GOOD NEWS FOR MOMBASA BOXERS AND COACHES
▪️ Alliance Francaise Director Lucas Melcor announces a training camp for 18 Mombasa boxers next month to be conducted by French former European champion.
French former European light-welterweight champion Franck Petitjean and a top trainer will conduct a five-day training camp for 18 Mombasa boxers next month.
Announcing the good news, the Director of Alliance Francaise cultural centre in Mombasa Lucas Melcor said Petitjean, who is also a four-time French champion, will be assisted by one of the best physical trainers in France Valentin Gargiulo. Petitjean relinquished his European title to Britain’s Adam Azim who stopped the French boxer in the 10th round in November, 2023.
Petitjean and Gargiulo will prepare the boxers to represent Mombasa County in the second leg of the Kenya National Boxing League to be held at the Alliance Francaise from July 17-19.
Melcor was interviewed by boxersworld.co.ke on a wide range of issues on their cooperation with Mombasa County Boxing Association. He first dwells more on the training camp for the 18 boxers.
*Melcor:* From July 9th to 13th, thanks to the French club, Gloves Academy situated near Paris, a training camp will be organized at the Alliance Française in Mombasa for 18 boxers from the Coast. It will be led by Franck Petitjean (French professional boxer, European champion, and four-time French champion) and Valentin Gargiulo, one of the best French physical trainers, specializing in combat sports. He has notably trained the kickboxing legend, the French-Cameroonian Cédric Doumbé, a seven-time world champion. Franck and Valentino have decided to take 10 days off their busy schedule and will come to Mombasa to volunteer to share their expertise. They will help prepare the boxers for the second leg of the Kenya National Boxing League to take place at the Alliance Française from July 17th to 19th . Huge thanks to them. Mombasa coaches will also benefit from the training camp as they’ll be allowed to attend and pick a few coaching tips from the visitors.
*Q:* As part of the Ndondi Mashinani program, there are plans to equip boxing clubs in Mombasa. Can you tell us more?
*A:* Yes, the lack of equipment is a barrier to boxing progress in Mombasa especially equipment suitable for children and women. Practicing this sport without the right equipment exposes boxers to short and long-term risks. We therefore invested more than Ksh 2,5 million to purchase equipment in including gloves, headgear, chest protectors, mouthguards, groin guards, hand wraps, and more.
*Q:* Where did you purchase the equipment?
*A:* We bought the equipment in France.We chose to order from Wettle Gear, the official supplier of the French boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai federations. Wettle Gear’s equipment, particularly the boxing gloves, was designed by athletes and tested by top champions. The products are renowned for their durability, which was our primary criterion, as we know this equipment will be used extensively in Mombasa. We thank Wettle Gear for their support. The equipment will remain the property of Mombasa County Boxing Association and will be under the responsibility of the representatives of the affiliated clubs.
*Q:* In addition to the gloves and protective equipment, are any other acquisitions planned?
*A:* Yes, MCBA didn’t have their own ring. The lack of a boxing ring is hindering the development of this sport in Mombasa and Coast Region as a whole. We have therefore bought two rings: one that meets international standards and will host local and national competitions. The second one is a mobile ring, small and easily transportable. This ring will be used by MCBA coaches to work in schools as part of the Ndondi Mashinani awareness program. Furthermore, each club in Mombasa will be equipped with a punching bag which was manufactured locally. The official hand over will take place on June 21st in the presence of the Ambassador of France to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, and representatives from Mombasa County.
*Q:* Could you tell us more about the birth of this partnership between the Alliance Française and the Mombasa County?
*A:* This project was born from a meeting in a gym between Chris Onyango, the secretary general of Mombasa County Boxing Association and myself Lucas Malcor. I’m the director of the Alliance Française. The French government is investing heavily to develop sport in France. France is a huge sporting nation.
In order to celebrate the Paris Olympic Games, the Alliance Française and the French Embassy wanted to strengthen cooperation between France and Kenya in the field of sport and was looking to start an impactful project. The choice was made to focus on boxing development in Mombasa.
BOXING FOCUS TURNS TO MOMBASA THIS WEEK ▪️ Equipment worth Ksh 2.5 million to be handed over to Mombasa County Boxing Association by the French Ambassador on Saturday
Kenya’s boxing focus has turned to Mombasa this week with the National Coaches, Referees and Judges Course which started today, June 16, at the Alliance Francaise in the leafy suburbs of Nyali, Mombasa.
That’s not all. Equipment worth Ksh2.5 million – courtesy of the French Embassy – will also be distributed this week, marking a significant step forward in French Embassy’s efforts to assist Boxing Federation of Kenya to revamp boxing at Kenya’s port city of Mombasa.
The five-day R&J and Coaches Course has attracted over 30 participants drawn from Nairobi and Mombasa.
Boxing Federation of Kenya R&J Commission Chairman Nelson Otieno said this is an important course which will enable them stage tournaments successfully with well trained referees and judges.
“I’m very impressed with the attendance, a testament to the growing popularity of the game at the grassroots level,” said Star-2 Otieno, the chief facilitator who is being assisted by long-serving international R&J Mwangi Muthoga.
National boxing team head coach Musa Benjamin is the chief facilitator of the coaches course assisted by his deputy David Munuhe and Competition Secretary John Waweru.
“The course will cover all the important aspects of boxing including functions of cardio-vascular system, nutrition and different types of scoring blows,” Musa told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.
“We will also share our knowledge with the coaches on the vital basics of boxing for them to get it right when coaching newcomers to the game at the grassroots,” said the national team head coach.
On Saturday, June 21, the Ambassador of France, Arnaud Suquet, will hand over equipment worth Ksh 2.5 million to the Mombasa County Boxing Association (MCBA). The equipment will be received by MCBA Secretary General Chris Onyango who initiated the cooperation programme with Alliance Francaise Director Lucas Malcor.
The equipment includes a ring, 150 pairs of gloves, mouthguards and headgears.
Plans for a training camp next month in Mombasa are in the works to culminate with the second leg of the Kenya National Boxing League from July 17-19 to be staged outside the Alliance Francaise office in Mombasa.
The President of the International Boxing Association, Umar Kremlev (pictured), is set to unveil a groundbreaking vision for the future of boxing at this_ _exclusive press conference taking place in Istanbul. This announcement will introduce_ _innovative projects designed to enhance the sport’s appeal_ _and accessibility, alongside the success of a new professional boxing format,_ _with IBA.Pro, aimed at harnessing our extensive talent along with providing new opportunities for boxers globally. Additionally,_ _President Kremlev will outline new exciting strategies that extend beyond traditional_ boxing, focusing on global engagement and promoting health, fitness and fashion.
IBA ANNOUNCES THE GOLDEN ERA AT ITS PRESS CONFERENCE IN ISTANBUL ON 2 JULY
The International Boxing Association (IBA) organises a Press Conference dedicated to a fantastic announcement of the IBA Golden Era – an exclusive update and an action-packed event that you do not want to miss.
The global boxing landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with the International Boxing Association (IBA) at the very forefront of this evolution. By prioritizing the needs and interests of athletes and coaches, the IBA aims to create a more inclusive, supportive and dynamic environment for all involved in the sport.
Mr Umar Kremlev, the President of the International Boxing Association, is set to unveil a groundbreaking vision for the future of boxing at this exclusive press conference taking place in Istanbul. This announcement will introduce innovative projects designed to enhance the sport’s appeal and accessibility, alongside the success of a new professional boxing format, with IBA.Pro, aimed at harnessing our extensive talent along with providing new opportunities for boxers globally. Additionally, President Kremlev will outline new exciting strategies that extend beyond traditional boxing, focusing on global engagement and promoting health, fitness and fashion. This comprehensive transformation aims to revolutionize the boxing world, ensuring its relevance and growth in an ever-evolving sporting landscape.
By embracing technology and new media, IBA is planning to engage fans like never before, creating immersive experiences that extend beyond the ring. This new direction not only elevates the sport but also paves the way for a sustainable future in boxing. This whole new ecosystem will unite all boxers, coaches, officials, administrators, and fans globally.
Among the topics to be discussed, IBA will give updates on its professional arm, IBA.Pro, with major announcements on the upcoming events, as well as a brand-new direction of a Bare-Knuckle boxing league bringing us closer to the roots of the sport. IBA is to present its unique concept of the IBA Gym, which will transform the industry, and showcase the very first fashion collection aiming to become a sport and lifestyle brand for all those in love with boxing. We will in turn announce the host city for the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships 2025 and will give the latest updates on amateur boxing and upcoming events.
From July, IBA will embrace the Power of Punch discipline that will also become a global competition in the future. We will also welcome everyone to a groundbreaking new chapter in the sport – a cross-platform, multiplayer game that brings the true spirit of the ring to your fingertips – the IBA Boxing Game. Seamlessly uniting both PC and mobile platforms, the game allows players to challenge one another regardless of their device. This is not just a game – it is a global fighting arena where skill, timing, and strategy sharpens skills and define champions, as well as unites boxing fans around the world in a global family.
We invite international media to experience more than just a press conference – join us for an extraordinary and unforgettable VIP boxing event showcasing the very best excitement the International Boxing Association has to offer.
Charles "Ironman" Waithaka (left) survived a first round knockdown to outpoint Canada's Laurie Grosse in this middleweight bout in March, 1989 at the City in an international friendly match against Canada.
🥊 NENEZ BOXING ARCHIVE: CHARLES OJUANG, JOHN OSONG ONLY WINNERS FOR POLICE AGAINST VISITING CANADA ▪️ The Canadians drew 5-5 with Kenya’s national team in the first match
Muthurwa Dallas-bred Charles Ojuang and John Osong saved Kenya Police from total humiliation at the City Hall in an international friendly match against Canada’s national team in March, 1989.
Canada hammered the cops 9-2 bouts after drawing 5-5 against Kenya’s national team in the first match.
Ojuang outpointed Bill Irwin at lightweight while Osong was on song in his impressive light-welterweight points victory over March Blanchette with Peter Bulinga losing to Mark Leduc in another light-welterweight bout.
They’re not athletes as the photo suggests. The two are Police and Canada boxers in a friendly match in March, 1989, at City Hall. On the left is Peter Bulinga of Police who lost to Mark Leduc
Ojuang was to meet Bill Irwin again the following year in the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games losing to the Canadian on points.
The young Canadian boxers, more tactical than the Kenyans, started the rout in the opening light-flyweight bout in which John “Poison” Kamau lost to Barry Wood, bantamweight Benjamin Ngaruiya was beaten by Geronimo Bie, featherweight Irungu Waititu lost to Wesley Sunshine, welterweight Ali Athumani was beaten by Greg Johnson, light-middleweight Francis Kamande went down to Curtis Hatch, middleweight Steven “Vedo” Okumu lost to Lourie Gross and light-heavy Brent Koso stopped Johnny “Muzito” Otieno in the first round.
Nick Odore in blue attire was the most impressive Kenyan against the Canadians.
In the 5-5 draw, Kenya’s national team winners were light-flyweight Adam Maina, lightweight Patrick “Mont” Waweru beat Bill Irwin, light-welter Nick “Computer Odore outpointed Mark Luduc, light-middleweight Mohamed Orungi beat Curtis Hatch with middleweight Charles “Ironman” Waithaka surviving a first round knockdown to beat Lauris Grosse on points.
The five Kenyan losers were bantamweight Steve “Dempsey” Mwema, Godfrey “Ringbarrier” Maina, featherweight David “Destroyer” Gakuha, light-welterweight Dan Omuhaka and welterweight Ken “Bramble” Munikah.
Peter Mwarangu was the head coach assisted by Charles Anjimbi, trainers Patrick “Mad Okoth and Charles Longisa.
Head coach Peter Mwarangu (right) and Charles Anjimbi in Kenya’s 5-5 draw against Canada
The Canadians were on an Africa tour that took them to Nigeria and Morocco preparing for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. They came without a flyweight and a super-heavyweight but had two boxers each in bantamweight and light-welterweight.
Breweries' smart body puncher Athanus Nzau (right) outpointed Charles Ojuang of Police in the 1989 final Commonwealth Games trials at Nairobi's City Hall but was not selected for the Auckland trip.
🥊 NENEZ BOXING ARCHIVE: KENYA’S TOP AND UPCOMING BOXERS ENGAGE IN FIERCE BATTLE FOR AUCKLAND 1990
▪️Athanus Nzau wins in final trials but he’s not selected for the New Zealand journey
On November 29, 1989 the Amateur Boxing Association of Kenya (ABA) organised what they said were the final deciding Commonwealth Games trials at City Hall.
Yet similar trials had taken place between October 19-21 at Police Pavillion in Nairobi South C after which 22 boxers were selected for residential training in preparation for the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand.
So why did the ABA decide to hold the City Hall trials?
In my subsequent interviews with various ABA executive committee members including the head coach Peter Mwarangu, they said they were still not satisfied by the performanc of some boxers, and therefore the City Hall trials – the fourth ones – had to take place to ensure they took the best boxers to Auckland.
More boxers who didn’t take part in the Police Pavillion trials were called up for the November 29 showdown. They included Charles Ojuang of Police, KPA’s Solomon Adolwa, Boniface “Hitman” Odhiambo and David “Sugu” Oketch both of Prisons.
Lightweight Ojuang impressed the ABA selectors when Police took on Canada in March at City Hall during which he beat Bill Irwin while Odhiambo, the reigning Kenya Open champion, Adolwa and Oketch were included because of their consistency.
Odhiambo and Adolwa moved up to welterweight to face experienced Kenya Open champion Ali “Ojukwu” Athumani who made his international debut in 1976.
David Gakuha beat Yahya “Chuchu” Mwami at featherweight.
Mwarangu told me he wants Ojuang to try his luck against giant killer Nasser “Silencer” Athumani and Athanus Nzau. Nasser and elder brother Yahya “Chuchu” Mwami joined Breweries a few days before the October trials with Nasser causing a major upset by defeating longest-serving international then Patrick “Mont” Waweru. It was the first defeat locally for Waweru since losing to Hussein “Juba” Khalili in 1982. Khalili, now in Uganda managing his club East Coast, was by then campaigning as a semi-pro in Denmark.
Mwarangu was not particularly satisfied by the standards of Kenya Open light-flyweight champion Abdurahman Ramadhan and Stephen Kamau of Armed Forces. He also wanted KCC’s bantamweight Bernard “Stopper” Njuguna, who beat soldier Kimani Mungai in the South C trials, to prove himself against Posta’s southpaw Geoffrey “Ringbarrier” Maina. Ramadhan had outpointed Talib “Tanker” Mubiru in the previous trials.
Geoffrey Maina, KPA’s heavyweight Steve Ouma, light-heavy James Dula of Police and light-flyweight Stephen Kamau were included in the team after the South C trials despite not having taken part while six losing finalists, Mohammed Orungi, Talib Mubiru, George Opiyo who lost controversially to Maurice “Kawata” Maina, Yahya Mwami, Athanus Nzau and Dan Omwaka were brought on board.
Flyweight Opiyo was finally left out of the team for failing to report for residential training at Camp David in Ruaraka. It’s understood his employers Kenya Railways were annoyed by his decision to fight for KCC and therefore refused to release him to join the Hit Squad.
The stage was now set for the City Hall trials which some ring analysts said were just a mere formality but Mwarangu said they were doing a thorough job to get the best.
A packed City Hall watched some entertaining and fiercely fought bouts with most of the winners in the third trials at Police Pavillion maintaining their domination.
The two major upsets were in the flyweight division in which African Games champion Maurice Maina lost to Talib Mubiru in the flyweight division and Samuel Ang’ogo outpointing his Posta clubmate Chris Odera at super heavy.
In the opening light-flyweight bout, Abdulrahman Ramadhan beat Stephen Kamau, bantamweight Geoffrey Maina outpointing Bernard Njuguna, David Gakuha again defeating Yahya Mwami at feather with smart body puncher Athanus Nzau having an edge over Charles Ojuang. A bout of malaria knocked Nasser out of the trials.
Sensational Nick Odore maintained his domination over Dan Omwaka. At welter Boniface Odhiambo eliminated Solomon Adolwa but found the going rough against battle-hardened points winner Ali Athumani.
Rising giant Ahmed Omar aka Kasongo once again overcame his cousin Mohamed “Body” Orungi.
New kid on the block Omar Kasongo once again defeated his cousin Mohammed Orungi in the light-middleweight berth, Orungi retiring in the second round following a left shoulder injury.
Light-heavyweight James Dula beat Steve Ouma and then lost to Joseph Akhasamba who KO’d him in round one. James was the younger brother to 1973 African Games gold medallist Peter Dula with heavyweight George “Foreman” Onyango stopping David Oketch in round two while super heavyweight SamueI Ang’ogo scored a surprising points victory over Chris “Marciano” Odera.
Towering Bangladesh product George “Foreman” Onyango comfortably earned his Auckland ticket
Twelve boxers were selected after the trials with Abdulrahman Ramadhan and Charles Ojuang picked as sparring partners.
Selected for the Auckland trip were light-flyweight Talib Mubiru, flyweight and captain Maurice Maina, bantamweight Geoffrey Maina, featherweight David Gakuha, lightweight Nasser Athumani, light welter Nick Odore, welterweight Ali Athumani, light-middleweight Omar Ahmed, middleweight Charles Waithaka, light-heavy Joseph Akhasamba, heavy George “Foreman” Onyango and super heavy Samuel Ang’ogo.
A bout of malaria knocked out new lightweight sensation Nasser “Silencer” Athumani in the 1989 City Hall trials.
As expected, Mwarangu, appointed the national coach in May, and Charles Anjimbi were picked as coaches assisted by trainers Patrick “Mad” Okoth and Charles Longisa but the two would not travel to Auckland.
In a build-up match against Uganda in December, the Auckland-bound team beat their rivals 9-3 bouts at City Hall. Making his international debut, light-flyweight Talib Mubiru was KO’d by Justin Juuko in one minute 45sec of the second round. The 18-year-old Juuko, also making his debut, was one of the two newcomers in the Uganda team. He has just completed his “O” levels education at Kako Secondary School.
Joseph “Nyundo” Akhasamba was invincible in the light-heavyweight division.
Did all the 12 Kenyan boxers selected make it to Auckland? That will be known in the next part of this story.
Keyshawn Davis’ hometown hopeful that beating Jeremia Nakathila would lead to a shot at his WBO lightweight title in his following fight.
Mason remains optimistic about fighting for the WBO 135-pound championship next, but the undefeated southpaw’s probable opponent obviously has changed. Davis gave up his title when he weighed 4.3 pounds above the limit Friday afternoon for his canceled fight with Edwin De Los Santos on Saturday night.
The Ring has confirmed that the WBO is therefore expected to order a bout between Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs), its No. 1 contender from Maidstone, England, and Mason (19-0, 17 KOs), ranked No. 2, for its vacant lightweight title.
Mason, of Cleveland, Ohio, still hopes to fight Davis (13-0, 9 KOs, 1 NC) one day, but he sent a message to Noakes and the British contender’s team following his fifth-round TKO victory over Namibia’s Nakathila (26-5, 21 KOs) in a 10-round main event ESPN aired Saturday night from Scope Arena.
“Let’s make it happen,” Mason told a group of reporters. “Let’s have a great fight and it’ll be amazing. That’s something that people wanna see. I feel like Sam Noakes is definitely a worthy opponent. He let his hands go, great offense as well. But it’ll be something amazing.”
The heavy-handed Noakes, 27, is The Ring’s No. 10-rated lightweight contender. Mason, 21, has displayed plenty of maturity for his age, power and skill, but he is not ranked among The Ring’s top 10 at 135.
Putting together a Noakes-Mason match shouldn’t be too troublesome. Noakes’ promoter, Frank Warren, and Mason’s promoter, Bob Arum, have worked closely together in recent years, most notably with former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
An ambitious Mason is willing to travel to England for an opportunity to become a world champion as well. Mason appreciates boxing’s intense fan base there and is intrigued by fighting in Noakes’ home country.
“Going out to the UK, that’d be crazy,” Mason told The Ring. “I’m definitely all for the idea, if everything is right to go out there, show out there. The one thing about the UK, me and my team actually been talking about it, how the experience would be going out there, just wanting to be out there period because the fan base is so crazy. It’s even crazier than it is here.
“They stadiums be packed — 70,000, 80,000 people. Here you get some crazy packed fights, but it’s not getting up there. You get 20 [thousand], 30,000 over here. But going out there, it wouldn’t only be big for me, but I’ll say probably big for boxing to showcase my talents in a country where they love boxing. And I feel like I do have those talents, to where if I go out there, they’ll love me.”
Happier times. Deposed AFBC President Eyassu Berhanu (fourth left) with some of his board members during the inauguration of the AFBC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. IBA funded the inauguration.
EYASSU & CO STILL IN DENIAL AFTER IBA’S BRUTAL KO PUNCH THAT LEFT THEM DAZED ▪️ In what is viewed by ring analysts as an exercise in futility they’ve now decided to seek legal redress at the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Switzerland
The KO punch that sunk Eyassu Berhanu and his henchmen was delivered by the IBA with clinical efficiency and superb timing.
It was devastating as it was painful causing severe damage that left the entire AFBC Board under Berhanu groggy and staggering on disobedient legs.
The International Boxing Association had no other option after painstaking efforts to reconcile the two warring factions, one led by Berhanu and the other one by Congolese Boxing Federation President Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo who toppled Berhanu’s regime in a “bloodless coup” during the 2024 Africa Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo.
IBA quashed the coup reinstating a bewildered Berhanu back to power, terming the meeting illegal and unconstitutional.
IBA’s intervention was however shortlived, for soon after the battle continued with each group claiming legitimacy as the bonafide leaders of the hugely divided AFBC. Luyoyo and team went back to the bush hurling missiles from left, right and centre.
In a last ditch effort to resolve the impasse, IBA called for reconciliation meetings in Dubai but no solution was achieved as the hatred between the two factions was deep. Luyoyo’s breakaway group insisted Berhanu must go but the Ethiopian and his henchmen dug deep maintaining they’re still in power.
Eventually the IBA, realising their repeated attempts to mediate and reconcile the factions were unsuccessful, invoked Article 14.5 of the IBA Constitution to establish a Normalisation Committee to stabilize AFBC and oversee all its operations. IBA Board of Directors member Pearl Dlamini from Eswatini was appointed Chairperson of the NC, becoming the first ever female to lead African boxing.
Eyassu Berhanu and his team still living in denial following the disbandment of AFBC Board by IBA.
“The Normalisation Committee’s primary mandate includes addressing governance issues, managing AFBC’s daily affairs, and organising a legitimate congress to elect a new leadership aligned with the core values and mission of IBA,” said a statement from the world’s governing boxing body.
Article 14.5 of the IBA Constitution outlines the process for establishing a Normalisation Committee to address serious governance issues within a Confederation or National Federation.
Specifically, this article allows the IBA Board of Directors to invoke this article when mediation attempts have failed, and the involved parties demonstrate limited willingness to resolve the conflict amicably.
Key points of Article 14.5: Normalisation Committee:
The article empowers the IBA to establish a Normalisation Committee, which will temporarily oversee the operations of the affected Confederation or National Federation.
Immediate Intervention:
The committee’s mandate is to address governance issues, manage daily affairs, and organize a legitimate congress to elect a new leadership.
Binding Decisions:
All decisions made by the Normalisation Committee are binding on the Confederation, its governing bodies, and affiliated National Federations.
Purpose:
The article’s primary purpose is to safeguard integrity, transparency, and unity within the sport.
Composition:
The committee typically consists of IBA Directors, Vice Presidents, key stakeholders from the region, and IBA staff.
As the supreme governing international body, the International Boxing Association deserves a hefty pat on the back for their patience with the warring factions in the Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) from the time the rift erupted at the 2024 AFBC Men’s and Women’s African Boxing Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo.
Congolese Boxing Federation President Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo led delegates representing over 30 National Federations to pass a vote of no-confidence on the underperforming AFBC administration under Ethiopian businessman Berhanu whom they accused of arrogance, poor leadership ignoring the AFBC Constitution and lack of transparency.
Luyoyo’s group further accused Berhanu of opposing Kinshasa as the venue for the prestigious African tournament, and preferred Gabon to stage the continental boxing. event.
That was not all. The Luyoyo faction was also bitter with Berhanu for deliberately refusing the Congress to take place in Kinshasa since his election by acclamation in 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Insiders claim Berhanu was scared stiff the Congress would topple him through a vote of no-confidence.
Perhaps, realising he was losing grip on power, Berhanu reportedly wrote to some AFBC affiliates not to attend the Africa Championships in Kinshasa, an allegation he denied. It therefore came as a big surprise for the Luyoyo team to see Berhanu attend the opening ceremony of the hugely successful championships that however ended without boxers receiving their prize money.
Bubbling with confidence as the Interim President of AFBC’s splinter group, Luyoyo, a senior policeman in DR Congo government, fired the first salvo at Berhanu, denying him a chance to address the fully-packed Stade De Martyr Gym. A disappointed Berhanu was left with egg on his face and the following morning he quietly boarded his plane back home to Addis Ababa.
In response to IBA’s decision to disband the AFBC Board, Berhanu’s team said they don’t recognise the NC because its formation was unconstitutional and that the IBA had not specified what mistakes the Berhanu leadership had committed to warrant the formation of the NC.
The initial solidarity of AFBC officials is now history. Here they were in Cairo to meet IBA President Umar Kremlev. They decided Berhanu will be their torch bearer
Berhanu issued a lengthy media statement condemning the IBA for imposing the Normalisation Committee on AFBC.
The statement read: “As the democratically elected President of the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) I unequivocally condemn the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) unilateral imposition of a so-called Normalization Committee on our Confederation. This act is not only unconstitutional but represents a flagrant violation of the sovereignty, autonomy, and democratic will of African boxing.
“The IBA’s decision starkly contravenes both the AFBC Constitution and the IBA’s own statutes. Specifically:
• AFBC Constitution: Guarantees the Confederation’s autonomous legal status—an authority that has been blatantly ignored by this imposed committee.
• IBA Constitution (Article 14.5): Requires evidence of a serious breach before such a drastic intervention can occur. To date, no such breach has been proven or even properly presented.
“Since January 2025, the AFBC has made repeated formal requests to be heard. These requests were ignored. The IBA has excluded the duly elected AFBC President and Board of Directors from consultation processes, in direct violation of the principles of fairness, transparency, and due process. Even more troubling, the IBA has failed to condemn the illegitimate actions of the rogue faction within AFBC—further exposing a pattern of selective justice and institutional bias.
“The AFBC Ethics Committee, acting within its mandate, suspended members of the breakaway group. This decision was subsequently ratified by the 2024 AFBC Ordinary Congress in Dubai—an event held with full quorum, due process, and undeniable democratic legitimacy. Yet, the IBA dismissed this democratic mandate and chose to legitimize those who openly defied both AFBC and IBA rules.
“Despite having withheld all financial support to the Confederation throughout 2025, I have personally covered operational costs including the rent of the AFBC Headquarters and staff salaries to ensure our Confederation remains active and functional. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our Board of Directors and member federations, African boxing has not only survived this unjust pressure but continues to thrive. We have advanced competitions, delivered technical training, and launched development programs that reflect our resilience and capability.
“Make no mistake: this so-called “Normalization Committee” is not an instrument of reform. It is a tool of political coercion, designed to dismantle an African leadership that has taken a firm stand against corruption and mismanagement. By choking operational funding and undermining our institutions, the IBA has attempted to destabilize AFBC and reverse the progress we’ve made.
“Yet, under our administration, AFBC has achieved numerous milestones, including the establishment of headquarters in Addis Ababa, successfully organizing the African Youth Men’s and Women’s Championships in Conakry, Guinea, ending a seven-year hiatus in continental competitions despite minimal support, launching continentwide development programs, including extensive referees and judges training initiatives, and hosting Africa’s first-ever IBA Champions’ Night, demonstrating our capacity to deliver world-class boxing events. These achievements stand as a testament to African excellence in sports governance. We do not require foreign management to succeed. We simply need respect for our institutions and leaders.
Boxing in Africa is more than a sport. It is a platform for peace, a catalyst for youth empowerment, a tool for social change, and a source of national pride and economic opportunity. But its full potential has been stifled by external manipulation and unethical power plays. It is time to reclaim what is rightfully ours. In defense of our sovereignty and democratic order, the AFBC has officially filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to annul the IBA’s illegitimate committee. We are confident that justice will prevail.
“As your President, I want to assure every National Federation and every boxer across this continent that I will fight relentlessly for the truth. I will ensure that your votes are honored, your voices are heard, and that the integrity and sovereignty of our beloved Africa will never be compromised.”
Interestingly, Berhanu is now condemning IBA despite receiving enormous financial support and piggyback rides on initiaves of the international body.
Among the initiatives include IBA fully financing the inaugural 2024 Mandela African Boxing Cup Championships in Durban, South Africa, and Addis Ababa hosting the first ever IBA Champions’ Night which was funded by the IBA.
The IBA also financed the inauguration of AFBC Headquarters including salaries of the staffers in Addis Ababa.
This year Berhanu said he has been funding the Headquarters but so far majority of the staffers have quit owing to non-payment of salaries for five months. Unconfirmed reports have it that there’s damning evidence of massive financial impropriety at the now moribund AFBC Headquarters.
Women’s power in boxing: Eswatini’s golden queen Pearl Dlamini (right) with Botswana’s former Chairperson of AFBC Women’s and Diversity Committee Irene Ntelemo during the launch of the AFBC Headquarters in Addis Ababa in 2024. Dlamini is now the new head of Africa boxing by virtue of being the Chairperson of the AFBC Normalisation Committee.
Subsequently, Africa’s boxing head Pearl Dlamini, has written to the deposed AFBC Board to hand over a detailed inventory list of all AFBC assets, reports and relevant documents.
“A financial audit will be required to understand office and regular payment needs,” said Dlamini in her letter.
She went on:”We therefore ask you to prepare all financial records and reports detailing all monies received from IBA since you assumed office and the expenditure against these funds. Evidence of such records must be forwarded to us by 25 June, 2025.”
As to Berhanu’s positives, he receives plaudits for financing the colourful 2023 Congress in Addis Ababa and funding travel and accommodation expenses of AFBC Board members at the low-key Africa Youth Championships in Guinea attended by only eight countries as well as organising referees and judges course with each participant paying for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
Much was expected from the self-proclaimed billionaire when he took over AFBC leadership with high hopes he would breathe a new life to the cash-strapped beleagured African boxing body and introduce more tournaments.
That didn’t happen neither did he bring on board even a single sponsor as he had promised in his manifesto using his international connections. The proposed introduction of Junior Africa Championships he said he would use his own resources became a still birth.
What contributed to Berhanu’s inadequacies in his short uneventful tenure in AFBC?
For more information on Berhanu’s fall, I spoke to David Pina, a former chairman of AFBC Ethics Committee who is now one of the Normalisation Committee members.
“Berhanu chose the wrong partners and advisers to manage AFBC ignoring key people who campaigned for his election,” Pina told boxersworld.co.ke.
“He accepted to be influenced by bad advice provided by his new friends resulting in poor decisions.
“The IBA gave Berhanu’s office money to manage boxing but instead the money was used to create opposition in the National Federations, division in AFBC Board of Directors, conflicts of interests in several key areas such as the Ethics Committee.”
Pina said the straw that broke the camel’s back was when Berhanu refused to convene a statutory Extra-Ordinary Congress requested by more than a third of the eligible National Federations.
“That was the beginning of Berhanu’s downfall, he lost trust of the National Federations and were it not for IBA’s support his chapter would have been closed at the 2024 Kinshasa meeting.”
Pina cites Berhanu’s failure to adhere to governance standards and obligations and brings to the fore complaints raised by Luyoyo’s group regarding his close association with Guinea’s federation president Alpha Amadou Balde whom they alleged was his chief adviser. Balde was the Vice-President in Berhanu’s leadership.
Pina on some of the factors that led to Berhanu’s downfall: “Failure to convene the Congress on November 27, 2023, under Balde’s influence Berhanu refused to organise the Congress, AFBC Disciplinary Committee suspended Balde for three years from all boxing-related activities for his unethical conduct during the African Games in Accra but Berhanu reversed the suspension without adherence to procedural protocals, interference in AFBC Commissions and internal operations of various National Federations and manipulating opposition thus compromising the independence and integrity of the NFs, Berhanu appointing presidents of Angola and Cameroon in violation of the constitution, administrative incompetence including the appointment of unqualified interim secretary general, manipulation of board decisions resulting in arbitrary dismissals and appointments including wrong termination of secretary general Andre Basile Kalongo, appointment of Ethiopian staff only in the AFBC headquarters without the required AFBC BoD consultation and sabotaging the African Championships in Kinshasa.
Former AFBC Ethics Committee chairman David Pina who is now a member of the AFBC Normalisation Committee shares an indepth perspective on the fallen AFBC team.
Pina further said Berhanu failed the NFs by ignoring telephone calls and messages from their leaders overlooking the importance of communication, and only called some members when he had a particular personal interest on some issues.
Commenting on Berhanu’s decision to seek legal redress at the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Switzerland, Pina said the case is already dead on arrival, accusing the deposed AFBC Board of failing to comply with the constitutional requirement to escalate their case with the Boxing Independent Integrity Unit (BIIU).
“CAS will use the IBA Constitution in resolving the issue,” pointed out Pina.
Here is Article 49.1 of the IBA Constitution ignored by Berhanu’s team.
*DISPUTE RESOLUTION, COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT*
49.1
IBA shall provide to National Federations, Confederations, Boxers and other boxing
stakeholders the institutional mean – the Dispute Resolution Chamber of the BIIU
Compliance Unit – to resolve any dispute that may arise between or among them.
49.2
Any final decision rendered by IBA or BIIU may be submitted exclusively to CAS,
which will resolve the dispute definitively in accordance with the Code of Sports
Related Arbitration. The language of the proceeding shall be English. The time limit
to appeal shall be 21 (twenty-one) days after the reception of the decision to be
appealed.
49.3
CAS shall decide the dispute according to this Constitution and the Regulations, and,
subsidiarily, according to the Swiss law.
Jeremiah "Low-Key" Nakathila (left) trading punches with American southpaw Abdullah Mason. The fight was stopped in the fifth round following Nakathila sustaining a cut above his left eye
A cut and a swelling above Jeremiah Nakathila’s left eye forced the referee to stop the fight at the beginning of the fifth round in favour of American southpaw Abdullah Mason on Saturday night, June 7, at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.
The Namibian star boxer held his own from the beginning of the scheduled 10-round lightweight main card.
“I was having him in the first three rounds, he got scared of my powerful right punch, he couldn’t see it coming,” Nakathila told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview from his hotel in Virginia.
“It was not a tough fight as such until round four when I got a cut on my left eye.
Nakathila the African warrior scared Abdullah Mason with his powerful right punch
“I really don’t know what brought the cut but I must say Mason is a good boxer, young and strong, he has a bright future.”
The fight did not live up to expectations as the home boy boxed with a lot of caution to avoid what happened in his fight against Dominican Yohan Vasquez who decked him twice in the first round.
It was not until the fourth round when Mason let loose the bees stinging Nakathila repeatedly with a two-fisted barrage but the tough Namibian policeman responded with several bombs that saw Mason abandon his plans of ending the fight on a KO.
“I’m happy I was not KO’d, I showed him I’m a real warrior from Africa. I’ll go back home take a rest waiting for my next fight,” said Nakathila, owner of the popular hanging joint in Windhoek known as Low-Key Pub.
Nakathila now drops to 26-5, 21 KOs and Mason maintained his unbeaten record to 19-0 with 17 KOs.
I’M MISSING OUR STRONG FOOD PAP, SAYS NAKATHILA IN THE USA
As he tackles a mountain of fruits after a plateful of chicken, rice and spaghetti, Namibia’s star boxer Jeremiah “Low-Key” Nakathila is still missing pap.
“Pap is our main dish at home, it’s strong, gives me more power and lasts longer in the stomach,” Nakathila, the CEO of boxersworld.co.ke, said from his hotel Waterside Marriot in Virginia in the USA.
Nakathila (26-4, 21 KOs) fights unbeaten American southpaw Abdullah Mason (18-0-0, 16 KOs) on Saturday night in a 10-round main card at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.
“I’m however not complaining much on food because there’s plenty of it in our hotel, there’s variety of food like chicken, rice, spaghetti, meatballs.”
Pap is a traditional food in Namibia made from pearl millet. It’s the staple food in southern Africa. In Malawi they call it nsima and sadza in Zimbabwe.
In East Africa pap is known as ugali made from maize flour, corn or cassava. It’s also known as sima at the Kenyan coast and in Tanzania or sembe of you like. The Ugandans call it kaunga though their staple food is matoke.
Normally ugali or pap is accompanied by beef stew, fish, greens, chicken depending on the weight of your wallet.
Ahead of his fight, Nakathila started his day at the Waterside Marriot Hotel with a heavy breakfast and dessert.
“I have a big appetite, I like eating well because food is life, I just wish pap was here.
“I’ll now take light lunch and that’s it, no more eating until after the fight.”
Africa is rooting for Namibia's Jeremiah "Low-Key" Nakathila (right) against unbeaten American southpaw Abdullah Mason (left) tonight in Virginia in the USA.
NAKATHILA’S BOUT IS MAIN CARD, TOP NAMIBIAN BOXERS ROOT FOR LOW-KEY IN HIS 5TH USA FIGHT
It’s a big morale booster for Namibia’s celebratedJeremiah “Low-Key” Nakathila (26-4, 21 KOs).
Nakathila putting in the finishing touches in the gym ahead of the disco dance tonight.
His 10-round bout tonight at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, against unbeaten American southpaw Abdullah Mason (18-0, 16 KOs) has now been elevated to the main card. This follows the cancellation of the earlier main card between Keyshawn Davis and Dominican Edwin De Los Santos after Davis failed to make weight. Davis has subsequently been stripped of the WBO lightweight world title.
While featuring in the main card is prestigious in pro boxing, for Nakathila he finds it normal.
“It’s very normal for me. However it adds more fuel in the tank. This is my fourth time in the main card and one co main- event,” said Nakathila who is the CEO of boxersworld.co.ke, one of Africa’s top boxing sites.
Africa featherweight champion Tryagain Ndevelo says the American will kiss the canvas several times against his compatriot Jeremiah Nakathila.
Nakathila has already warned Mason to expect an explosion in the form of what he said was a tsunami punch in this eagerly awaited fight in Africa especially in Namibia.
“He will not see that tsunami punch coming, it will hit him hard with full force,” said a confident Nakathila on his fifth fight in the USA.
He wants the American to make several trips to the canvas before the referee waves it off.
Two top Namibian boxers, Africa featherweight champion Tryagain Ndevelo and Africa silver medallist Gebhard Ipinge have tipped their countryman to flatten the American boxer before his home fans.
Ndevelo has a lot of Faith on Nakathila whom he said is their inspiration.
“He knows what it takes to be there since it’s not his first show in the USA, I see him putting the American down,” said Ndevelo, adding:”He has a unique kind of power punching, every boxer wants that technique.”
How should he approach the fight?, I ask Ndevelo.
“He has to make sure he doesn’t fight Mason, less punches but effective and powerful just to avoid making mistakes.
“I see the American boxer struggling the moment Low-Key Nakathila uses his lead hand to set up the right, at least three straight punches will keep the young boy at bay. That way Nakathila will have less pressure and must circle to his left using his strong right to unsettle the American not giving him time to map out any strategy.”
From left Namibia’s top promoter and one of the best in Africa Nestor Tobias, Jeremiah Nakathila, coach Siegfried Blacky Kaperu and head coach Nicky Natangue.
Ipinge, light-heavyweight silver medallist in the 2024 African Championships in Kinshasa, advised Nakathila to calculate his punches well to avoid being reckless facing a young opponent who is fast with 16 inside the distance victories.
“I hope he surprises a lot of guys, those who don’t believe in him,” said Ipinge.
“I believe he can deliver because Low-Key is tough. It will be a redemption fight for him in the US having lost twice consecutively in his previous fights there. I do believe he will knock out the American boy but if they go the distance he will lose on points as the boy is fast and tactical.
“Being the only Namibian to win in the US he inspires many young boxers. He really inspired me winning in America and I train alongside him when I’m in Windhoek.”
Tryagain Ndevelo (left) and Gebhard Ipinge at the 2024 African Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo. The two regard Nakathila highly and said he is the inspiration of many young Namibian boxers.
Indeed Africa is rooting for Nakathila. Go! Go! Low-Key hit him harder in the early rounds to dismantle his game plan. Let him feel the weight of raw African power. Nothing is impossible so long as you belieeeeeeeeve in yourself to inflict the first defeat for Mason.
• Abdullah Mason 134.5 lbs vs. Jeremia Nakathila 134.8 lbs
