofafa Maringo Estate in Nairobi,” says Okaka

“Life was not easy for me then hustling and going to school at the same time but God’s timing is the best. From a water vendor and garbage collector to where I am now is the Almighty answering my prayers.

Twice bronze medallist in the Africa Elite Championships, Okaka is further encouraged by the fact that he will share the money with BFK in accordance with IBA’s guidelines.

“Without the BFK and our coaches I would not be where I am now,” says Okaka who hails from Matungu in Western Kenya.

He recalls the support he received from national head coach Musa Benjamin and his technical team when he used to have roasted maize and strong tea for supper, waking up the following morning to dash to Police Depot at Mathare on an empty stomach.

“I really appreciate the support of our head coach Musa, David Munuhe and John Waweru.

“They would contribute money for my food so that I don’t train on an empty stomach. I’m therefore very happy to share my prize money with them.”

Okaka recounts what he describes as the toughest ever fight in the ring against the tall Russian boxer in Wednesday’s quarter-finals.

“He’s the most difficult opponent I’ve fought, he was taller than me and used his long jab nicely to destabilise my strategy,” says Okaka mentioning the eye punch in the first round as another setback.

“He punched me hard on my right eye in the first round it was so painful I couldn’t see properly after that punch.

“He realised that he had hurt me so he increased his volume of attacks but I started moving more in the ring to avoid his punches he was throwing so tactfully.”

Another setback was the left hand injury he sustained while punching the Russian boxer.

“I hurt my fingers on the left hand, I punched badly. I thank my corner they helped me a lot. I told them I must finish the fight for experience despite the pain I was going through.”

What has Okaka learnt from his toughest ever fight in the ring?

“I’ve learnt to be more tactful and skilfull like the Russian boxer, Africans we use a lot of strength in the Ring.”

Besides the input of the national team coaches, Okaka is very grateful to KDF’s technical team.

“They have done a lot to improve my boxing,” says Okaka, adding:” That’s what makes KDF a formidable team with knowledgeable coaches who have taken part in big international competitions. Bravo!! my KDF comrades back home.”

▪️Africa had 12 boxers from nine countries in the quarter-finals. Nine were eliminated and three, Patrick Chinyemba, Emmanuel Katema and Djibril Traore, advanced to the semi-finals

▪️Zambia’s sensational bantamweight Mwengo Mwale says he’s so bitter his controversial defeat has denied him earning $300,000 the top prize money.

11/12/2025

A great day for Africa with three boxers, Mali’s French-based Djibril Traore, Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba and compatriot Emmanuel Katema, smashing their way to the semi-finals of the ongoing Men’s World Boxing Championships at the Dubai Tennis Complex.

Djibril Traore outpointed Spain’s Sergio Martinez, Chinyemba beat Kazakhstan’s Daniyal Sabit while Katemba KO’d Serbia’s Pavel Fedorov in the first round to move to the $75,000 semi-finals money bracket. They are assured of that amount if they don’t qualify for the finals in which the winner earns $300,000 and loser $150,000.

Traore’s victory ended an eight-year dry spell for Africa. He was the first African winner to romp through to the semi-finals.

Since 2017 when Cameroon’s super-heavyweight Arsene Fokou Fosso won a bronze medal at the Men’s World Championships in Humburg, Germany, Africa has gone eight years without a medal in this competition but now the continent is already assured of three medals with three boxers in the semi-finals.

Traore rightfully adopted the swarmer approach against his taller opponent. A swarmer is an aggressive, relentless fighter who closes the distance to overwhelm opponents with a constant barrage of fast, short punches including hooks and uppercuts in close quarters limiting space for their opponents to attack them or an outboxer to keep him at a distance. Most swarmers are short boxers.

Traore’s relentless onslaught against Martinez saw the Spaniard docked a point for spitting out his gumshield thrice. The bobbing and weaving Traiore won by unanimous decision and will now take on Russia’s Ismail Mutsagov in the semi-finals.

Mali’s federation president Mahamadou Draba is over the moon following Traore’s historic win over Martinez.

Here is Draba’s congratulatory message he sent to boxersworld.co.ke

“I would like to express a feeling of joy from all the people of Mali for the brilliant qualification of our boxer Djibril Traoré to the semi-final stage of the IBA world boxing championship in Dubai. Djibril has made the entire continent proud.

“The country’s authorities send him their sincere thanks.

I met his dad this morning who was surprised by the good news about his son. We wish him very good luck in advancing to the final.

I thank all those involved in boxing, especially African ones, who support us.

My last word is to say thank you to the entire IBA team and particularly President Umar Kremlev who is doing magnificent things for the promotion of boxing.”

African Games flyweight champion Patrick Chinyemba outpointed Kazakhstan’s Daniyal Sabit while African Games light-welterweight silver medallist Emmanuel Katema KO’d Serbia’s Pavel Fedorov in the first round. Katema meets Omar Livaza of Kyrgystan and Chinyemba battles Russian Bair Batlaev.

“I don’t know much about the Russian but I will carry the day because I believe in myself,” said Chinyemba.

Victory for Chinyemba will finally land him his dream match against Uzbekistan’s double Olympic gold medallist and defending world flyweight champion Hasanboy Dusmatov who is likely to beat Armenia’s Rudolf Garkoyan in the other semi-final bout.

Traore’s a coach Rachid Hallaf is very impressed by his boxer for sticking to their game plan.

“Our strategy was to leave no room and deliver a very intense first round in order to create openings later on,” Hallaf told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

“That’s what happened, and we maintained the same relentless pressure on Martinez to make sure he has no space to do anything useful and it worked beautifully for us. Djibril is also a boxer capable of fighting at mid-range, but in this very competitive world championship, we’ve opted for a very offensive strategy in our four previous fights.”

Against the Russian opponent in the semis, Hallaf said they will change their strategy.

“With the Russian boxer it will be more movement and quick responses” he said.

I ask Hallaf for how long has he been handling Mali’s national boxing team.

“I have been coaching the Malian national team since 2019. A female athlete from my club was selected and won a silver medal at the African Games in Rabat in 2019. Then I coached boxer Karim Abdoul Bathily in 2021, and now I coach Djibril Traore.”

Commenting on his victory over Martinez, Djibril, who is based in France, said he is happy their game plan worked to perfection.

“Martinez is a strong boxer who likes to go to war, just like me. The goal was to counter him after each of his punches, put power into each counter-attack, and move off the center line after the attack,” said Djibril, adding :” This is my first participation in a world boxing championship, and reaching the semi-finals is a source of immense pride for me, but the competition isn’t over yet; the goal is to win the gold medal.”

Against the Russian Ismail Mutsagov in the semi-finals. What is his strategy?

“I prefer to keep it a surprise; you’ll see during the fight” said Traore who is currently based in France.

“I have been living in France for over 10 years; before that, I lived in Spain. I train in France, at the US Melun Club, with my coaches Farya Bilal and Assad Younes, who are also trainers.

When did you start boxing? I ask him

“Before starting boxing, I did MMA from the age of 12 to 14. My first coaches were Mamadou Bathily and Mamadou Mendez. Then I started boxing at the end of 2018 at the age of 15, and my first coaches were Tonio De Susa and Andy. Then I went to US Melun, my current club, where I’ve been since 2020.

“I’ve only been boxing for Mali for one year, and this is my second competition with them. The first was the African Championships in Kinshasa, where I won a bronze medal in 2024.”

Africa had 12 boxers from nine countries in the quarter finals. Three qualified and nine failed to advance to the semi-finals following defeats in their respective bouts.

The nine boxers are flyweight Fabrice Valerie of Mauritius, bantamweight Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale, featherweight Armando Sigauque of Mozambique, South Africa’s featherweight Masibulele Sigwela, Uganda’s welterweight Bob Turyatemba, Mozambique light-middleweight Tiago Muxanga, Angola’s cruiserweight Adriano Kiana, DR Congo’s cruiserweight Pita Kabeji and Kenya’s light-heavyweight Robert Okaka.

Zambia’s Mwale is still very bitter on what he describes as injustice meted to him by the judges who gave Kazakhstan’s Saken Bibossinov 5-0 victory.

“Last night I didn’t even sleep well, why did they deny me my victory it’s very unfair, I planned to help my people back home with that money because I was sure I’ll win $300,000,”says Mwale.

“That was very unfair for the judges to deny me my deserved win, I was sure of taking home $300,000 the top prize money to assist my people back home,” said Mwale, “I didn’t sleep well because I’m still not okay mentally, I just feel it’s inhuman to do this to me.”

December 11, 2025

An electrifying evening session at the IBA 2025 World Boxing Championships delivered a masterclass in skill, heart, and raw power, with Uzbekistan emerging as the biggest winners of the day across multiple weight divisions. The session, held across Rings A and B at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, featured technical brilliance, dramatic stoppages, and veteran composure.

Uzbekistan’s welterweight Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev set the tone with a composed 4–1 win over Armen Mashakaryan (IBA-PRO) to reach the quarterfinals. The confident southpaw controlled the fight from the outset, edging the first round 3–2 before sweeping four 10–9 scores in the second. By the final round, Muydinkhujaev shifted gears, widening the gap for a decisive victory.

Olympic gold medalist Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev said: “We will prepare well for every fight, become champions, and return to our homeland with pride. God willing, we will reach the semifinals. I truly appreciate everyone’s support and ask our compatriots to keep standing with us.

Yesterday, there were some team changes, which naturally led to discussions. In boxing — and in sports in general — both victory and defeat are part of the journey. It’s never easy. Our younger teammates are still developing; God willing, they will learn from these experiences, improve themselves, and one day become champions. We’ve lost in the past too, but God blessed us at the Olympics, and I believe He has good things in store for them as well.”

He was soon joined by teammates in a dominant Uzbek showcase.

At light-heavyweight, Javokhir Ummataliev dazzled with slick footwork and clinical punching, earning a clean sweep against Kyrgyzstan’s Omurbek Bekzhigit. Ummataliev’s left cross continually found its mark as the southpaw neutralised his opponent’s aggression with sublime movement.

Reigning World Champion Turabek Khabibullaev also advanced after his opponent, Kalil Paiva Brasil (Brazil), was withdrawn due to an arm injury following a heavy knockdown from Khabibullaev’s sweeping left in Round 1. At just 21, the Uzbek phenom continues to look unstoppable.

Another early stoppage arrived when Arman Makhanov (Uzbekistan) was awarded a unanimous verdict after a head clash ended his bout with Belarus’ Uladzislau Smiahlikau inside a minute.

Cuban Class On Display

Cuba’s multi-decorated legend Julio César La Cruz delivered a vintage 5–0 performance against Senegal’s Karamba Kebe, showcasing the trademark elusiveness and flair that has defined his two Olympic and five World titles.

Fellow Cuban Fernando Alejandro Arzola followed with a win after Spain’s Ayoub Ghadfa suffered a severe bicep injury, ending a promising heavyweight encounter prematurely.

Explosive Knockouts and Tactical Mastery

A series of emphatic displays lit up the rest of the card:

Loren Alfonso (Azerbaijan) used timing and power to halt Argentina’s Agustin Matias Veron.

Moldova’s Andrei Zaplitni stunned Kyrgyzstan’s Bakyt Toktosun with a crisp right hand for an early KO.

Brazil’s Cassio Santos Oliveira showed craft, but Kazakhstan’s Sanatali Toltayev controlled the exchanges for a 5–0 win.

Uganda’s Bob Gerald Turyatemba imposed a relentless pace to defeat Tunisia’s Zakaria Romdhani, who lost two points for fouls.

At welterweight, Moldova’s Alexandru Paraschiv secured a $10,000 guarantee with a sharp 5–0 win over Mongolia’s Jandos Askhar, while Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov closed strong in a 4–1 victory over Arjan Iseni (North Macedonia).

Serbia’s Agejev Artjom impressed with speed and composure in his 5–0 win over Israel’s Daniel Ilyushonok.

Ring B: Drama, Skill, and High Stakes

A thrilling Russia vs. Kazakhstan classic saw Dzhambulat Bizhamov edge Yerassyl Zhakpekov 4–1 after a final-round surge from the Kazakh nearly overturned the tide, including a huge shot that forced an eight-count.

Spain’s Enmanuel Reyes Pla fought through adversity to eliminate Kazakhstan’s Nurmagamed Yussupov with a narrow 4–1 decision.

Kazakhstan’s super-heavyweight Nurlan Saparbay outmanoeuvred Iman Raamezanpourdelvar (IBA-PRO) with sharp counters and timely clinches.

 KOs, Walkovers and Rising Names

Azerbaijan’s Thomas Casazza suffered a knockdown and point deduction before falling 5–0 to Zaur Gahramanov.

Russia’s Evgenii Kool continued his body-shot demolition streak with a first-round stoppage of Mateus Barbosa Da Costa (Guinea-Bissau).

Veteran Armenian Hovhannes Bachkov used experience to tame 19-year-old Kyrgyz talent Almaz Orozbekov, winning 5–0.

Belarus’ Vadzim Vauchko progressed via walkover after Serbia’s Vakhid Abbasov withdrew.

Kenya’s Robert Okaka delivered a statement stoppage over Tunisia’s Youssef Rafrafi, dropping him twice for a TKO.

Australia’s Zachary Brown battled hard despite a knockdown and cuts in a messy bout but lost 4–1 to Armenia’s Artush Hovhannisyan.

Spain’s No. 2 seed Gazimagomed Jalidov forced repeated standing counts to defeat John Didier (St. Lucia), while heavy-hitting Aussie Leo Nicolson delivered another knockout, this time over Armenia’s Narek Manasyan.

Russia’s Muslim Gadzhimagomedov comfortably shut out Cambodia’s Abdulla Rajapov, and Armenian powerhouse Davit Chaloyan scored a 5–0 win over Tajikistan’s Muhammad Abroridinov.

Technical Excellence and Tactical Battles

Kazakhstan’s Serik Temirzhanov produced one of the finest body shots of the day to stop Zambia’s Andrew Chilata in Round 2.

At minimumweight, Uzbekistan’s Shodiyorjon Melikuziev defeated Kyrgyzstan’s Anvarzhan Khodzhiev 5–0, showcasing elite shot selection and control.

Georgia’s Sakhil Alakhverdovi won 5–2 after bout review, and Scotland’s Alan Perrie secured a guaranteed payout via walkover.

Azerbaijan’s Subhan Mamedov, Armenia’s Baregham Harutyunyan, and Brazil’s Arilson Da Silva Goncalves all posted strong wins.

Russia’s Vsevolod Shumkov, Russia’s Ismail Mutsolgov, and Germany’s Davyd Shtepa all advanced with 5–0 shutouts.

Mali’s Djibril Traore survived a high-paced shootout to edge Sri Lanka’s Mohommed Yazmin Usaith 4–3, mirrored moments later as Spain’s Sergio Martinez scored another 4–3 win over Tajikistan’s Shokhobzhon Shukurov.

Turkmenistan’s Dovlet Yslamov overwhelmed Uganda’s Sabbath Mark Ziikama for a first-round stoppage.

Azerbaijan’s Mahammad Abdullayev closed the super-heavyweight slate with a dominant 5–0 performance over Mvogo Amougou Comoros.

Closing Contests and Final Highlights

At lightweight, Uzbekistan’s highly decorated Abdumalik Khalokov delivered a polished 5–0 win over Spain’s Enrique Kakulov, reinforcing his status as one of the most technically complete boxers in the tournament.

Kazakhstan’s Temirtas Zhussupov prevailed 4–0 against India’s unorthodox Devendra Singh Solanki (IBN-India) in a bout full of aggression and unorthodox angles.

Uzbekistan’s Fazliddin Erkinboev outboxed Armenia’s Vakhtang Harutyunyan at middleweight, while teammate Sabirzhan Akkalykov earned a 5–0 tactical win over New Zealand’s Tawhirimatea Toheriri-Hallett.

Russia’s Edmond Khudoian, Australia’s Kobe Hunt, and Nepal’s Lal Prasad Upreti all advanced at minimumweight.

Azerbaijan’s Mahammadali Ashiraliyev, Latvia’s Matvejs Prokudins, Armenia’s Artur Bazeyan, and Azerbaijan’s Saidjamshid Jafarov delivered decisive lightweight victories.

Colombia’s Juan Camilo Gonzales (IBN-Colombia) was outscored by Israel’s Miroslav Kapuler Ishchenko, who controlled with an accurate jab.

At super-heavyweight, Kyrgyzstan’s Myrzakir Koshaliev defeated New Zealand’s George Hola, and Russia’s David Surov ended the session with a clean 5–0 win over Ariitea Yannick Putoa (French Polynesia).

Courtesy of IBA

IBA / NEWS

December 10th, 2025

Another action-packed day at the IBA 2025 Boxing World Championships delivered everything from tactical masterclasses to thunderous stoppages, as athletes across weight categories battled for supremacy at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Jalilov Shines in Bantamweight Masterclass

Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov produced one of the day’s most assured performances, outclassing Ghana’s Amadu Mohammed in a 5-0 unanimous decision. Mohammed, the 21-year-old All-African champion, entered the contest with momentum after an explosive opening victory, but Jalilov’s footwork and composure dictated the bout.

Jalilov controlled the distance early, tagging the torso with sharp counters while Mohammed struggled to establish his jab despite his reach advantage. The Uzbek’s confidence grew as he punctuated combinations with yells of approval. Mohammed’s frustration boiled over in the final round, where he lost a point, sealing Jalilov’s dominant win.

Light-Welterweight Chess Matches and Firefights

Azerbaijan’s Maksud Khasmetov showcased ring IQ in a controlled 5-0 UD win over Tajikistan’s Ruslan Gafurov, navigating contrasting styles with discipline.

In one of the session’s most dramatic turnarounds, Kyrgyzstan’s Omar Livaza edged LA-based Armenian Narek Hovhannisyan via a 5-2 bout review. Hovhannisyan’s early aggression paid dividends, but Livaza surged in the final round with fluid combination punching to earn the win.

Serbia’s Pavel Fedorov continued the trend of light-welterweight dominance with a clean 5-0 victory over Argentina’s Lucas Mariano Villalba, while Israel’s Ahmad Shtiwi used accuracy and control to score a 5-0 UD over Papua New Guinea’s John Ume, who battled a persistent cut throughout the bout.

Heavy Hands in the Cruiserweight Division

The cruiserweights brought power in abundance:

Uzbekistan’s Akmaljon Isroilov swept Kazakhstan’s Daulet Tulemissov with a 5-0 UD.

Georgia’s Georgii Kushitashvili dropped Kyrgyzstan’s Erkin Adylbek with a crushing overhand right, forcing an early stoppage.

Angola’s Adriano Kiana earned a hard-fought 4-1 win over Comoros’ Nassur Ali.

Armenia’s Rafayel Hovhannisyan overpowered Israel’s Yan Zak to win unanimously.

Ecuador’s Marlo Javier Delgado Suárez moved sharply on his way to a 5-0 shutout against Cameroon’s Guillaume Fabrice Yebi.

Belarus’ Aliaksei Alfiorau closed the afternoon session by decisively defeating Tajikistan’s Parviz Karimov.

Kazakhstan’s Zeinulinov Delivers a Clinic

One of the standout performers of the day, Kazakhstan’s Yertugan Zeinulinov (light welterweight), validated his number-two seeding with a comprehensive 5-0 UD over Puerto Rico’s Jose Manuel Aguirre Cruz (IBA-PRO). Using a precise jab, sharp body punching, and ring generalship, Zeinulinov dismantled his opponent over three rounds.

Aguirre Cruz struggled with discipline, losing two points for excessive holding. A third-round standing eight count sealed Zeinulinov’s superior display.

Bibossinov Survives Scare in Bantamweight Thriller

Kazakhstan’s Saken Bibossinov dominated Tanzania’s Issa Faki with a 5-0 UD, though the contest produced moments of real danger. Faki floored the Kazakh with a huge right hand in the second round, before both boxers were given counts in a chaotic exchange.

Bibossinov held firm with clean, accurate punching, while Faki swung for a dramatic finish until the final bell.

Flyweight and Featherweight Battles Intensify

Flyweight talent Daniyal Sabit (Kazakhstan) prevailed 5-0 against Cape Verde’s Lenick Fernandes, overcoming a point deduction in the third round. Fernandes pushed hard, especially in the second, but Sabit’s ring craft carried him through.

In featherweight action:

Khujanazar Nortojiev (Uzbekistan) defeated India’s Sachin Sachin, who fought bravely through a nose injury.

Armenia’s explosive Zhirayr Sargsyan stopped Mauritius’ Niven Chemben in the opening round with a devastating right hand.

South Africa’s Masibulele Sigwela was too slick for Belarus’ Dzianis Salotskikh.

Tajikistan’s Khusravkhon Rakhimov edged a tense 4-3 split against Mongolia’s Enkh-amar Kharkhuu.

Experienced Campaigners and Rising Stars Make Their Mark

Light-middleweight veteran Ablaikhan Zhussupov (Kazakhstan) put on a counterpunching clinic to defeat Belarus’ Aliaksandr Radzionau 5-0. Multiple point deductions for Radzionau compounded his troubles as Zhussupov swept the scorecards.

Russian flyweight Bair Batlaev overwhelmed French Polynesia’s Nikee Layzie Leon Cummings with relentless pressure, winning 5-0. Zambia’s second seed Patrick Chinyemba impressed with body work and movement in a unanimous win over Moldova’s Ion Plinga.

Dusmatov and Giovis Light Up the Flyweights

Two-time Olympic champion Hasanboy Dusmatov (Uzbekistan) opened his campaign with a 5-0 UD win over Turkey’s Samet Gumus despite absorbing a handful of sharp counters.

Cuba’s Salfran Mejias Giovis, one of the most talked-about prospects of the Championships, delivered a flamboyant stoppage over Spain’s Martin Molina, dropping him twice before the referee stepped in.

Rapid-Fire Stoppages and Technical Excellence in Ring A

Kazakhstan’s Orazbek Assylkulov delivered one of the tournament’s quickest stoppages, flattening Swaziland/Eswatini’s Mukelo Dlamini with a violent left hand in Round 1.

Mozambique’s Tiago Osorio Muxanga advanced after Tajikistan’s Dovud Makhkamov was disqualified for repeated low-ducking infringements.

More Unanimous Decisions Across Divisions

Several boxers advanced convincingly:

Rudolf Garboyan (Armenia) defeated Portugal’s Andre Santos Dos Reis 5-0.

Tajikistan’s Meroj Sufijonov earned a 5-0 win over Kyrgyzstan’s Mirlan Turkbay.

Spain’s Carlos Martiez Bernad, Russia’s Andrei Peglivanian, Mozambique’s Armando Rugoberto Sigauque, Turkmenistan’s Bayramdurdy Nurmuhammedov, and Russia’s Sergei Koldenkov all claimed clean sweeps in their respective contests.

A Day of High Emotion, Technical Brilliance and Raw Power

From tactical masterclasses to brutal knockouts, Day X in Dubai showcased the diversity and depth of global boxing talent. With athletes continuing to raise the level, the road to the podium promises even more explosive matchups as the Championships progress.

Courtesy IBA News