▪️KDF outpunches arch rivals and defending champions Police in Mombasa finals battle entering 13 boxers and the cops 6 followed by Kasarani Youth 4

July 11, 2026

Well-drilled Kenya Defence Forces stamped their authority by storming into the finals with an imposing 13 boxers, heavily outnumbering their arch-rivals and defending champions Kenya Police, who managed to field six finalists as the battle for supremacy intensified on the second day of the Kenya National Boxing League second leg at the scenic Mama Ngina Waterfront before a highly enthusiastic crowd.

Fast-rising Kasarani Youth Boxing Club, coached by Benjamin Musyoka followed Police with four boxers in the final, G44 of coach Julius Theuri have three, Summit (Kisumu), Sombea (Nakuru), and Vihiga with two each. Mombasa County, Kibra Olympic, and Lamu will each have one contender in the finals.

Shocking upsets rocked the serene Mama Ngina Waterfront as the canvas saw unexpected shifts in momentum. Relatively unknown boxers, Pius Macharia and Geofrey Ayacko both of KDF dismantled top internationals.

In the super heavyweight division, Africa Championships silver medalist Clinton Macharia of Police was overpowered 5-0 by Ayacko. Meanwhile, in the light-welterweight category, Africa bronze medalist Aloice Vincent of Prisons suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat at the hands of Pius Macharia, a product of Umoja Boxing Club under coach Mike Munga.

Despite the upsets, the cream of the crop, including Glasgow-bound Amina Martha, Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde, and Robert “Man Ngori” Okaka sailed through to the finals. Mogunde is set for a thrilling collision with KDF’s tough Alvin Oduor in what promises to be a barrage of explosive exchanges. Mogunde, the reigning Africa light-middleweight champion and 2025 Zone 3 title holder, has so far defeated omena addict Oduor three times. A product of coach Kamwana of Mbotela Boxing Club, Oduor is brimming with confidence saying today it’s his turn to carry the day.

Oduor stopped James Wanjohi of Sombea in the second round. The KDF soldier sent down Wanjohi on his knees in the first round with a digging right to the stomach for an eight count. A screaming right cross to the jaw saw Wanjohi make another trip to the canvas for an eight count after which referee Samuel Chege waved it off. Mogunde overwhelmed Philip Derrick subjecting him to four counts before knocking him out in round two.

In addition to Boniface Mogunde vs Alvin Oduor, the lightweight division will feature a scintillating clash between 2022 Africa silver medalist Samuel Njau of KDF and the promising Ben Juma of Kasarani Youth who defeated Vincent Ochieng of Mombasa County 5-0 while Njau stopped Nakuru’s Maxwell Otieno in the first round.

Among other high-octane matchups include Africa Zone 3 featherweight silver medalist Mwinyi Kombo aka Giant Killer squaring off against Eutican Wanjohi of G44, KDF’s minimumweight Abdi Mohammed taking on the tricky southpaw Morris Kimani of Kasarani Youth, bantamweight Dennis “Piston” Muthama vs Emmanuel Otieno of G44, KDF’s super-heavyweight new find Geogrey Ayacko vs Sombea’s Jasper Sagali, KDF’s flyweight Veronica “Pioneer” Mbithe vs home girl Dorah Mkacharo and Prisons light-flyweight international Jane Wangare taking on Damacline Boyani of Kasarani Youth.

The three-day national league has attracted 102 boxers – 86 men and 16 women – from 18 clubs.

Boxing Federation of Kenya President Anthony “Jamal” Otieno (left) and Sombea Boxing Club Chairman Martin Luther (right) team up to take Kenya boxing to dizzy heights of achievemen

▪️The two, once fierce adversaries, have united under the rallying cry of Pamoja Tutashinda to elevate the sport’s national standards

July 10, 2026

Enmity in sports is rarely permanent, and a new dawn is rising for Kenyan boxing.

Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) President Anthony “Jamal” Otieno and Sombea Boxing Club of Nakuru Chairman Martin Luther have officially buried the hatchet.

The two, once fierce adversaries, have united under the rallying cry of Pamoja Tutashinda to elevate the sport’s national standards.

Standing together at the scenic Mama Ngina Waterfront during the ongoing second leg of the Kenya National Boxing League in Mombasa, the two administrators shared a moment of camaraderie for photos, signalling a paradigm shift from boardroom wrangles and social media barbs to collaborative growth.

Martin Luther, formerly an outspoken critic who repeatedly challenged BFK’s administration, has pivoted his focus to grassroot empowerment. Known for transforming Sombea into one of the country’s most promising talent centers with his philosophy that “Talent wins fights, but character builds champions,” Luther’s shift from confrontation to cooperation is seen as a massive win for Kenya boxing.

Luther recognized the federation’s massive platform and structural reach. Jamal acknowledged the grassroots brilliance of clubs like Sombea, which is rapidly turning Nakuru into a powerhouse of raw boxing talent. By combining BFK’s institutional support with the fiery, grassroots innovation of independent clubs, they realized they could build an unstoppable pipeline for the Hit Squad.

Jamal’s unity with Luther has brought out his kind heart, wisdom and flexibility to bring on board his critics to join hands to develop Kenya boxing with diversity of ideas. This unity serves as a powerful reminder to coaches, boxers, and fans alike: when leaders put personal egos aside for the sake of the sport, the ultimate winner is the boxer holding the gloves.

PAMOJA TUTASHINDA!!!

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▪️Githurai 44 and Kasarani Youth youngsters sparkle
▪️KDF’s Samuel Njau getting his groove back
▪️A furious Mombasa County’s SG Chrispin Onyango unleashes stinging jabs at AJAB Flour management, the flagship brand of Grain Industries Limited
▪️Second leg of Kenya National Boxing League attracts an impressive turnout of 102 boxers: 86 men and 16 women
▪️Mwinyi Kombo beats rival Chris Juma who has accused the Coastal boxer of dirty boxing
▪️ Glasgow-bound Mogunde and Okaka maintain their dignity in the ring
▪️Heavyweights scared of KDF’s Peter “The Beast” Abuti who has no opponent in Mombasa, earning his club three easy points

July 10, 2026

The opening day of the Kenya National Boxing League’s second leg at Mombasa’s Mama Ngina Waterfront delivered high-voltage drama, with four reigning national champions suffering shocking defeats.

One of the highlights of the 36 preliminary bouts was the surge of rising talent, notably the Kasarani Youth and Githurai 44 pugilists.

The coastal breeze did little to cool the fierce action in the ring, where 102 boxers (86 men and 16 women) stepped into the canvas for a thrilling day of non-stop action with four national champions falling by the wayside.

In a stunning upset, experienced Kenya Police international Shaffi Bakari, who has represented the national team from 2017, lost on points to upstart Emmanuel Otieno of Githurai 44. Bakari’s teammate and fellow regular international, Silas Onyango, also fell to Kasarani Youth minimumweight Morris Kimani, who exacted sweet revenge for a controversial loss in the Kenya Open Championships.

Onyango was joined on the casualty list by other national champions, featherweight Chris Juma (Kasarani Youth), lightweight Emmanuel Omollo (Police), and light welterweight Ayub Waweru (Sombea Boxing Club). Omollo was outclassed by text-book boxing from KDF’s 2022 Africa silver medalist Samuel Njau, while Waweru suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat against Kasarani Youth’s national novices champion Elvis Lincoln with Chris Juma losing for the second time to arch-rival, Mombasa-based
Mwinyi Kombo of Police. Chris accused Kombo of adopting dirty boxing.

“Mwinyi was very rough, pushing me all the time that I fell out of the ring, up to now my head is in pain but now I know what to do in the third leg of the league,” said Chris, younger brother to national lightweight silver medallist Ben Juma.

Kombo should watch out for Euticus Wanjau of Githurai 44 coached by former international Julius Theuri. Wanjau outpointed KDF’s Emmanuel Okoth.

As usual, Samuel Njau maintained his calm but delighted he’s gradually getting his groove back in the ring after an indifferent showing in some of his fights in the recent past.

“Glory to God, I’m on my way back,” Njau told boxersworld.co.ke ahead of his semi-final bout against Nakuru’s brawler Maxwell Otieno. There’s a high possibility of Njau again fighting his “mtaa” buddy Ben Juma who defeated Njau in the first leg in Nakuru. A deep gash above his eyes forced Njau out in the third round.

While some top internationals were sent packing, established stars such as Glasgow-bound Boniface Mogunde and Robert Okaka secured comfortable victories, with Okaka defeating Police’s George Cosby Ouma for the fourth time in a row this season at light-heavyweight while Mogunde maintained his respect in the ring with a first round stoppage victory over Malaki Bwire of Mbaraki in the light-middleweight class.
Mogunde is bracing up for another gruelling fight with KDF’s omena addict Alvin Oduor who stretched Mogunde to the brim in the first leg in Nakuru before the Police boxer won the bout 4-1.

At bantamweight, top contenders, national champion Dennis “Piston” Muthama and national silver medallist Chris Musyoki cruised to the semi-finals with Muthama stopping Nakuru’s Felix Kuria in the second round while southpaw Musyoki saw off Sombea’s Enock Wambua.

In other highlights, sensational Kasarani Youth Ben Juma outpointed Lamu’s Francis Oduor to maintain his unbeaten streak locally.

Prisons’ Africa bronze medallist Aloice Vincent, a product of Mathare North Boxing Club, beat Javan Omollo of Kisumu’s Summit Boxing Club at light-welter while KDF’s Pius Macharia outpointed Andrew Mbuya of Mombasa County.

It’s good to see KDF’s skillful welterweight Chrispin Murimi back in action after a two-year absence. Murimi narrowly lost 3-2 to Abdallah Juma of Mombasa County, accepting the defeat in true sportsmanship spirit.

“Generally from my side, I would say Thursday’s officiating was fair for all the fights that I watched.
On my side I agree Abdallah won, the first two rounds. I tried to box with him but my footwork exposed me a lot. I was forced to release the wardogs in the third round but that was not enough to convince the judges.
Two years ring rust is a long time but I am glad I finished the final round explosively,” Murimi told boxersworld.co.ke.

KDF’s 2025 Africa Zone 3 heavyweight silver medallist Peter “The Beast” Abuti is proving too hot to handle that in Mombasa he has no opponent.

This means KDF earns three points for a walkover given that this is not a championship content.

In Nakuru’s first leg, Abuti had no time to waste with his opponents. He stopped John Oyugi of Police in the second round of their semi-finals encounter, and in the finals he KO’d a timid Brian Miraj of Nairobi in the first round.

Meanwhile the Secretary-General of Mombasa County Boxing Association, Chrispin Onyango has hit out at Ajab Floor management for failing to support the second leg of the national boxing league as agreed, describing the last-minute withdrawal as an embarrassment to the boxing fraternity.

Here is Onyango’s full statement dated July 9, 2026:

“The Mombasa County Boxing Association wishes to express its profound disappointment regarding the failure of Ajab Flour to honour its commitment to support the National Boxing League being held at Mama Ngina Waterfront, Mombasa, from 9th to 11th July 2026.

“After several engagements and assurances from the company that they would partner with us for this prestigious national event, we proceeded to acknowledge Ajab Flour as a partner in our promotional materials and official publicity. We did so in good faith, believing that their commitment would be fulfilled. Unfortunately, despite the assurance, no support has been received from Ajab Flour. This has placed the organizing committee under immense financial pressure and has created an embarrassing situation before participating counties, officials, athletes, spectators, and the public.

“This disappointment extends beyond our association. It is a disappointment to the hundreds of young boxers from across the Coast and Kenya who have dedicated themselves to the sport with the hope that the corporate sector would stand with them. These young men and women represent discipline, determination, and the future of our nation. They deserve encouragement, not broken promises.

“Corporate partnership is built on trust, integrity, and accountability. When a company publicly commits to supporting a community initiative but fails to deliver without timely communication, it affects not only the event organizers but also the credibility of the event and the confidence of other potential partners.
We remain grateful to every individual, organization, volunteer, and well-wisher who has continued to support boxing despite the many challenges we face. Your contribution has enabled this championship to proceed and has kept the dreams of our athletes alive.

“Our hope is that Ajab Flour will reflect on this unfortunate situation and appreciate the impact their decision has had on the boxing fraternity and the youth of the Coastal region. We believe that young people deserve genuine partners who honour their commitments and invest meaningfully in sports development.

Despite these challenges, the National Boxing League has proceeded as scheduled because our commitment to the athletes is stronger than the obstacles we face. We remain dedicated to developing boxing, nurturing talent, and creating opportunities for the next generation of Kenyan champions.”

▪️Even the cool breeze at Mama Ngina Waterfront will do little to cool down this explosive lightweight war

July 7, 2026

The stage is set for a fierce lightweight battle at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa from July 9–11, 2026, as the second leg of the Kenya National Boxing League—Africa’s oldest boxing league—promises a ferocious three-way battle for supremacy.

Lightweight division has become a highly competitive battleground featuring 2022 Africa featherweight champion Samuel Njau of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), reigning national champion Emmanuel Omollo of Kenya Police, and the dangerous Ben Juma of Kasarani Youth Boxing Club.

Njau, who has moved up to lightweight, is looking to assert his dominance after a rocky return to the local scene. Having been out of the ring for over a year, Njau’s comeback in the first leg in Nakuru was cut short when he suffered a third-round stoppage loss to the promising Ben Juma due to a severe cut.

Now fully healed and adjusted to the weight, the KDF soldier is eager to avenge that blemish and prove that his wealth of experience outweighs the momentum of his younger rivals.

While Njau seeks to re-establish his territory, a silent bitter and deeply personal rivalry is boiling over between youngsters Ben Juma and Emmanuel Omollo. Omollo, a disciplined product of the revered coach Mike Munga at Umoja Boxing Club, currently holds the national title. However, Juma fiercely disputes Omollo’s status.

In their last scheduled meeting in Kaloleni, Omollo was awarded the national title via a walkover after the ringside doctor ruled Juma out due to a cut above his right eye. Juma has been openly baying for Omollo’s blood ever since, firmly believing he is the superior fighter. Denied the chance to fight for the gold medal in the ring, Juma views the Mombasa leg as the ultimate platform to settle the score and expose the champion. Omollo did not take part in the first leg in Nakuru owing to a personal commitment.

With Njau hunting for revenge and Juma desperate to dethrone Omollo, the coastal breeze at Mama Ngina Waterfront will do little to cool down the boiling temperature in the lightweight division. Sparks will fly as these three elite warriors collide to prove who truly owns the weight class.

▪️Every time her opponent surged forward, Fatuma neutralized the attack, displaying an impressive balance of offense and defensive poise to signal her arrival in pro boxing

July 7, 2026

Under the glowing lights of Petit Stade Gymnasium in Kigali, Uganda’s charismatic boxing queen, Fatuma “The Thunder” Nabikolo, marked a triumphant professional debut on July 5, 2026, by outpointing her DR Congo opponent, Celine Konyi, in a gripping four-round lightweight bout.

The Rwandan capital became the stage where raw East African talent met professional discipline, as Fatuma stepped out with a fiery swagger, unleashing calculated combinations and her signature speed. Having previously captured the featherweight Africa Zone 3 title in Nairobi, she brought her tactical brilliance straight into the professional ranks. Throughout the four rounds, Konyi pressed the action, testing Fatuma’s grit. However, drawing on her wealth of amateur pedigree, the Ugandan star dictated the tempo with stinging jabs and evasive footwork.

Every time her opponent surged forward, Fatuma neutralized the attack, displaying an impressive balance of offense and defensive poise.

This spectacular victory marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the hugely talented pugilist. Now guided under the strategic management of ⁠Emma Asmin of BodyMax, Fatuma’s future looks incredibly bright as she balances both professional and amateur boxing ambitions. With this fiery Kigali performance, the road to the top of the lightweight division has officially begun.

A jovial Fatuma told boxersworld.co.ke she’s extremely delighted to have made a successful pro debut.

“I’m so happy I’ve fulfilled my dream. The atmosphere in Kigali is so nice and the people are welcoming and supportive,” says Fatuma, adding:”I came in the ring with confidence because I knew she wouldn’t manage to outshine me. I was more skilful and experienced than her, she’s still a novice in the game.”

With that first hurdle cleared, Fatuma, a bronze medallist in the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup Champioships, is now looking forward to her next fight and represent Uganda in the Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships in October, 2026.

Boxing analysts are at a loss why such a hot medal prospect is not in Uganda’s national team for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

▪️The Congolese reasserted their supremacy in Zone 3 by collecting 16 medals: 11 gold, two silver and three bronze

July 6, 2026

DR Congo boxers danced and sang at the Palais des Sports in Libreville, celebrating an unprecedented overall fourth consecutive Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championship victory.

The three-day event concluded on Sunday, July 5, 2026, with the team collecting 16 medals: 11 gold, two silver, and three bronze.

Cementing the nation’s regional boxing dominance, all of DR Congo’s defending champions successfully retained their titles: light-flyweight Diyoka Benedicte, light-heavyweight Malewu Takasala and welterweight Mbalayi Merveille.

All the DR Congo defending champions remained unbeaten in three fights in the round robin event but Diyoka’s third win against Cameroon’s determined Moudjongoue Odette was not easy. She was fully stretched before squeezing 3-2 points victory. Malewu got a walkover against Elenga Chancelle of Congo Brazaville with Mbalayi maintaining her sparkling show by defeating Cameroon’s Lenou Balemaken 5-0.

The Congolese boxers turned the tournament into their personal property, unleashing a golden storm to secure 11 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals. The ring became a theater of dominance as DR Congo systematically dismantled opposition guards, reasserting their status as the absolute monarchs of Zone 3 boxing.

Cameroon, placed fourth in the 2025 Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi, arrived with heavy expectations, tipped to go toe-to-toe with the Congolese powerhouse. They roared to life on opening day, stringing together five victories. However, the Cameroonian bubble burst spectacularly on day two. The momentum evaporated as they dropped five crucial fights, managing only two solitary victories and ultimately sliding to a disappointing fourth-place finish 1-7-2. Gabon capitalized on the slip, boxing fiercely to claim the runner-up spot 2-4-7, followed by Congo Brazzaville in third position 2-3-0.

Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo, the IBA Africa Interim President, expressed immense satisfaction with the tournament’s organization despite a lower turnout. He noted that English-speaking nations were entirely focused on the upcoming Commonwealth Games, while other delegations were sidelined by financial constraints.

For Luyoyo, this tournament was just the opening act.

“The Zone 3 was a dress rehearsal for our Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships in October,” Luyoyo declared, adding: “We plan to stage a well-attended, best-ever tournament with prize money for the boxers.”

While Africa’s flagship championship is locked in for October, the official host venue for the continental showpiece remains to be decided.

▪️DR Congo make no secret on their intention to win Africa Zone 3 for the fourth year in a row with a dominant performance

July 5, 2026

Chants of “beta ye!” (beat them!) shook the rafters at the Palais des Sports in Libreville on Day Two of the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Democratic Republic of Congo boxers didn’t just compete—they completely took over. By the time the final bell rang on the round-robin tournament, DR Congo had racked up an astonishing 12 victories, sending a terrifyingly clear message to the rest of the teams: the crown stays in Kinshasa.

Among the standout winners were defending Zone 3 champions light-flyweight Diyoka Benedicte, Mbalayi Merveille and Malewu Tekasala who outpointed Elenga Chancelle of Congo Brazzaville with Diyoka beating compatriot Bayiso Mansisca 5-0 and Mbalayi defeating Assa Mandase of Gabon 5-0. The three boxers stepped into the ring with cold precision, systematically dismantling their opponents to the rhythm of their roaring compatriots in the stands. Every jab, hook, and cross from the Congolese fighters was met with an explosion of cheers from the DR Congo camp, creating a partisan wall of sound that suffocated their rivals.

With this absolute dominance, DRC has all but locked up the tournament. They aren’t just eyeing the trophy; they are on the verge of capturing the Zone 3 championship for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year.

For Cameroon boxers, it was not a good day in the office winning two and losing five bouts. Defending flyweight champion Issouhou Mouhaman was unlucky when his fight against DR Congo’s Mabela Bofenda was abandoned in the second round with heavyweight Baguigana Georges losing for the second time to DR Congo’s Mbangi William. Female bantamweight Ebilitigue Nelly was beaten 5-0 by DR Congo’s Bisambu Deborah, men’s bantamweight Dzanhkou Yanhoy lost 5-0 to DR Congo’s Ilunga Kabange while light-middleweight Yantou Koloko was defeated 5-0 by DR Congo’s Disashi Joseph.

Cameroon’s two victories came via light-heavyweight Ngon A Ngon who stopped Gabon’s Moukagni Mohanti in the third round and middleweight walkover winner Njitack Kouanchipe.

Hosts Gabon and Congo Brazzaville chalked up two victories apiece with Gabon’s Mandela Cup champion Lendoye Arthur winning his first fight against compatriot Mba Ndong.

Medallists will be determined on the number of victories per weight in the three-day round robin tournament which ends today, July 5, 2026.

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▪️Million dollar dreams of Uganda’s boxing queen Fatuma Nabikolo and Rwanda’s fast-rising Pacific Niyonzima begin on Sunday

July 4, 2026

Uganda’s African Zone 3 gold medalist Fatuma “The Thunder” Nabikolo and Rwanda’s national champion Pacific Niyonzima aka Mr Skyoff will make their long awaited professional debuts on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Petit Stade Gymnasium in Kigali, Rwanda.

The two talented boxers will add more spice and colour to the third edition of the Liberation Day Boxing show organized by ⁠BodyMax Promotions in collaboration with the Rwanda Boxing Federation. It brings together rising professional and elite amateur punchers from six East African countries: Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and the DR Congo.

Fatuma, the future of Ugandan women’s boxing, steps into the pro ranks with an impressive amateur resume. Fighting out of Kampala’s Kololo Boxing Club, Nabikolo captured the spotlight by winning a dominant 5-0 unanimous gold medal in the 57kg featherweight category at the ⁠2025 Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships in Nairobi by smartly outpointing DR Congo’s Phoba Kerene.

Known for her magnetic personality and flawless technical ring artistry rather than raw brawling, Nabikolo has overcome heavy hurdles, including a heartbreaking administrative lockout at the Islamic Solidarity Games over late gender certification mandates. Untamed by the setback, she refined her skill in the Uganda Boxing Champions League. Now, she moves up slightly to the lightweight division for a scheduled 6-round professional debut against Celine Konyi from DR Congo intent on dominating the continent’s paid ranks.

“I want to be the African champion first and then aim for world title, I’ll do it. The DRC boxer is just a stepping stone towards my ambitions she can’t match me,” a confident Nabikolo told boxersworld.co.ke from Kigali.

For the local Rwandan crowd at Petit Stade, all eyes will be fixed on the national team captain, Pacific Niyonzima who is a household name in Kigali sports after capturing the 63.5 kg light-welterweight crown at the ⁠2026 Rwanda Boxing Championship in May, following a three-round absolute war against Murenzi Hassan.

Standing at 1.75 meters, Niyonzima is an unpredictable boxer who seamlessly switches between orthodox and southpaw stances. Having recently transferred to ⁠BodyMax Boxing Club and sharpened his skills at the 2025 IBA World Boxing Championships, Niyonzima battles Tanzania’s Andrea Antoni in a 63.5 kg thriller. At the World Championships in Dubai, Niyonzima made history becoming the first ever Rwandan boxer to win a fight in the global event by decisioning Zimbabwe’s Nyongoloza Ntandoyenkosi in Rwanda’s debut in the World Championships.

Nabikolo and Niyonzima are capitalizing on the current IBA liberalisation that allows amateur boxers to turn professional while maintaining their amateur competitive status.

Managed by BodyMax CEO Emma Karim, who also serves as the vice president of the Rwanda Boxing Federation, these debuts mark a major shift for East African pugilists.

With the liberalized rules set by the International Boxing Association (IBA) allowing amateurs to crossover into professional circuits, boxers can significantly boost their earning power and ring experience without forfeiting their amateur careers.

Emma Karim’s promotional efforts at BodyMax aim to leverage this regulatory shift. By hosting professional fight cards in the heart of Kigali, her stable provides local and regional talents the chance to build lucrative professional records.

Emma is definitely a breath of fresh air in this new era for East African boxing. She aims to expose amateur boxers to pro boxing to increase their earnings as well as representing their national teams.

“I want to empower our amateur boxers financially and also build their stamina and ring time by fighting in more than three rounds,” the charming Emma told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

Her astute managerial acumen is an added advantage, giving more assurance to Nabikolo and Niyonzima they are in safe hands.

With Nabikolo’s crisp Ugandan boxing rhythm and Niyonzima’s explosive, adaptable combinations, July 5 represents more than just a celebratory fight night—it signals the arrival of East Africa’s next generation of prize-fighting youngsters.

The 10-bout card will be headlined by a six-round welterweight fight between Rwanda’s Kazungu Frank and Tanzania’s Amon Tobias. All fights will be six rounders.

Under the vibrant leadership of Rwanda Boxing Federation President, Bashir Ntwari, who controls both amateur and pro boxing, the federation has achieved remarkable progress in a very short span, and who knows, Rwanda could in future be the Las Vegas of East Africa’s pro boxing.

▪️Defending champions, Cameroon’s Issouhou Mouhaman and DR Congo’s Mbalayi Mbamba win with ease in their first fights 

▪️Gabon’s Mandela Cup gold medallist Arthur Lendoye beaten but could still make amends in his next fight in the round robin format event ending on Sunday 

July 4, 2026

The canvas at Libreville’s Palais des Sports dripped with sweat and statement victories on Day 1 of the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championship on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Defending champions DR Congo unleashed a hungry squad of rookie prospects, silencing doubts by capturing seven dominant victories. Seeking a historic fourth consecutive regional crown, the Congolese powerhouse proved their pipeline of young talent is just as lethal as their veteran guard.

Cameroon immediately answered the challenge, hunting down five emphatic victories of their own to stay within striking distance. The Central African giants traded blows from afar on the leaderboard, turning the opening session into an explosive two-horse race.

The battle lines are officially drawn in Gabon. With DR Congo’s explosive youth combined with experienced boxers and Cameroon’s relentless pursuit, this tournament has all the trappings of a pitched battle between the two Central African rivals.

Gabon and Congo Brazzaville opened their account with two victories each.

Among the highlights, defending men’s flyweight champion Issouhou Mouhaman of Cameroon and DR Congo’s female welterweight Mbalayi Mbamba won their opening bouts while Cameroon’s bronze medallist in the 2025 Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi Baguigana Georges fired blanks going down to relatively unknown DR Congo’s Mbangi William as local fans were dealt a devastating blow when one of their gold medal prospects, light-middleweight Arthur Lendoye, a gold medallist in the Nelson Mandela Cup, was beaten 5-0 by DR Congo’s Disasi Joseph. Lendoye was one of the three bronze medallists in the 2025 Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi. Gabon finished seventh.

Mouhaman defeated Gabon’s Ndjembi Mbadinga with Mbalayi outpointing compatriot Bampala Monique at welterweight.

Cameroon’s regular internationals, female flyweight Moudjongoue Odette, light-heavyweight Ngon A Ngon and super-heavyweight Kond Paul also won their first fights with Odette defeating DR Congo’s Bayigo Manisca 5-0, Ngon beating Odzoua Reche of Congo Brazzaville 5-0 and Kond outpointing Gabon’s Nembot Samuel.

The Africa Zone 3 enters the second day today, Saturday, July 4, 2026, with more intensified action.

Some of big names in the region in action today are Africa, Mandela Cup and Zone 3 light-flyweight champion Diyonka Benedicte, Zone 3 champions Mbalayi Mbamba and Malewu Tekasala all from DR Congo, Gabon’s Arthur Lendoye who returns for his second fight after losing the first one and Cameroon’s Ngon A Ngon.

The Technical Delegate, Godavarisingh Rajcoomar, told boxersworld.co.ke a total of 44 boxers are taking part in the three-day event conducted in round robin format. The tournament ends on Sunday, July 5, 2026 and the following day all teams leave for home. In addition to overseeing the Zone 3 Championships, the busy bee Raj is also conducting R&J Certification Course. Big up Raj we salute you for your commitment and passion. Your friend Nelson Otieno in Nairobi is preparing to welcome you – on your way to Mauritius – with the tasty fresh fish at Chel-C Restaurant.

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▪️The war is on as boxers from four countries ready to set alight Gabon’s capital city

July 3, 2026

The ⁠Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships officially started today at the Palais des Sports in Libreville, Gabon.

It’s an action-packed afternoon with eight bouts on the card to set the tone for the regional tournament which features four countries, Gabon with team A and B, defending champions DR Congo, Cameroon and Congo Brazzaville.

Among the highlights include the women’s light-welterweight in which DR Congo’s defending Zone 3 champion Mbalayi Mbamba meets compatriot Bampala Monique and men’s heavyweight pitting Zone 3 bronze medallist Baguiguana Georges of Cameroon against DR Congo’s Mbangi William.

“We have eight bouts each for the afternoon and evening sessions, we delayed the start owing to unavoidable circumstances but all is well now,” said the Technical Delegate Godavarisingh Rajcoomar. Widely known as Raj, he is the esteemed Chairman of the IBA Africa Referees and Judges Commission. R&J Certification Course for Star 1-2 is also ongoing in Libreville.

The four-nation event in Gabon is just an appetiser for the main dish: The African Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships scheduled for October.

IBA Africa Interim President Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo is planning to host the best ever Africa Championships.

“Everything is in motion, soon we will announce the dates and venue of our Africa Championships,” Luyoyo told boxersworld.co.ke

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