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45 AFRICAN COUNTRIES REGISTER FOR IBA ORDINARY CONGRESS

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Cameroon's Andre Basile Kalong coordinating Africa's participation in the IBA Congress in Dubai on December 13, 2025

Only Nigeria, Benin, Somalia, Egypt and Tunisia have yet to register for this crucial  IBA Congress in Dubai

With the registration deadline extended to October 31, the five African countries yet to register have enough time to do so to ensure they don’t miss out from this vital  IBA Ordinary Congress scheduled for December 13 in Dubai.

The Congress will precede the finals of Men’s World Boxing Championships whose total prize money has been increased to a jaw-dropping unprecedented $8 million.

Information released by Andre Basile Kalong,  the coordinator of Africa’s participation in the IBA Ordinary Congress, shows only five African countries have yet to register. They are Nigeria, Benin, Somalia, Egypt and Tunisia.

The  following are the 45 countries which have already registered:

1. Algeria

2. Morocco

3. Libya

4. Sierra Leone

5. Ivory Coast

6. Liberia

7. Cameroon

8. Ghana

9. Sudan

10. South Sudan

11. South Africa

12. Mali

13. Niger

14. Burkina Faso

15. Guinea

16. Guinea Bissau

17. Gambia

18. Senegal

19. Chad

20. Central African Republic

21. Congo

22. DR Congo

23. Gabon

24. Equatorial Guinea

25. Tanzania

26. Togo

27. Burundi

28. Uganda

29. Ethiopia

30. Kenya

31. Mozambique

32. Malawi

33. Angola

34. Zambia

35. Lesotho

36. Namibia

37. Eswatini

38. Botswana

39. Comoros

40. Seychelles

41. Mauritius

42. Zimbabwe

43. Rwanda

44. Madagascar

45. Cape Verde

In a communique to the Africa Boxing Confederation member countries, the International Boxing Association’s International Relations Department notes that some National Federations have encountered technical challenges with the database. That’s why the registration deadline has been extended to October 31 at 18:00 CET (Central European Time)

The communique reads in part: “The delegate registration is still available in the IBA Database: https://iba-database.sport.

“Kindly ensure that you fill in all requested fields within the timelines given, including your full name as indicated on your passport, and make sure that the exact Voting Delegate is specified accordingly. Please bear in mind that each National Federation can register a maximum of one Voting Delegate and two Non-Voting Delegates (without the right to vote or speak during the Congress).

“To facilitate your registration, please have the following documents ready for upload: valid and readable passport copy (with at least 6-month validity from December 2025), picture in ID style (with a white background) for accreditation;
NF appointment letter for delegates.

“Please note, that in accordance with Article 16.6 of the IBA Constitution, IBA shall arrange and cover, where possible, reasonable costs for economy class air travel, accommodation and meals only for the Voting Delegate of each National Federation attending an Ordinary Congress meeting. Therefore, the Voting Delegates are also requested to provide the name of their respective city of departure, together with their passport copies, directly to the IBA IR Department at their earliest convenience.”

TOP PH BOXERS RELISH CHANCE TO FIGHT IN THRILLA IN MANILA 2

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MANILA, Philippines—WBC strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem and a bevy of top Filipino fighters could not help but rave about boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s move to stage the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.

“The moment I learned about Senator Manny Pacquiao’s wish to celebrate the Thrilla and have me as its main event, I felt overjoyed,” said Jerusalem, who makes the third defense of the WBC 105-pound crown against South African Siyakholwa Kuse on in the main event of Thrilla in Manila 2 Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I am so excited to be a part of this landmark moment in Philippine sports,” Jerusalem said.

Like Jerusalem, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and unbeaten pro Eumir Marcial swears that his inclusion in the slambang show is a dream come true.

“I have always wanted to be associated with my longtime idol Manny Pacquiao and getting the opportunity to fight under his promotional banner is something I am very proud of,” said Marcial, who clashes with Venezuelan knockout artist Eddy Colmenares in a middleweight special attraction.

Jerusalem is fighting for the second time under Blow-By-Blow and he remains thrilled to be showcasing his ring savvy anew before a worldwide audience.

Also expressing their 100 percent support behind the Thrilla are top super bantamweights Carl Jammes Martin and Marlon Tapales, also scheduled to appear in the undercard against separate foreign foes.

Pacquiao is leading the celebration of the Thrilla’s golden anniversary as a homage to the epic 14-round war between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier on October 1, 1975.

“Until now, half a century later, when you ask fight fans about Thrilla in Manila, their eyes light up and they tell you about the action and the drama of that momentous event,” Pacquiao said.

“I believe that 50 years from now, the Thrilla would still be up there among the greatest and most unforgettable moments in sports history.”

Courtesy of inquirer.net

MANNY PACQUIAO AND IBA PRO IGNITE MANILA WITH THRILA IN MANILA 2: A HISTORIC NIGHT OF BOXING ON OCTOBER 29

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MANNY PACQUIAO AND IBA PRO IGNITE MANILA WITH THRILA IN MANILA 2: A HISTORIC NIGHT OF BOXING ON OCTOBER 29

▪️Manila’s own Melvin Jerusalem (22-3, 12 KOs) defends his title against South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse in a 12-round war. Jerusalem’s lightning-fast hands and hometown pride face Kuse’s relentless pressure, promising a championship clash that could end in a flash.

 

October 28, 2025

The boxing world is buzzing as Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, in partnership with IBA Pro, proudly unveils Thrilla in Manila 2 — a seismic fight night set to rock the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Announced with electrifying energy at a press conference on October 1, 2025, at Araneta Mall, this historic event will be broadcast live globally, bringing Manila’s passion to the world stage.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary Thrilla in Manila, this blockbuster card, headlined by Filipino WBC Minimumweight Champion Melvin Jerusalem and featuring Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, promises a night of heart-pounding action. With MP Promotions and IBA Pro at the helm, Thrilla in Manila 2 showcases the Philippines’ fighting spirit alongside international stars, honoring a storied past while forging a bold future.

Manny Pacquiao, CEO of MP Promotions, said: “The Thrilla in Manila lit a fire in my heart as a kid, pushing me to dream big. Bringing Thrilla in Manila 2 to Manila with IBA Pro is my way of passing that fire to the next generation. On October 29, we’re making history again, and the world will feel the heat of Filipino pride!”

Al Siesta, Director of IBA Pro, said: “Partnering with Manny Pacquiao and MP Promotions for Thrilla in Manila 2 is a game-changer. This event blends Manila’s rich boxing legacy with global star power, from Melvin Jerusalem’s title defense to Nico Ali Walsh’s historic return. We’re delivering a night that will thrill fans and shake the boxing world.”

The original Thrilla in Manila on October 1, 1975, is etched in history as boxing’s ultimate war. In the blistering heat of the Araneta Coliseum, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier battled for the heavyweight crown in their third epic clash. Ali’s relentless onslaught and fiery taunts led to a 14th-round TKO when Frazier’s corner threw in the towel. Named The Ring magazine’s Fight of the Year, it put Manila on the global map and inspired a young Manny Pacquiao to rise from poverty to greatness.

Born in 1978 in Kibawe, Philippines, Manny Pacquiao defied all odds to become the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, boasting a record of 62-8-3 (39 KOs). His legendary wins over Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Timothy Bradley earned him Fighter of the Decade honors for the 2000s and a 2025 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Beyond the ring, Pacquiao’s journey as a Philippine senator, philanthropist through the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, and cultural icon embodies resilience. Now, through MP Promotions (Blow by Blow), he’s putting Manila back in the spotlight, showcasing Filipino and international talent to a global audience.

Nico Ali Walsh, the 25-year-old grandson of Muhammad Ali, steps into the ring carrying a monumental legacy. Born in Chicago in 2000, Walsh (11-1-0, 7 KOs) turned pro in 2021, wielding a 6-foot frame, 74-inch reach, and devastating power honed under coaches like Abel Sanchez. Fresh off a jaw-dropping TKO in February 2025, he faces Thailand’s gritty Kittisak Klinson in a six-round super middleweight clash. Fighting in the same arena where his grandfather became a legend 50 years ago, Walsh’s blend of charisma and knockout flair makes this a bucket-list bout.

Cruiserweight Contender, Nico Ali Walsh, said: “Fighting in Manila, where my grandfather made history, is a dream come true. I’m bringing everything I’ve got against Klinson to honor that legacy and show the world who I am. Expect fireworks!”

Manila’s own Melvin Jerusalem (22-3, 12 KOs) defends his title against South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse in a 12-round war. Jerusalem’s lightning-fast hands and hometown pride face Kuse’s relentless pressure, promising a championship clash that could end in a flash.

Nico Ali Walsh battles Kittisak Klinson in a six-round thriller. Klinson’s tough, come-forward style meets Walsh’s surgical precision, setting up a potential knockout that will ignite the crowd.

Former two-division world champion Marlon “The Nightmare” Tapales (38-4, 20 KOs) takes on Venezuela’s Fernando Toro in a 10-round slugfest. Tapales’s body-shot mastery and title-shot hunger make this a must-watch against Toro’s upset-minded durability.

Undefeated Carl Jammes “Wonder Boy” Martin (23-0, 18 KOs) faces Thailand’s Aran Dipaen in a 10-round showdown. Martin’s explosive power could catapult him toward a world title, but Dipaen’s toughness guarantees a battle.

Undefeated Eman Bacosa (10-0, 6 KOs), a Davao star, returns with his blazing speed and slick skills in a six-round bout. Poised to steal the show, Bacosa is Manila’s next big thing.

Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial (5-0, 3 KOs) storms back in a six-round clash. Fresh from his Tokyo 2020 glory, Marcial’s bone-crushing power promises a knockout spectacle that will rock the Coliseum.

IBA Pro, the professional arm of the International Boxing Association, is revolutionizing boxing with global tournaments, bold formats, and gripping storytelling. Led by Director Al Siesta (Albert Khachaturov) and partnered with BoxRec for official records, IBA Pro has electrified fans in Russia, France, and the Middle East. Alongside MP Promotions (Blow by Blow), Pacquiao’s platform for nurturing Filipino talent, they’re set to make Thrilla in Manila 2 a global sensation.

Tickets are on sale now, and the event will be streamed live worldwide, bringing Manila’s electric energy to every corner of the globe.

Courtesy IBA

COMPLETE RESULTS OF THE 2025 AFRICA ZONE 3 BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS AT KASARANI GYM IN NAIROBI FROM OCTOBER 20-24

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Women’s light-flyweight:
Uganda’s Brenda Namuduwa outpointed DRC’s Carine Nkelani Bewala 3-2

Men’s light-flyweight: Cameroon’s Wouang Martial outpointed Gabon’s Ndjembi Mbadinga Faustin

Men’s light-flyweight:
DRC’s Mayala Tsimba outpointed Uganda’s Kato Ahmed Kazibwe 5-0

Men’s light-flyweight
Kenya’s Silus Onyango outpointed Ethiopia’s Abel Abatiye Alemu 4-1

Men’s light-flyweight:
Kenya’s Abednego Kyalo outpointed Tanzania’s Juma Athuman Juma 4-1

Men’s bantamweight:
DRC’s Bakora Kalongo outpointed Kenya’s Emmanuel Chondo 4-1

Men’s bantamweight:
Iranezeza Aime outpointed Kenya’s Bakari Shaffi 3-1

Men’s lightweight:
Tanzania’s Ezra Paul outpointed Kenya’s Washington Wandera 4-1

Men’s lightweight:
Uganda’s Adriko Jimmy outpointed Kenya’s Ethan Maina 5-0

Men’s lightweight:
DRC’s Kitangila Mweba outpointed Gabon’s Bouka Surprise Amour6 5-0

Men’s welterweight:
Gabon’s Lendoye Arthur KO’d Tanzania’s Shafii Mbadaka first round

Men’s welterweight:
Uganda’s Mukwaya Edward outpointed Kenya’s Joseph Shigali 5-0

Men’s welterweight:
DRC’s Kabengela Ntumba outpointed Rwanda’s Kalisa Franck 5-0

Men’s welterweight
Kenya’s Wiseman Kavondo outpointed Cameroon’s Oumarou Mouhaman 3-2

Men’s middleweight:
Kenya’s Edwin Okong’o outpointed compatriot George Cosby 5-0

Men’s middleweight:
Uganda’s Ojok Alfred outpointed Rwanda’s Ndayishimie Patrick 5-0

EVENING SESSION

Women’s bantamweight:
Ethiopia’s Roman Assefa Abate outpointed Kenya’s Sheila Auma 5-0

Women’s light- welterweight:
Kenya’s Cynthia Mwai outpointed compatriot Sylvia Obwamu 5-0

Men’s flyweight:
Kenya’s Diouf Muimi outpointed Ntabanganyimana Valentin 4-1

Men’s bantamweight:
Uganda’s Matovu Livingstone outpointed Kenya’s Kelvin Maina 3-2

Men’s flyweight :
Tanzania’s Azizi Waziri outpointed DRC’s Tulembekwa Zola 4-1

Men’s flyweight :
Cameroon’s Issouhou Mouhaman outpointed Gabon’s Mboungui Moudou

Men’s featherweight:
Uganda’s Kasim Murungi outponted DRC’s Badibanga Badianyama 5-0

Men’s featherweight :
Kenya’s Kombo Mwinyi outpointed Tanzania’s George Constantino 5-0

Men’s light-welterweight :
Kenya’s Caleb Wandera outpointed Rwanda’s Niyonzima Pacifique 5-0

Men’s light-welterweight :
DRC’s Ndjibu Ndjibu outpointed Ethiopia’s Abraham Alem 5-0

Men’s light-welterweight :
Tanzania’s Kingu Lucas outpointed Gabon’s Engomba Laurent 5-0

Men’s light-welterweight :
Uganda’s Maniloba Farahat outpointed Kenya’s Aloice Vincent 4-0

Men’s light-middleweight :
Uganda’s Kanabi Alex KO’d Ethiopia’s Ermivas Mesfin third round

Men’s light-middleweight :
Tanzania’s Kasim Mbundwike walkover against DRC’s Manzongo Anderson

Men’s heavyweight
Kenya’s Peter Abuti stopped compatriot John Oyugi in the second round

Men’s heavyweight :
Uganda’s Abdul Aziz stopped Tanzania’s Emmanuel Augustino first round

OCTOBER 21 AFTERNOON SESSION

Women’s flyweight
DRC’s Nyembo Gisele stopped Uganda’s Angel Katushabe third round

Women’s flyweight
Kenya’s Faith Nafuna outpointed Tanzania’s Sarafina Fusi 5-0

Women’s welterweight
Uganda’s Emily Nakalema outpointed Uganda’s Lusamba Mbayo 5-0

Men’s light-flyweight
DRC’s Mayala Tsimba beat Cameroon’s Wouang Martial RSC(I) first round

Men’s light-flyweight
Kenya’s Silus Onyango outpointed Abednego Kyalo 3-2

Men’s lightweight
Tanzania’s Ezra Paul outpointed Rwanda’s Murenzi Hassan 5-0

Men’s lightweight
DRC’s Kitangila Mweba stopped Uganda’s Adriko Jimmy

Men’s middleweight
DRC’s Kinda Wetu outpointed Kenya’s Edwin Okong’o

Men’s middleweight
Uganda’s Ojuk Alfred stopped Tanzania’s Joseph Sylvester second round

Men’s super-heavyweight
Cameroon’s Zacharie Mvogo outpointed Uganda’s Tabula Emmanuel 5-0

Men’s super-heavyweight
DRC’s Mukwasa Emo outpointed Kenya’s Clinton Macharia 5-0

OCTOBER 21 EVENING SESSION

Women’s minimumweight
DRC’s Diyoka Benedicte stopped Kenya’s Jane Wangari third round

Women’s minimumweight
Ethiopia’s Fetan Kele stopped Tanzania’s Martha Kimaro first round

Women’s featherweight
DRC’s Phoba Kerene outpointed Tanzania’s Zawadi Kutaka 4-1

Women’s middleweight
Kenya’s Liz Andiego stopped Tanzania’s Salma Changalawe first round

Men’s bantamweight
DRC’s Kalongo Bakora outpointed Tanzania’s Faki Issa 5-0

Men’s bantamweight
Uganda’s Ochien Samuel outpointed Rwanda’s Iranezeza Aime 5-0

Men’s welterweight
Uganda’s Mukwaya Edward outpointed Lendoye Arthur 5-0

Men’s welterweight
DRC’s Kabengela Ntumba outpointed Kenya’s Wiseman Kavondo 5-0

Men’s cruiserweight
Kenya’s Chris Ochanda stopped Cameroon’s Baguigana Georges third round

Men’s cruiserweight
DRC’s Matete Kankonde outpointed Tanzania’s Alfonce Abeli 4-1

OCTOBER 22 AFTERNOON SESSION

Women’s bantamweight
Kenya’s Amina Martha outpointed Ethiopia’s Roman Abate 3-2

Women’s bantamweight
Tanzania’s Zulfa Macho outpointed DRC’s Bisambu Bawo 5-0

Women’s light-welterweight
Kenya’s Cynthia Mwai outpointed Uganda’s Erina Namutebi 5-0

Women’s light-welterweight
DRC’s Mbalayi Mbamba stopped Gabon’s Assa Mendame Marie in the second round

Men’s featherweight
Uganda’s Kasim Murungi outpointed Kenya’s Paul Omondi 4-1

Men’s featherweight
Kenya’s Mwinyi Kombo outpointed Fitwi Nigus 5-0

Men’s light-middleweight
Kenya’s Boniface Mogunde stopped Uganda’s Kanabi Alex in the first round

Men’s light-middleweight
Kenya’s Alvin Oduor outpointed Tanzania’s Kasim Mbundwike 5-0

Men’s heavyweight
Kenya’s Peter Abuti outpointed Gabon’s Njinnou Mouandat 5-0

Men’s heavyweight
Uganda’s Abdul Aziz stopped DRC’s Mbangi Mukiewa in the first round

EVENING SESSION

Women’s light-flyweight
Uganda’s Brenda Muduwa stopped Tanzania’s Aisha Idd in the first round

Women’s light-flyweight
Veronica Mbithe outpointed compatriot Lencer Akinyi 5-0

Women’s lightweight
DRC’s Munga Zalia outpointed Tanzania’s Vumilia Twalibu 3-2

Women’s light-heavyweight
Kenya’s Lorna Kusa stopped Tanzania’s Rachel Msengi in the first round

Men’s flyweight
Kenya’s Diouf Muimi outpointed Uganda’s Matovu Livingstone 3-0

Men’s flyweight
Cameroon’s Issouhou Mouhaman outpointed Tanzania’s Azizi Waziri 3-2

Men’s light-welterweight
DRC’s Ndjibu Ndjibu outpointed Kenya’s Caleb Wandera 4-1

Men’s light-welterweight
Uganda’s Maniloba Farahat outpointed Tanzania’s Kingu Lucas 5-0

Men’s light-heavyweight
Tanzania’s Yusuf Changalawe outpointed Cameroon’s Fotouo Totap Junior 4-1

Men’s light-heavyweight
Kenya’s Humphrey Ochieng outpointed DRC’s Nlandu Mbeli 4-1

OCTOBER 24 FINALS RESULTS

FIRST SESSION

Women’s Minimumweight
DRC’s Diyoka Benedicte outpointed Ethiopia’s Fetan Bujo Kele 3-2

Women’s light-flyweight
Kenya’s Veronica Mbithe outpointed Brenda Muduwa 3-2

Women’s Bantamweight
Kenya’s Amina Martha stopped Tanzania’s Zulfa Macho in the first round.

Women’s lightweight DRC’s Munga Zalia got a walkover against Kenya’s Emily Juma who was unwell

Women’s light-welterweight
DRC’s Mbalayi Mbamba outpointed Kenya’s Cynthia Mwai 5-0

Women’s welterweight
Uganda’s Emily Nakalema outpointed Tanzania’s Salma Yahya

Women’s middleweight
DRC’s Mwamba Lulua outpointed Kenya’s Liz Andiego 3-2

Women’s heavyweight
DRC’s Tshimwanga Kande stopped Tanzania’s Veronica Ebron in round one

Men’s light-flyweight Kenya’s Silus Onyango stopped DRC’s Mayala Tsimba in round one

Men’s bantamweight DRC’s Kalongo Bakora outpointed Uganda’s Ochien Samuel 3-1

Men’s lightweight: DRC’s Kitangila Mweba outpointed Tanzania’s Ezra Paul 3-2

Men’s welterweight DRC’s Kabengela Ntumba outpointed Uganda’s Mukwaya Edward 3-2

Men’s middleweight DRC’s southpaw Kinda Wetu beat Uganda’s Ojok Alfred

Men’s cruiserweight DRC’s Matete Kankonde outpointed Kenya’s Chris Ochanda 4-1

Men’s heavyweight The grand son of former Uganda’s President Idi Amin, Abdul Aziz, outpointed Kenya’s Peter Abuti 3-2

SECOND SESSION

Women’s flyweight DRC’s Nyembo Gisele got a walkover against Kenya’s Faith Nafuna

Women’s featherweight
Uganda’s Fatuma Nabikolo outpointed DRC’s Phoba Kerene 5-0

Women’s light-middleweight Kenya’s Friza Asiko outpointed DRC’s Muleketsi Nsii 4-1

Women’s light-heavyweight
DRC’s Malewu Tekasala outpointed Kenya’s Lorna Kusa 5-0

Men’s flyweight: Cameroon’s Issouhou Mouhaman got a walkover against Kenya’s Diouf Muimi

Men’s featherweight Uganda’s Kasim Murungi outpointed Kenya’s Mwinyi Kombo 3-2

Men’s light-welterweight
Uganda’s Maniloba Farahat outpointed DRC’s Njibu Njibu 4-1

Men’s light-middleweight : Kenya’s Boniface Mogunde outpointed compatriot Alvin Oduor 5-0

Men’s light-heavyweight: Tanzania’s Yusuf Changalawe outpointed Kenya’s Humphrey Ochieng 3-2

Men’s super-heavyweight : Cameroon’s Zacharie Mvogo outpointed DRC’s Mukwalo Emo 5-0

MANNY PACQUIAO JOINS INTERNATIONAL BOXING ASSOCIATION AS VICE PRESIDENT

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MANNY PACQUIAO JOINS INTERNATIONAL BOXING ASSOCIATION AS VICE PRESIDENT

▪️The appointment, made official during the IBA Board of Directors meeting held today in Manila, positions Pacquiao at the heart of boxing’s next chapter as the organization pushes forward its Golden Era — a drive to professionalize the sport, expand athlete opportunities, and keep boxing free from political interference.

October 27, 2025

In a move set to redefine the global boxing landscape, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao has been appointed as Vice President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), marking a rare transition from sporting legend to sports governor on the world stage.

The appointment, made official during the IBA Board of Directors meeting held today in Manila, positions Pacquiao at the heart of boxing’s next chapter as the organization pushes forward its Golden Era — a drive to professionalize the sport, expand athlete opportunities, and keep boxing free from political interference.

Pacquiao, revered as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in history, will work alongside IBA President Umar Kremlev to develop athlete-first programs, grow boxing in Asia and beyond, and champion fairness and protection for boxers.

Umar Kremlev, IBA President, said, “Manny Pacquiao is widely beloved around the globe, he is a true boxing legend who wants to leave legacy beyond the ring. His life story mirrors the spirit of IBA’s mission: giving every young boxer a fair chance to have achieve their dreams. We have been helping children as an organization, while Manny has been doing it all alone. Now, we will continue to help our children together as a united IBA boxing family and extend Manny’s programs beyond the borders.”

Manny Pacquiao, newly appointed IBA Vice President, added, “Under the visionary leadership of President Umar Kremlev, the IBA has entered a Golden Era — an era where every boxer, from every country, can dream, fight, and succeed on equal terms. I am proud to join this mission — to make sure no young boxer is left behind, no champion is forgotten, and no nation is excluded. As Vice President, I will dedicate myself to building bridges — between amateurs and professionals, between East and West, between generations and cultures. I believe boxing can unite people in ways that politics never can. It can change lives, transform communities, and bring peace where there is division.”

As Vice President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), Manny Pacquiao will play an active role in advancing the organization’s mission and values. In line with the IBA Constitution, he will promote the ideals of the Association worldwide, advise the President and the Board on strategic matters within his expertise, and represent the IBA at major international events and initiatives. While serving as a non-voting participant at Board meetings, Pacquiao will contribute his insight, experience, expertise, and global influence to strengthen IBA’s programs and outreach. He will also carry out special assignments entrusted to him by the President or the Board, helping shape the direction of boxing’s new Golden Era.

The IBA Board of Directors meeting is convened on the eve of 50th Anniversary of the legendary «Thrilla in Manila» fight, championing the memory of one of the greatest fights in the world.

Courtesy IBA

BONIFACE MOGUNDE AND AMINA MARTHA WIN BEST BOXER AWARD IN AFRICA ZONE 3 TOURNAMENT

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Kenya's African Games bronze medallist Amina Martha (right) carrying the fight to Tanzania's Zulfa Macho whom she stopped in the first round of the women's bantamweight final at the Africa Zone 3 Championships

BONIFACE MOGUNDE AND AMINA MARTHA WIN BEST BOXER AWARD IN AFRICA ZONE 3 TOURNAMENT
▪️ Plus full results of the finals at Kasarani Gym in Nairobi on October 24

Kenya’s Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde and Amina Martha Faki scooped the men’s and women’s Best Boxer Award in the just-concluded Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships in Nairobi.

Mogunde, unbeaten locally for seven years, scored his second win over compatriot Alvin “Liwalo Liwe” Oduor in an all-Kenyan final light-middleweight fight.

The winner is Boniface Mogunde!!!! in this all-Kenyan light-middleweight final in which Mogunde beat Alvin Oduor (right) 5-0

It was one-way traffic as Mogunde totally dominated Oduor keeping him at bay with constant jabs and timely combinations.

Oduor failed to find the range for the better part of the fight against the swift-moving Mogunde, one of the best out-boxers in Kenya today.

Even when he was supposed to cut in to lay ambush for his opponent, Oduor didn’t do so. As a result he kept on doing the chasing but hardly connecting any meaningful punch on eagle-eyed Mogunde.

Mogunde made his international debut in 2019 at the African Games in Rabat, Morocco where he won a bronze medal in the welterweight division.

He’s now looking forward to Men’s World Boxing Championships scheduled for December 2-13 in Dubai.

It will be his third appearance in the global event.

“This time I must be in the medal bracket, I have gained enough experience in the World Championships,” Mogunde told boxersworld.co.ke

Kenya’s African Military Games champion Friza “The Smiling Assasin” Asiko (in blue) keeps a close on DRC’s Muleketsi Nsii to know whether she’s feeling her punches enroute to a 4-1 victory in the light-middleweight final

Amina Martha, the first ever Kenyan female boxer to win a medal in the African Games, stopped Tanzania’s Zulfa Macho in the first round of their bantamweight bout.

Martha was in a ferocious mood pressurising Zulfa with relentless two-fisted flurries and in the process subjecting the Tanzanian boxer to three standing counts.

On noticing that Zulfa was under siege, the referee wisely stopped the fight in favour of Martha who made her international debut in the 2022 Africa Zone 3 Championships, settling for a bronze medal.

In addition to Mogunde and Martha, a number of boxers such as Uganda’s Kasim Murungi, Fatuma Nabikolo and Edward Mukwaya, Kenya’s Friza Asiko, Veronica Mbithe, Diouf Muimi and Emmanuel Chondo, Cameroon’s Wouang Martial, Zacharie Mvogo, Rwanda’s Iranezeza Aime, DRC’s Kinda Wetu and Gabon’s Lendoye Arthur – to mention but a few – displayed good boxing but what was evident is the rust in most of them owing to lack of consistent competitions and lack of exposure, a nagging problem in Africa boxing.

Otherwise the standards were quite encouraging for boxers lacking constant exposure.

The organisation of the tournament was super duper. Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) President Anthony Otieno aka Jamal and his team did a splendid job with daily Livestream of the event to boot.

Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFK) Secretary-General Makore Mashaga was so impressed by the organisation of the Zone 3 tournament.

“I have attended several tournaments in Africa. To me this was one of the most well organised kudos to Jamal and your organising committee,” said Mashaga.

The visiting officials were given VIP treatment with mouth-watering dish from the catering services at Kasarani Gym.

Cameroon’s former AFBC Secretary-General Andre Basile Kalong, one of the ITOs, rightfully earned the nickname Mr Tilapia. Almost daily Andre could not avoid helping himself to the appetising fish with ugali topping it up with mala milk. Welcome back to Kenya.

Mwangi Muthoga aka Don King (far left), the renowned Kenyan R&J, was one of the International Technical Officials (ITO) during the Africa Zone 3 Championships

Full results of the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championship finals at Kasarani Gym on October 24, 2025

First session

Women’s Minimumweight: Diyoka Benedicte (DRC) outpointed Ethiopia’s Fetan Bujo Kele 3-2

Women’s light-flyweight: Kenya’s Veronica Mbithe outpointed Uganda’s Brenda Muduwa 3-2

Women’s Bantamweight:  Kenya’s Amina Martha (Kenya) stopped Tanzania’s Zulfa Macho in the first round.

Women’s lightweight: DRC’s Munga Zalia got a walkover against Kenya’s Emily Juma who was unwell

Women’s light-welterweight: DRC’s Mbalayi Mbamba outpointed Kenya’s Cynthia Mwai 5-0

Women’s welterweight: Uganda’s Emily Nakalema beat Tanzania’s Salma Yahya

Women’s middleweight: DRC’s Mwamba Lulua outpointed Kenya’s Liz Andiego 3-2

Women’s heavyweight: DRC’s Tshimwanga Kande stopped Tanzania’s Veronica Ebron in round one

Men’s light-flyweight: Kenya’s Silus Onyango stopped DRC’s Mayala Tsimba in round one

Men’s bantamweight: DRC’s Kalongo Bakora outpointed Uganda’s Ochien Samuel 3-1

Men’s lightweight: DRC’s Kitangila Mweba outpointed Tanzania’s Ezra Paul 3-2

Men’s welterweight: Kabengela Ntumba outpointed Uganda’s Mukwaya Edward 3-2

Men’s middleweight: DRC’s southpaw Kinda Wetu beat Uganda’s Ojok Alfred

Men’s cruiserweight: DRC’s Matete Kankonde outpointed Kenya’s Chris Ochanda 4-1

Men’s heavyweight: The grand son of former Uganda President Idi Amin, Abdul Aziz outpointed Kenya’s Peter Abuti 3-2

Second session results

Women’s flyweight: DRC’s Nyembo Gisele got a walkover against Kenya’s Faith Nafuna

Women’s featherweight: Uganda’s Fatuma Nabikolo outpointed DRC’s Phoba Kerene 5-0

Women’s light-middleweight: Kenya’s Friza Asiko outponted DRC’s Muleketsi Nsii 4-1

Women’s light-heavyweight:Malewu Tekasala outpointed Kenya’s Lorna Kusa 5-0

Men’s flyweight: Cameroon’s Issouhou Mouhaman got a walkover against Kenya’s Diouf Muimi

Men’s featherweight: Uganda’s Kasim Murungi outpointed Kenya’s Mwinyi Kombo 3-2

Men’s light-welterweight:  Maniloba Farahat outpointed DRC’s Njibu Njibu 4-1

Men’s light-middleweight: Kenya’s Boniface Mogunde outpointed compatriot Alvin Oduor 5-0

Men’s light-heavyweight: Tanzania’s Yusuf Changalawe outpointed Kenya’s Humphrey Ochieng 3-2

Men’s super-heavyweight: Cameroon’s Zacharie Mvogo outpointed DRC’s Mukwalo Emo 5-0

Final medals table compiled by boxersworld.co.ke

                          Gold.       Silver.         Bronze

1) DR Congo    12                 5                  4

2) Kenya.           5                 11                 8

3) Uganda         5                  4                  5

4) Cameroon     2.                 0                 3

5) Tanzania       1                  4                  9

6) Ethiopia         0.                 1                 2

7) Gabon.           0                 0                  3

8) Rwanda.        0                 0                   2

Photos by Duncan Kuria aka Sugar Ray

FINALLY A BREATH OF FRESH AIR IN NIGERIAN BOXING AS MINISTER EDUN AND IMADU TAKE CHARGE

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Nigeria's Finance Minister Wale Edun is the new boxing federation president.

FINALLY A BREATH OF FRESH AIR IN NIGERIAN BOXING AS MINISTER EDUN AND IMADU TAKE CHARGE

▪️ It’s a new dawn for this popular sport in the West African country as the noisemakers are shown the door

 

The long wait is over. Nigeria Boxing Federation elections are done and dusted. Those who had been shouting from the rooftop have been KO’d and consigned to the dustbin of history.

In comes a powerful and passionate team which will definitely take Nigerian boxing to the next level with the welfare of boxers being their top priority. It’s a welcome breath of fresh air for this popular sport in the West African country.

Imadu fielding questions from journalists after the elections

Let’s all welcome the Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable Wale Edun.

A staunch boxing supporter, Edun is the new President of the Nigerian Boxing Federation.

The global economist and transformative boxing enthusiast was voted unopposed, recording all 12 votes in the elections held at the Package B Indoor Sports Hall of the MKO Abiola National Stadium Abuja on Saturday, October 25.

In his post election remarks, Edun pledged thorough reforms and structural changes to elevate boxing across the board in Nigeria.

Yucateco Promotions CEO Omonlei Imadu is now the Nigerian Boxing Federation President Vice President

What’s even more encouraging and a boon to Nigerian boxing is that Edun’s Vice-President is non other than the owner of Yucateco Promotions, Omonlei Imadu, the southwest representative. He defeated his counterpart from the North Central zone Mighty Mike by eight votes to four in the keenly contested poll.

Imadu, who has long won the hearts of boxing followers in the country with his several grassroots programs, praised the entry of Edun as the right person to lead the Nigerian Boxing Federation back to its glory days.

“It’s a new dawn for boxing in the country, the Honorable Minister is very passionate about boxing, he has shown it over the years with a plethora of grassroots initiatives across the nation,” said a jovial Imadu.

“I and the other board members will work closely with Edun to achieve his vision for Nigerian boxing.”

 

Imadu further acknowledged the National Sports Commission NSC under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Hon. Bukola Olopade as the DG for uploading the integrity of the commission through transparency, fairness, and accountability in the electoral process.

WHERE THE MEDALS WENT IN THE NAIROBI AFRICA ZONE THREE BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS

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The future is bright for Uganda's boxing glamour girls Fatuma "The Thunder" Nabikolo (right) and flyweight Angel Katushabe.

WHERE THE MEDALS WENT IN THE NAIROBI AFRICA ZONE THREE BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS

▪️A feast for DR Congo boxers returning home with 10 gold medals

DR CONGO

Gold

Minimumweight Diyoka Benedicte, lightweight Munga Zalia, light-welterweight Mbalayi Mbamba, middleweight Mwamba Lulua, heavyweight Tshimwanga Kande, bantamweight Bakora Kalongo, lightweight Kitangila Mweba, welterweight Kabengela Ntumba, middleweight Kinda Wetu, cruiserweight Matete Kankonde, flyweight Nyembo Gisele and light-heavyweight Malewu Tekasala.

Silver

Minimumweight Mayala Tsimba, featherweight Phoba Kerene, light-welterweight Njibu Njibu, light-middleweight Muleketsi Nsii and super-heavyweight Mukwalo Emo.

Bronze:

Light-middleweight Nlandu Mbeli, heavyweight Mbangi Mukiewa, bantamweight Bisambo Bayo and light-welterweight Lusamba Mbayo

KENYA

Gold

Light-flyweight Veronica Mbithe, bantamweight Amina Martha Faki, minimumweight Silus Onyango, light-middleweight Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde and light-middleweight Friza “Smiling Assasin” Asiko

Silver

Lightweight Emily Juma, light-welterweight Cynthia Mwai, middleweight Liz Andiego, cruiserweight Chris Ochanda, heavyweight Peter Abuti, flyweight Faith Nafuna, light-heavyweight Lorna Kusa, flyweight Diouf Muimi, light-middleweight Alvin Oduor and light-heavyweight Humphrey Ochieng

Bronze

Minimumweight Abednego Kyalo, featherweight Paul Omondi, light-welterweight Caleb Wandera, welterweight Wiseman Kavondo, middleweight Edwin Okong’o, super-heavyweight Clinton Macharia, minimumweight Jane Wangare and light-flyweight Lencer Akinyi

UGANDA

Gold

Welterweight Emily Nakalema, heavyweight Abdul Aziz, featherweight Fatuma Nabikolo, featherweight Kasim Murungi and light-welterweight Manitoba Farahat

Silver

Light-flyweight Brenda Muduwa, bantamweight Ochien Samuel, welterweight Edward Mukwaya and middleweight Alfred Ojok

Bronze

Flyweight Angel Katushabe, flyweight Matovu Livingstone, lightweight Adriko Jimmy, light-middleweight Kanabi Alex and super-heavyweight Tabula Emmanuel

CAMEROON

Gold

Flyweight Issouhou Mouhaman and super-heavyweight Zacharie Mvogo

Bronze

Minimumweight Wouang Martial, light-heavyweight Fotouo Totap Junior and cruiserweight Baguiguana Georges

TANZANIA

Gold

Light-heavyweight Yusuf Changalawe

Silver

Bantamweight Zulfa Macho, welterweight Salma Yahya, heavyweight Veronica Ebron and lightweight Ezra Paul

Bronze

Minimumweight Martha Kimaro, flyweight Sarafina James, featherweight Zawadi Amos Kutaka, lightweight Vumilia Twalibu, middleweight Salma Changalawe, light-heavyweight Rachel Msengi, flyweight Azizi Waziri, bantamweight Faki Issa Fake and light-middleweight Kasim Mbundwike.

ETHIOPIA

Silver

Fetan Bujo Kele

Bronze

Roman Assefa Abate and featherweight Fitwi Tumay Nigus

GABON

Bronze

Light-welterweight Assa Mendame Marie, welterweight Lendoye Arthur and Njinnou Moundat

RWANDA

Bronze

Bantamweight Iranezeza Aime and lightweight Murenzi Hassan

DR CONGO SILENCE KENYA AT HOME TO WIN ZONE 3 BOXING TITLE FOR THIRD YEAR RUNNING

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DR CONGO SILENCE KENYA AT HOME TO WIN ZONE 3 BOXING TITLE FOR THIRD YEAR RUNNING

▪️ A black Friday for the Kenyans who manage five gold medals to tally with Uganda but finish second because of having more silvers

 

DR Congo yet again maintained their ascendancy in Africa’s amateur boxing scene to win the Africa Zone 3 Championship for the third time in a row in Nairobi on Friday, October 24, 2025.

In what was expected to be a close and a fiercely contested final showdown between Kenya and DR Congo, the latter didn’t break a sweat easily topping the medals table at Kasarani Gym.

DR Congo had 17 finalists and Kenya 16 but the bubble burst for the hosts managing only five gold despite being represented by 35 boxers, the highest number among the eight participating countries.

The performance of most Kenyan boxers was below par, and the situation was made worse by giving away three walkovers.

Flyweights Diouf “Bashday” Muimi and Faith “Fekete” Nafuna were missing in action reportedly recruited by the KDF while lightweight Emily “Ring Princess” Juma was unwell and only entered the ring as a formality but did not fight her DR Congo opponent Munga Zalia.

DR Congo won the overall crown for the third year running with 12 gold, four silver and four bronze medals followed by Kenya five gold, 11 silver and eight bronzes while Uganda placed third on five gold, four silvers and five bronze medals.

Some decisions left fans, boxers and coaches with raised eyebrows.

East Africa’s most successful female boxer Liz “Mkono Chuma” Andiego was surprised she lost 3-2 to newcomer, southpaw Mwamba Lulua from the DR Congo.

“I’m being robbed even at home, it’s unbelievable,” a bitter Andiego told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview unable to digest her first ever defeat on Kenya soil. The 38-year-old Andiego has not lost to a fellow Kenyan for 15 years now.

Equally disappointed by the officiating was Tanzanian coaches Samwel “Batman” Kapungu, Hassan Mzonge and Doto Zugo.

Kapungu, the head coach of the team, was so bitter when African Games bronze medallist Ezra Paul narrowly lost 3-2 to DR Congo’s Kitangila Mweba.

Batman and comrades remained at the ringside complaining loudly on the controversial decision.

“The judges have been unfair to us in our fights even this one of Ezra Paul which we won clean,” said Batman, Tanzania’s 2024 Coach of the Year.

They were however relieved after Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yusuf Changalawe won Tanzania’s only gold medal with a 3-2 points victory over Kenya’s Humphrey “Jakababa” Ochieng.

The ensuing heavyweight bout saw Kenya’s Peter “The Beast” Abuti further dampening the mood of the Kenyan fans. He was expected to brighten the day for the home team after four defeats but he put up a disappointing performance to go down on points 3-2 to Uganda’s Abdul Aziz, grand son of former Uganda’s President Idd Amin. The bout itself was a stinker as both boxers resorted to holding each other occasionally tumbling down to the canvas making it appear like a wrestling match.

Every cloud has a silver lining as the cute Landi Mawe beauty Veronica Mbithe finally won her first ever gold medal and the first one for Kenya in the finals of the Zone 3 event. Mbithe aka Pioneer beat Uganda’s Brenda Muduwa 3-2 in the light-flyweight division.

Her victory was wildly celebrated by her mum who was among the fans watching the finals.

Africa Military Games welterweight champion Friza “Smiling Assasin” Asiko displayed the most polished performance among the Kenyan winners in her 4-1 victory over DR Congo’s Muleketsi Nsii in the light-middleweight class.

Uganda’s fast-rising featherweight Fatuma “The Thunder” Nabikolo maintained her sparkling show outboxing DR Congo’s Phoba Kerene to clinch the female featherweight gold by unanimous 5-0 decision.

“I’m so happy I’ve won gold I’m now going back to the drawing board to sharpen my jab, increase speed, more craftiness in the ring and footwork,” said Fatuma.

The men’s featherweight bout between Uganda’s African Games bronze medallist Kassim Murungi and Kenya’s Mwinyi Kombo did not produce the expected fireworks. It turned out to be a scrappy affair with Murungi squeezing 3-2 points win.

Final medals table compiled by boxersworld.co.ke

                          Gold.       Silver.         Bronze

1) DR Congo    12                 5                  4

2) Kenya.           5                 11               8

3) Uganda         5                  4                  5

4) Cameroon     2.                 0                  3

5) Tanzania       1                  4                  9

6) Ethiopia         0.                 1                 2

7) Gabon.           0                 0                   3

8) Rwanda.        0                 0                   2

TOP UGANDAN AND TANZANIAN BOXERS FALL IN NAIROBI AS CAMEROON COACH CRIES FOUL

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_Big-talking Tanzania's Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Kassim Mbundwike (left) was silenced by Kenya's debutant Alvin 'Liwalo Liwe" Oduor (right) in this light-middleweight semi-final bout.

TOP UGANDAN AND TANZANIAN BOXERS FALL IN NAIROBI AS CAMEROON COACH CRIES FOUL

▪️African Military Games champion Erina Namutebi and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Kassim Mbundwike brought down to earth by ambitious young boxers hungry for success

When the Africa Boxing Zone 3 Championships started on Monday, Uganda’s dominant Erina Namutebi and big-talking Tanzanian Kasim Mbundwike were among the star boxers expected to shine in the nine-team tournament ending today at the Kasarani Gym, Nairobi.

The two boxers were hotly tipped among the gold medal favourites going by their highly regarded reputation in Africa boxing. So was Cameroon’s welterweight Oumarou Mouhamed who was shocked by Kenyan debutant Wiseman Kavondo.

Cameroon’s Zacharie Mvogo (right) is one of the two boxers from the Central African country in the finals, and a gold medal favourite to calm down coach Alain Didier Ngatcha.Mvogo won gold at the 2023 African Elite Boxing Championships in Yaounde, Cameroon

Namutebi landed in Nairobi as the African Military Games light-welterweight champion, double silver medalist at the 2023 African Championships and Mandela African Boxing Cup tournaments.

The showy Mbundwike, still basking in the glory of winning bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, was talking big ahead of his bout against Kenya’s debutant, Alvin Oduor who recently made headlines on his love for the tiny omena fish which he says plays an important role in his boxing career.

“I’m confident of victory, that Kenyan boy will know who I am in boxing,” Mbundwike told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview in their Kasarani Gym dressing room.

Mbundwike however ate humble pie losing 5-0 to Oduor and Namutebi was beaten 5-0 by Kenya’s Cynthia Mwai in the light-welterweight class. Mbundwike and Namutebi will return home with bronze medals.

Uganda’s African Military Games light-welterweight champion Erina Namutebi suffered a shocking 5-0 defeat to Kenya’s Cynthia Mwai

Cameroon’s Africa minimumweight champion Wouang Martial felt cheated in his loss to DR Congo’s Mayala Tsimba who incurred a cut above his right eye in the first round of their semi-final bout.

He was declared the winner on points, a decision vehemently opposed by Cameroon’s coach Alain Didier Ngatcha who argues that was a normal cut from a punch not inflicted through head-butting or a collision. Therefore he felt his boxer should have won on Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) decision.

The Technical Director of the tournament Rajiv Rajcoomar said at the time of stoppage in the first round, Tsimba was leading on points but did not elaborate what caused the cut.

The chairman of Boxing Federation of Kenya Referees and Judges Commission, Nelson Otieno, further elaborates on stoppage victories.

Men at work. Kenyan coaches from right John Ochieng aka Chea, James Wasao and Julius Theuri

“If a boxer sustains an injury out of a legal blow and the doctor declares him/her unfit to continue, he loses the fight on RSC Injury (RSCI),” says Otieno, adding: “It doesn’t matter whether he was leading on points upto the last two seconds. In the case of Martial bout maybe the referee said it was a head clash and the judges nominated the DRC boxer as the one who was leading on points.”

Cameroon coach Ngatcha also challenged the referee’s decision to stop the semi-final cruiserweight fight between his boxer Baguiguana Georges against Kenya’s Chris Ochanda.

Tanzanian coaches Samuel Kapungu Batman (centre) and Doto Zugo (right) keenly follow their boxer’s progress in the ring

“My boxer was clearly leading on points until he was staggered by the Kenyan in the third round and the referee rightly gave him a standing count but I’m surprised he decided to stop the fight yet my boxer still strong to finish the round,” says a disappointed Ngatcha suggesting during such major competitions trainee referees and judges should not handle fights.

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