NAMIBIA HOSTS WBO GLOBAL TITLE FIGHT TONIGHT
▪️Boosted by home crowd support Energy aims to end unbeaten record of South Africa’s Zuma
South Africa’s Mxolisi Zuma puts his 10-fight unbeaten run at stake tonight (August 9) when he takes on Namibia’s punching machine Fillipus “Energy” Nghitumbwa at the Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino.
At stake is the WBO Global super-bantamweight title in this 10 rounder dubbed Road to World Title.
“It’s themed Road to World Title as both boxers are world class fighters highly ranked by WBO with outstanding records,” said Namibia’s top promoter Nestor Tobias who is also the director of MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy which has a proud history of hosting world class events.
Energy (16-2-0, 14 KOs) is relying on home crowd support to win the WBO title as well as ending Zuma’s (10-0-0) incredible unbeaten streak in 10 fights all won via knockout.
Since his controversial points loss to former two-time world champion John Riel Casimero (34-4-1 23 KOs) of the Philippines, Energy has impressively fought his way unbeaten through four fights two of victories against reputed opponents, WBO top-15 rated DeKang Wang of China and former world champion Yukonori Oguni whom he KO’d in round one in front of his home fans in Japan.
Against the hard-hitting Zuma, Energy will have to fight cautiously to avoid a humiliating defeat at home.
Boxing, traditionally dominated by men, is now witnessing a transformative change with the emergence of women in the ring. This shift symbolizes Empowerment and the shattering of Gender Barriers. Women in boxing Breaking Stereotypes are not just participating; they are redefining the norms and inspiring a new generation.
Shattering the Glass Ceiling in the Ring
The journey of female boxers is a striking example of breaking stereotypes. Women like Jane Couch and Ronda Rousey have paved the way, showing that boxing isn’t just a man’s sport. Their resilience and skill are reshaping the boxing landscape and inspiring women across the globe Representation of Women in Boxing.
The Fight for Athletic Equality
The quest for Athletic Equality in boxing reflects the broader struggle for gender equality in sports. The demand for equal pay, improved funding, and greater media coverage is crucial for establishing a level playing field for women in boxing Empowering Female Boxers in the Ring.
Women as Role Models in Boxing
Female boxers have emerged as Role Models, showcasing strength and resilience. They prove that physical strength and the spirit of a fighter transcend gender, motivating young girls to embrace boxing.
Strength Training: A Domain for All
Strength Training is essential in boxing, and female boxers are challenging the notion that it’s only for men. Their achievements in this area demonstrate that women possess the endurance and strength required in boxing, breaking down long-standing stereotypes Empowering Female Boxers in the Ring.
Mental Toughness: A Key to Women’s Success in Boxing
In the world of boxing, mental fortitude is as crucial as physical strength. Female boxers are exemplifying Mental Toughness in every jab, cross, and uppercut, demonstrating that mental resilience is a trait that knows no gender.
The Psychological Battle in the Ring
The boxing ring is not just a physical battleground; it’s a mental arena. Women boxers are showing remarkable mental strength, dealing with pressures and challenges both inside and outside the ring. Their journey is a testament to the mental resilience required to excel in this sport SocioStory on Breaking Stereotypes in Boxing.
Resilience: More Than Just Endurance
Resilience in boxing goes beyond enduring physical strain; it encompasses the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Female boxers face unique challenges, yet their capacity to overcome these obstacles is inspiring a new wave of athletes. This resilience is not just about physical recovery but also about mental comeback, an attribute that is reshaping the perception of women in sports Female Athletes, Stereotypes, and Public Opinion.
Diversity in the Boxing World
The increasing participation of women in boxing is also bringing a rich diversity to the sport. Women from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences are stepping into the ring, each bringing their unique story and style to boxing.
Breaking Boundaries and Embracing Diversity
The influx of diverse female boxers is breaking boundaries and challenging the traditional image of a boxer. Their presence is a powerful statement that boxing is a sport for everyone, irrespective of background or gender SocioStory on Diversity in Boxing.
Competitive Spirit: Women Redefining Boxing
The competitive spirit of female boxers has become a driving force in redefining the sport. These athletes are not just competing; they are excelling, winning titles, and garnering respect worldwide. Their presence in the ring is a bold statement of equality and skill.
Trailblazing Success Stories
From local gyms to international arenas, women boxers are making headlines with their remarkable achievements. Their success stories are not just wins for individual athletes but victories for women in sports globally, signifying a shift in the perception and acceptance of women in boxing.
Inspiring Future Generations
The accomplishments of these trailblazing women serve as a beacon of inspiration for young girls. They illustrate that with determination and hard work, gender barriers in sports can be broken. Female boxers are laying down a path for future generations, showing that the boxing ring is a place where everyone, regardless of gender, can shine Female Boxers Defying Stereotypes.
The Future of Women in Boxing
The future of women in boxing looks brighter than ever. With increasing support, visibility, and recognition, female boxers are claiming their rightful place in the sport. Their journey is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable boxing world.
A Call for Continued Support and Equality
To foster the growth of women’s boxing, continued support is essential. This includes equal opportunities, fair pay, and increased media coverage. The collective effort to promote and support female boxers will ensure the sustained growth and success of women in this sport Empowering Female Boxers in the Ring.
Conclusion: Champions Beyond the Ring
Women in Boxing: Breaking Stereotypes are not just athletes; they’re pioneers forging a new path. Their resilience, mental toughness, and competitive spirit are redefining the boxing landscape. This transformation transcends the sport, serving as a source of empowerment for women everywhere.
Witnessing this remarkable evolution, it’s evident that the narrative of women in boxing is still unfolding. These athletes are fighting battles inside and outside the ring, challenging norms and motivating future generations. At Spartans Boxing Club, we honor and support these extraordinary women who are champions in the ring and advocates for change and equality in the world of sports.
Let’s join together in supporting these incredible fighters as they continue to break down barriers, inspiring a more inclusive and equitable future in the world of boxing.
The pioneers. Ruth Odongo (bottom right) with some members of Kenya's national boxing team which made their first ever appearance in the Women's World Boxing Championships in 2010 in Barbados.
In this picture collage anti-clockwise is Ruth Odongo, middleweight Liz Andiego, heavyweight Joselyn Mareh, light-welterweight Durry Wanjiku, featherweight Lorna Kusa and welterweight Nelly Akoth.
Picture design by Duncan Kuria aka Sugar Ray
She has now decided to make a comeback to the sport she loves passionately and appeals to the forces and her county to employ her
Kisumu County’s first ever female boxer to represent Kenya’s national team, Ruth Odongo, quit boxing in 2012 to embark on a vigorous search for a job.
“I realised boxing wasn’t putting food on my table at all so I decided to look for a job,” explains Ruth on why she decided to step out of the ring.
She soon found out getting employment in the forces was not that easy after more than three unsuccessful attempts to join Kenya Prisons Service.
“They kept on promising us but they didn’t fulfill their promises in Police KDF, Prisons and Administration Police.
Ruth Odongo, Kisumu County’s first ever female boxer to represent Kenya’s national boxing team in 2010, is desperately appealing to Kisumu County and the forces for a job
“I tried as much as I could but all in vain especially at the Kenya Prisons recruitment. I went there more than thrice.
“At the Prisons Training College in Ruiru I passed all tests and I was told to wait for a phone call which never happened,” says a disappointed Ruth.
After tarmacking for the last 13 years, a determined Ruth has not lost hope. Now she wants to make a comeback to boxing next year (2026) to see whether this time around she will be employed through boxing.
“I’m appealing to the forces again to consider my appeal for a job, Kisumu County and any other good Samaritan to assist me, life is now more difficult without employment,” says the never-say-die Ruth.
“I love boxing so much, I can’t just I give up easily. l’m passionate on boxing it’s in my blood,” says the mother of two boys.
“I’m now married with more responsibilities that’s why I desperately need a job, I have two baby boys, the first one is called Malcolm Evans he’s is in grade 1, the second one is four months old now he’s called Maldrian Joseph.”
Scarcity of jobs is currently the most challenging hurdle facing Kenyan boxers. Some boxers have quit the sport on realising it’s difficult to be employed through boxing unlike in the past when boxers were employed by big organisations such as Kenya Breweries, Kenya Ports Authority, Posta, Kimbo, Kenya Airways, Kenya Railways and KGGCU. They all later disbanded their boxing clubs owing to huge expenditure involved without returns coupled with the shaky financial situation.
Besides looking for a job, what else brings back Ruth to boxing?
Everlyn Akinyi (left) is now a pro boxer. She took over from Ruth Odongo as the second female Kisumu boxer to represent Kenya’s national boxing team
“I just have a feeling I haven’t done enough. I need to do my best for my country, and given a chance I can make it,” she told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.
She has now put on more weight, and intends to fight in the welterweight or the light-middleweight divisions.
Ruth Odongo made history in 2010 when she became the first ever female boxer from Kisumu County to represent Kenya’s national boxing team in the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Barbados, losing to Japan’s Ayako Minowa at bantamweight.
Barbados marked the first time for the Kenyan female boxers to participate in a major international tournament.
In addition to Ruth Odongo, other pioneer boxers in the Kenya team were light-flyweight Mildred Atieno, featherweight Lorna Kusa, lightweight Mary Muthoni, light-welterweight Durry Wanjiku, welterweight Nelly Akoth aka Sonko Msoto, middleweight Liz Andiego, light-heavyweight Media Muhatia and heavyweight Joselyn Mareh, now the treasurer of Meru County.
Lighweight Mary Muthoni was the only Kenyan winner stopping Grenada’s Chloe Toussaint in the second round.
Ruth recalls with nostalgia her memorable achievement of punching her way to the national team.
Sensational Sonia Achieng (right) with coach Vincent Odongo is Kisumu County’s latest new find and set to go places
“I felt so happy and excited as the first female boxer from Kisumu to represent the national team,” says Ruth, adding:”Being in the national team was such a proud feeling. It encouraged me that my potential was recognised. I’m still young and stronger to achieve more for my country.”
In the trials to select Kenya’s team for the 2010 Women’s World Championships held at Undugu St Teresa’s Boxing Club, Ruth defeated her rival Rebah Matanda whom Ruth describes as her toughest opponent then in her weight division.
“Selection of the team was done on merit, no boxer was handpicked,” says John Waweru who travelled with the team to Barbados as the coach. Other officials accompanying the boxers were manager David Njenga aka Binaisa and the federation boss Samson Mugacha.
Commenting on her loss in Barbados, Ruth says: “I just lost the bout because of lack of exposure, inadequate training coupled with lack of equipment and motivation.”
Through her commitment and dedication to boxing, Ruth was again selected in the bantamweight division for the 2012 Women’s World Boxing Championships in Qinhuangdao, China. Other boxers in the team were flyweight Christine Ongare, featherweight Rebah Matanda, lightweight Mary Muthoni, welterweight Durry Wanjiku and middleweight Liz Andiego. Coaches were John Waweru assisted by Charles Mukula and team manager Albert Matito.
Pitted against Australia’s by Chernaka Johnson, Ruth fought well but went down on points.
“My fight with the Australian boxer was tough but I didn’t give up because I believed in myself and that has always been my motto never to give up,” says the Kenyan boxer.
On return home from China, Ruth decided to quit boxing in search of a job to make ends meet owing to the difficult life she was going through in Nyalenda slums, Kisumu.
Ruth started learning boxing in 2009 at the Railways Boxing Club under coach Lawrence Jaoko, a former international boxer.
“A fellow boxer who was my neighbour at Nyalenda inspired me to join boxing,” says Ruth.
Owing to lack of school fees, Ruth was on-and-out of school but in 2004 she managed to sit for her primary school exams in Goro Primary School in Siaya County and joined Shady Garden Academy in Kisumu.
“Lack of school fees again forced me to drop out of Shady Academy but I didn’t lose hope. I enrolled in a private institution where I successfully completed my “O” level education in 2015 to make sure I have the necessary papers.
“I was learning, paying fees, at the same time going to the gym. Life has been so cruel to me it hasn’t been an easy journey, I have suffered enough but I’m happy I did my fourth form examination.”
Ruth is impressed by the progress of boxing in Kisumu.
“Boxing in Kisumu has really developed, and I’m glad to see more female boxers taking up the sport such as our latest find Sonia Achieng,” says Ruth.
Exit Ruth Odongo. Enter Everlyn Akinyi who took over from Ruth, becoming the second female boxer from Kisumu to join Kenya’s national team in 2015. Akinyi improved on where Ruth had left off by winning the first ever gold medal by a Kisumu female boxer at the 2022 Zone 3 Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo, in the welterweight class.
Akinyi later moved to the paid ranks making her debut in Addis Ababa last year (2024).
Now there’s new sensation from Kisumu, 16-year-old Sonia Achieng. She travelled to Algeria for the inaugural African School Games but didn’t enter the ring because she had no opponent in her respective weight category. She is the national novices and intermediate light-welterweight champion.
Sonia, a product of Korumba Delta Boxing Club in Nyalenda under coach Charles Onyango, is likely to represent Kenya in the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal.
There’s no stopping Kisumu County’s ascendancy to glory under the dynamic leadership of Anthony “Jamal” Otieno who is also the President of the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK). Among other Kisumu County officials contributing to the rise of this lakeside county in boxing are Secretary-General Dominic Opiyo and head coach Vincent Odongo.
▪ She’s aiming to emulate Eswatini’s Pearl Dlamini and South Sudan’s Teresia Athian in Africa’s boxing leadership ▪ Dirang Thipe says he’s the front runner singling out Lechedzani Luza as his main rival and that Irene Ntelemo and current BoBA boss Gilbert Khunwane are peripheral challengers with zero chances of winning
Botswana’s influential boxing leader Irene Ntelemo is at it again.
This time around, she’s battling three former international boxers in the Botswana Boxing Association’s elections scheduled for Saturday (August 9) at the Hilton Inn Hotel in Gaborone.
Ntelemo has thrown down her gauntlet and laced her gloves to face three former international boxers for the President’s position.
The three are current BoBA president Gilbert Khunwane, 2002 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Lechedzani “Master” Luza and Dirang “Tips” Thipe.
In challenging the former international boxers, Irene aims to emulate the current head of African boxing, Pearl Dlamini and Madam Teresia Athian Abdelbagi, the pioneer female boxing leaders in Africa.
The first 18 clubs listed here with an exception of Titan are the ones which will present one delegate to vote in the August 9 elections
Pearl sent shockwaves throughout Eswatini’s boxing circles in 2011 when she floored male opponents to become Africa’s first ever female national boxing federation president, successfully leading Eswatini Boxing Association for nine years while Teresia Athian was elected South Sudan Boxing Federation President in 2022.
Ntelemo, dubbed the mother of female boxing in Botswana, showed her influence at the 2014 elections during which she beat two male candidates one of them being Thipe and Willoughby Kemoen. She got 10 votes, Thipe eight and Kemoen one. Ntelemo had previously served as an appointed Deputy Secretary-General for four years and is credited for introducing women’s boxing in Botswana, serving in the International Boxing Association and the African Boxing Confederation. A teacher and a librarian by profession, Ntelemo feels she has what it takes to lead BoBA.
“I’m not undermining my opponents I respect them a lot but let them know it’s time for a woman president to take over Botswana’s boxing leadership,” says the quietly spoken but cunning Ntelemo.
Top left SG Taolo Tlouetsile, BoBA boss Gilbert Khunwane Bottom left: Irene Ntelemo, Dirang Thipe and Lechedzani Luza . Photo courtesy
Unshaken by the entry of the female candidate, Thipe – a Seargent in Botswana Defence Forces – says Ntelemo and Khunwane are just doing shadow boxing punching the air but realistically they have no chances of winning, and that the main battle is between him and Luza.
“Gilbert killed Botswana boxing he has no support,
Irene isn’t passionate,” says Thipe, adding: “So I don’t see any possibility of the two of them winning. I believe my rival in the elections is
Master but he will be the second to me. I did my campaign very well and affiliates understand me better, I will therefore win.”
Thipe represented Botswana’s national team from 2000 to 2006. He won light-heavyweight gold at the 2002 Africa Military Boxing Championships in Nairobi. He has previously served BoBA as Vice-President and Secretary-Geberal respectively.
The abrasive Luchedzani Luza has however poured cold water on Thipe’s remarks that he will finish second to him in the elections.
“That’s funny, me finishing to him that’s a sick joke. He must answer the question on why he got kicked out previously and what did he deliver before,” Luza hit back at Thipe, arguing he is the best qualified candidate to replace Khunwane who Luza – without batting an eyelid – says he’s on his way out.
“Gilbert’s approach towards all activities is very cold, and he fails to separate personal differences, if any, with professional stuff,” says Luza who represented the national team from 1999 to 2006 in the flyweight division and is one of Botswana’s most decorated boxers. He won the country’s first Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2002 in Manchester losing in the finals to Zambia’s Kennedy Kanyanta. At the same Games, current BoBA president Khunwane won a bronze medal in the lightweight division.
On why he feels he is the favourite to win the elections, Luza says: “I’m a very experienced coach, manager at UB/Tsholofelo boxing stables. I have raised African champions like flyweight Oteng Oteng and Mooketsi Lekgetho to mention but a few. I was the first coach to win two gold medals in the 2014 African Youth Games in Gaborone, two golds in the 2019 African Games in Rabat and qualified two boxers for the Tokyo Olympics.”
Khunwane laughed off remarks by his challengers saying they’re entitled to their own opinion but he’s confident of going for the second term having been elected in 2021. He has been a member of BoBA executive committee from 2012 as Vice-President to 2014. He returned in 2019 as Vice-President and in 2021 he became the president.
On whether he’s spending sleepless nights on the possibility of becoming a one-term president, Khunwane says that will not happen.
“Nothing to worry about. Campaign is going on well so far and I’m optimistic to win. No opponent worries me,” says Khunwane.
I ask him how much he has spent so far to woo voters, a habit rife in any election worldwide.
With a chuckle, Khunwane says:”I don’t do that buying votes, maybe my opponents are doing it.”
As a boxer, Khunwane represented the national team from 1998 to 2005 winning several medals including a bronze at the 1999 African Games and another bronze at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in the lightweight division. He has also scooped Boxer of the Year and Sportsman of the Year Awards and briefly coached the national team from 2006 to 2008.
The Secretary-General’s position has the winner in the 2021 elections, Taolo Tlouetsile and his opponents, Moremi Lefiri and Tshiamo Pelogale.
For unknown reasons, Taolo resigned some few months ago but he declined to elaborate why he abruptly quit the coveted position.
“My resignation was personal,” he told boxerworld.co.ke but insiders say Taolo’s resignation was a tactical retreat to avoid a trap set for him by his detractors. Now that the coast is clear the former nosy journalist is back to fight for his position. With his wealth of experience, influence and networking, ring analysts view his opponents as paperweights in Botswana boxing. Unless he’s hit by a sucker punch, Taolo is home and dry.
A total of 17 delegates from the 25 registered clubs will vote in Saturday’s elections. Titan Boxing Stable, owned by Luza, will not vote.
“Normally we invite the president and the SG but only one of them votes,” says Khunwane.
BOTSWANA BOXING ASSOCIATION LIST OF NOMINEES FOR THE 2025 ELECTIONS
President
Lechedzani Luza
Dirang Thipe
Gilbert K. Khunwane
Irene Ntelamo
Vice-President
Phetogo Tsheko
Hlanganani Digwere
Secretary-General
Moremi Lefiri
Tshiamo Pelokgale Moalosi
Taolo Tlouetsile
Ilunga Makabu, the WBC Africa cruiserweight champion, will defend his title against Dodzi Kameh this Friday, September 5, at the Stadium Basket, Stade Des Martyrs, in Kinshasa, on a card presented by Luyoyo Promotions.
Makabu will face Dodzi Kameh after his original opponent, Charles Manyuchi, suffered an injury that forced him to withdraw from the bout.
Makabu, one of the most prominent figures in African boxing, will put his belt on the line against a formidable opponent. The fight has generated great excitement in the Democratic Republic of Congo and promises to be an thrilling contest.
Makabu, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has a professional record of 30-4 with 26 KOs. His last appearance in the ring was in December 2024, when he defeated Wagdy Attia by third-round knockout to win the WBC Africa title.
For his part, Kemeh, born in Ghana, has a professional record of 25-3-1 with 23 KOs.
This fight is part of the celebration of the “Year of Africa.” Earlier this year, the World Boxing Council named 2025 the “Year of Africa,” and the event is expected to attract thousands of fans to the iconic Stade Des Martyrs, solidifying Kinshasa as a key center on the professional boxing map in Africa.
This Thursday, both fighters reported in excellent condition, easily making weight.
Makabu weighed in at 89.5 KG, while Kemeh tipped the scales at 87.6 KG.
“Kenya will bid to host 2nd ANOCA African_ _School Games,” says Maluki_ Annaba, Algeria –
In the course of his official engagements at the inaugural ANOCA Africa School Games in Annaba, Algeria, the President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), Mr. Shadrack Maluki, met with South Sudanese students delegation led by their Students’ President, Mr. Mat Deng.
The delegation expressed their support and solidarity with the African sporting movement and commended the successful organization of the inaugural ANOCA Africa School Games. They acknowledged the critical role of such continental events in promoting youth development, peace, and unity through sports.
Mr. Maluki welcomed the visit and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and youth empowerment through sport. He reiterated Kenya’s strong commitment to advancing youth sport development across Africa.
During the engagement, Mr. Maluki also highlighted Kenya’s official bid to host the 2nd ANOCA Africa School Games, noting the country’s readiness and capability to deliver a world-class event that will build on the success of the inaugural edition.
“We are proud to participate in these historic Games and even more determined to bring the next edition to Kenya. This will provide an even bigger platform to nurture young talent, strengthen African solidarity, and showcase Kenya’s capacity to host continental sports events,” said Mr. Maluki.
The ongoing ANOCA Games bring together student-athletes from across Africa in a celebration of sports, culture, and youth empowerment. The Games mark a significant milestone in the ANOCA agenda for youth development through Olympic values.
“I now want the world title I’ve proved to be the best in Africa in my weight,” Mukala told boxersworld.co.ke
DR Congo’s South Africa-based Patrick Mukala clinched the vacant IBO All Africa middleweight title with a sixth-round TKO victory over Angola’s Christiano Ndombassy at the Galleria, Sandton, in Johannesburg on Friday, August 1.
“I now want the world title, I’m the best middleweight in Africa,” Mukala told boxersworld.co.ke today in a telephone interview from his house in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He put up a devastating show of power-punching that saw the South Africa-based Angolan make one trip to the canvas in the first round courtesy of Mukala’s powerful right punch to the temple.
Patrick Mukala (left) and Christiano Ndombassy (right) in the earlier rounds of the fight
This was an indication of the direction the fight would take as from then on Ndombassy was on his bike trying all means to avoid Mukala’s ferocious onslaught, pepeering the Angolan with a pawing jab followed by his big right punch.
Confident he was in the driver’s seat, the showboating Mukala fought with his guard down enjoying himself and punching the Warrior of Faith like a speeball. Realising he could not cope up with Mukala’s volume of punishment, Ndombassy wisely refused to answer the bell for the sixth round.
An ecstatic Mukala celebrated his TKO win with his signature two-fisted cross sign hugging his victim to encourage him not to give up.
“I dominated the fight from the first round knocking him down to show him I’m the master ,” said Mukala.
“He was tough in his own way but he didn’t land any strong punch on me I finished the fight very fresh.
Patrick Mukala (left) and Christiano Ndombassy (right) in the earlier rounds of the fight
“The IBO title is another collection to my career I now want the world title.”
Mukala improved his record to 17-2-1, 15 KOs. This was his sixth victory on the trot since losing to South Africa’s Rowan Campbell in 2019. Ndombassy aka The Warrior of Faith dropped to 14-9-0, 11 KOs.
Egyptian claim Lukeman was underweight as a flurry of complaints on biased officiating from Tunisia, Ghana, Algeria and DR Congo officials marred the boxing tournament
In a surprising twist of events, Kenya’s Lukeman Shaffi was ruled underweight but received a silver medal as questionable officiating tainted the image of World Boxing in the inaugural African School Games boxing tournament in Annaba, Algeria especially in the finals on July 31 and August 1.
This was the first ever boxing competition held in Africa under the auspices of World Boxing
While Kenya’s national team head coach Musa Benjamin was happy Lukeman won a silver medal, he told boxersworld.co.ke he was surprised why the the Algerians changed the weight category during the weigh-in.
Lukeman was due to have fought Algeria’s Hesnaoui Mouhamed Amine in the 42-44kg category.
“He weighed 43kg, that’s okay at 44kg maximum but surprisingly they changed it to from 44 to 46 which now made Lukeman underweight,” said Musa questioning the motive of the Algerians in making a last-minute change in the weight category.
“What they should have done from the beginning is bring a boxer matching Lukeman’s weight and age. Instead they brought Amine whom we don’t even know his weight since coaches were not allowed in the weigh-in room,” said Musa.
Ahead of the finals, Amine was seen severally running in the Games Village probably to shed weight.
Despite Lukeman and Amine not fighting they both received their medals albeit with raised eyebrows from Kenya’s team.
During the medal ceremony, it was noticeable Amine – awarded gold – was heavier and older than Lukeman. He’s likely to be 16-17 years while Lukeman celebrates his 14th birthday on August 21.
Biased officiating skewed in favour of the Algerians marred the African School Games boxing tournament with most officials hitting out at the referees and judges most of whom were Algerians.
Officials from DR Congo, Ghana, Tunisia and Egypt vehemently complained on questionable officiating which they said has tarnished the image of World Boxing in their first ever boxing event in Africa.
Congolese Boxing Federation Deputy Secretary-General Pierre Ambongi was furious on the loss of featherweight Pambu Phoba Kerene to Algeria’s Bahri Besma in the girls featherweight finals.
“The Algerian girl did nothing but block our daughter’s hands, an extreme and egregious refusal to box but at the end of each round, they only awarded points to the Algerian woman,” said Ambongi, adding:”Even worse, they gave our girl a public warning for no reason, and this took away her points.”
Ambongi went on:”This is terrible and sad situation for boxing and especially for young school children who want to start a career in boxing. They have soiled the image of World Boxing who must punish the R&J’s involved in this shame to save face.”
In the girls featherweight final, three judges were Algerians while the other two were from Tunisia and Namibia. The latter was reportedly pocketed by the Algerians dancing to their tune in bouts he officiated.
An angry Ghana coach Charles Quartey kicked chairs annoyed by the decision in the flyweight class in which his boxer Laryea William was robbed of victory against Algeria’s Boubliaa Yacine.
“They’re robbing us here in Algeria, this is shameful my boxer was obviously the winner. I’m shocked how the Algerian was declared the winner,” fumed a visibly disturbed Quarter, a former star international boxer.
Kenya’s national boxing team head coach Musa Benjamin said he witnessed a Tunisian boxer breaking window panes to let off steam after being denied victory.
Musa said it’s bad for the image of boxing for a young boxer like Lukeman Shaffi to watch some boxers weeping and shedding tears on leaving the ring because of biased officiating.
“Hapa naona majaji wacheza poker kweli sasa nami ningepigana ningechezewa poker pia (I’ve seen judges here playing poker games on some boxers meaning if I boxed I would have been a victim),” observed Lukeman.
Simangele "Smash" Hadebe (left) in her last fight with Mexico's Gabriela "La Bonita" Sanchez in Mexico.
CELEBRATED SMASH MAKES HISTORY ON AUGUST 30
▪️The renowned pro boxer becomes the first female South African to fight for WBC Africa title
Rated number one in Africa by Boxrec, reigning South African female flyweight champion Simangele ‘Smash’ Hadebe will lace her gloves yet again next month when she comes up against unbeaten Nigerian boxer Olamiposi Kehinde Solomon.
Hadebe and Solomon have committed themselves to fighting for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Africa female flyweight title in Johannesburg on Saturday, 30 August.
“Smash is fighting on the 30th of August. She’s the first female in South Africa to be fighting for the WBC Africa title,” Hadebe manager Colleen McAusland said.
Hadebe last fought when she lost to Mexican boxer Gabriela ‘La Bonita’ Sanchez Saveedra in a WBC Silver female flyweight title fight in Mexico three months ago and that was her first loss in just over six years.
Before that fight, Hadebe hadn’t lost since she was beaten by Armenian opponent Sofia Abramyan at Koston Club, Russia, in February 2019.
On the other hand, Solomon, who is rated number two by Boxrec, has not fought since her win over Busola Obi in December last year. The 21-year-old Solomon is yet to lose having won seven fights with four of those wins coming from knockouts and she also registered a draw.
Patrick Mukala (left) will slug it out tonight with Angola's Christiano Ndombassy for the IBO Africa middleweight title in Johannesburg.
MUKALA VIES FOR IBO AFRICA MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE TODAY ▪️”Boxers in Africa scared of me I want tougher opponents overseas,” says Mukala
South Africa-based DR Congo’s Patrick Mukala today (August 1) battles Angola’s Christiano Ndombassy for the World Boxing Organisation Africa middleweight title in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mukala, normally a glutton during training sessions, told boxersworld.co.ke he has trained adequately for the South Africa-based Angolan boxer whom he said
is not a pushover.
“I’m prepared well for this 10-round, fight I know my opponent is tough but I believe I’m more tougher and smarter than him. I’m going to beat him,” said Mukala today in a telephone interview.
“Whether it’s on points or KO it’s me who’ll win, this I can assure my fans.”
Mukala (16-2-1, 14 KOs) last fought in Dubai in December, 2024, knocking out Namibia’s Paulinus Ndjolonimu in 30 seconds of the fifth round with a smashing overhand right that floored the tall Namibian boxer in the IBA Champions Night middleweight bout.
Since December, Mukala has yet to fight again.
“Boxers in Africa are scared of me, they don’t want to fight me I’m looking for opportunities for a big fight overseas,” said Mukala.
Ndombassy (14-8-0), who lives Western Cape in South Africa, is a big hitter with 11 K0s.
“The guy is good I know but he’s not in my level for sure,” said Mukala commenting on his opponent.
“I’m happy it’s a matter of time for a big fight. After I beat Ndombassy tonight I’ll be in top 20 ripe for a big fight.
“My burning desire right now is to win a major championship internationally.”
At Mukala’s corner will be his promoter and coach Jodi Solomon.
“Jodi she’s very smart in pro boxing business and a good coach too, I trust her so much,” said Mukala.
