▪️Kenya is the only East African country taking part in this global youth boxing event from September 8-13

September 3, 2026

Nine African nations are making history by storming the Eurasian Dauria Cup in Chita, Russia, marking the continent’s largest-ever delegation at the prestigious youth boxing tournament scheduled for September 8-13, 2026.

“As of this evening, 20 global powerhouses including host nation Russia have confirmed their participation for the competition,” said Vladislav Dubrovskiy, the media and communications manager for this annual tournament which was first held in 2024.

Africa is stealing the spotlight early with an unprecedented nine-country lineup ready to trade blows on the international stage: Angola, Zambia, Cameroon, Kenya, Comoros, Libya, Namibia, Niger, and South Africa.

They join a fierce 20-nation grid featuring global boxing titans and rising forces alike. The complete roster includes Angola, Belarus, Brazil, Zambia, Israel, Iran, Cameroon, Kenya, Comoros, Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Mongolia, Namibia, Niger, Russia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, and South Africa.

Staged in Russia’s Zabaykalsky region, the Eurasian Dauria Cup is the ultimate proving ground for boxers aged 17–18. With Africa sending its biggest contingent yet, the tournament is set to display the next generation of global champions.

Kenya, the only East African country taking part the Russia event, will be represented by flyweight Douglas Juma and lightweight Phelix Ochieng. The two boxers are members of Kibra Youth Boxing Club handled by one of Kenya’s leading grassroots coaches, Edward Ogweno aka Dimbuts aka MbutaMtu.

While Juma will be making his international debut, Ochieng will be taking part in his third major tournament having been at the 2025 Africa Youth Games in Angola and World U-19 tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, this year 2026.

The two boxers will be accompanied by coach Julius Theuri of G44 Boxing Club.

“I’m very impressed on how they’ve responded to training and I can assure Kenyans of positive results,” Theuri told boxersworld.co.ke

Theuri said they will leave for Russia on Saturday, September 5.

The Eurasian Dauria Cup was first held in Chita in 2024, so this year’s edition will be the third one. The inaugural event brought together around 120 boxers from 16 countries.

In 2025, the tournament grew significantly. According to the official final report of the Russian Boxing Federation, 150 boxers representing 19 countries competed in Chita.

Africa was represented by five countries in 2025: Zimbabwe, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and South Africa. South Africa also produced one of the tournament champions, with Ayabonga Meko winning the 57 kg category.

Russia finished first in the overall team standings. This year the African presence is the largest-ever since the inception of the tournament.

▪️”I’ll teach her what real boxing is in the ring, not on social media,” hit back Ngoune fresh from a training stint in Russia

September 1, 2026

Cameroon’s flyweight queen Reine Laure Ngoune has fired back at her bitter rival, DR Congo’s Nyembo Gisele, turning up the heat ahead of their highly anticipated rematch at the 2026 Africa Elite Boxing Championships in Kinshasa from October 18–31.

Responding to Gisele’s bold claims that she is in for a “thorough beating,” a furious Ngoune completely dismissed allegations that her victory over Gisele in the finals of the 2023 Africa Elite Championships in Yaoundé was handed to her on a silver platter.

In an exclusive telephone interview with boxersworld.co.ke, Ngoune revealed that she has just returned from a high-performance training camp in Russia and is bringing a lethal new arsenal to Kinshasa.

“Boxing belongs to the ring, not on social media,” Ngoune responded.

“I won my fight in Yaoundé in front of everyone, and I’m going to teach her what real boxing is. I will beat her clean, and then in the evening, we can go to Matonge to dance to their sweet rumba music to console her. I am the best flyweight in Africa and a real Cameroonian woman.”

With both fighters trading heavy verbal blows, this flyweight rematch is officially a battle royale.

If Ngoune backs up her words, the post-fight celebration at Kinshasa’s famous Matonge music district will be just as legendary as the showdown inside the squared circle.

I will make sure I accompany them to Matonge just in case they decide to go bareknuckles. War is war!!!

▪️Kinshasa’s Stade Des Martyrs is about to turn into a absolute pressure cooker in the eagerly awaited rematch between DR Congo’s Nyembo Gisele vs Cameroon’s Laure Ngoune

September 1, 2026

When the 2026 Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships take over the Stade Des Martyrs Gym from October 18-31, the women’s flyweight division will host the ultimate grudge match: a high-octane, maximum-drama rematch between reigning African champion Nyembo Gisele and Cameroon’s tactical powerhouse, Laure Reine Ngoune.

Their rivalry was born in fire at the 2023 Africa Elite Championships finals in Yaoundé.

That night, the two warriors traded leather in a brutal, toe-to-toe war. Ngoune walked away with the gold medal and a cool $15,000 IBA prize money. Gisele was left with a bitter silver, $10,000, and a burning sense of injustice.

“They robbed me in Cameroon. I beat her—I’m the one who should have the gold,” a defiant Gisele has declared.

“I’m now ready for Ngoune at home to show her I’m the best flyweight in Africa.”

Since that heartbreak, Gisele has been an absolute wrecking ball. Riding a wave of pure momentum, the DR Congo pressure fighter captured flyweight gold at the 2024 Africa Championships in Kinshasa, conquered the historic first-ever Africa pro-amateur card promoted by IBA Africa President Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo, and stopped Uganda’s Angel Katushabe in the third round to seize the 2025 Africa Zone 3 title in Nairobi.

Now, she returns to her fortress. Backed by the deafening, boxing-crazy crowds at the Stade des Martyrs Gym, Gisele holds the ultimate home-court advantage.

But Ngoune is not coming to surrender her legacy. While she has kept a low profile and skipped the Zone 3 tournament due to personal commitments, the Cameroonian champion has been quietly sharpening her tools. Fresh off an intensive, grueling training stint in Russia, Ngoune is tactically re-engineered and prepared to silence the Kinshasa crowd.

This is more than a fight for gold and prize money; it is a battle for ultimate respect, a clash of contrasting styles, and a glowing testament to the explosive growth of women’s boxing across the African continent. Expect nothing less than absolute fireworks when the first bell rings. This is a must-watch showdown.

▪️Wins six gold and second-placed MMJKT five

▪️Magereza finish third and Tanga fourth

August 31, 2026

Ngome JWTZ boxing team successfully defended its title at the 2026 National Boxing Club Championship in Tanga.

They led with a total of six gold medals followed by MMJKT with five.

That single extra gold medal enabled Ngome to edge past their traditional rivals, MMJKT, and retain the championship they won in 2025.

In the top standings, MMJKT finished as the runners-up, followed by Magerez while Tanga finished fourth.

The championship, held in Tanga, featured a total of 15 clubs from various regions across the country, all competing for the national title.

Following the conclusion of the tournament, the technical bench will evaluate the competition and the boxers’ performance levels. The goal is to select and strengthen the national team ahead of upcoming major competitions, including the 2026 African Boxing Championships in Kinshasa, the Africa-level qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the global qualifiers in 2027, and the 2027 African Games.

▪️The inaugural amateur event will take place alongside the IBA Congress this December.

August 31, 2026

Following the highly successful International Boxing Day celebrations in Kazakhstan, the IBA is pleased to launch the IBA ELITE Project.

The inaugural amateur event will take place alongside the IBA Congress this December. The President’s Cup will debut as the first tournament in this series, featuring a high-level elite men’s invitational championship.

With this initiative, our organization strengthens its presence in amateur boxing and completes the comprehensive IBA ecosystem.

The IBA ELITE project introduces a fresh vision for our National Federations. It will provide a clear and structured pathway from amateur to professional boxing, keeping athletes within a unified ranking system and ensuring a visible progression for the future.

We will issue new updates regarding IBA ELITE on a weekly basis.

▪️Waithaka’s nephew Richard Muiruri confirmed the tragic incident but for now the cause of the fire is not known

▪️A stinging right was his signature punch but a cruel, silent enemy took his final breath

August 30, 2026

Kenyan former international boxer Charles “Ironman” Waithaka (pictured) has tragically died at age 70, burnt beyond recognition in a horrific house fire in Nairobi’s Dandora Estate on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

The middleweight legend was entirely alone in the house when the inferno tore through his home.

“We are shocked,” his nephew, Richard Muiruri, confirmed during the painful trip to the mortuary.

“The cause of the fire is still unknown. He died in unexplained circumstances,” Muiruri told boxersworld.co.ke

Waithaka was a cornerstone of the Kenya Breweries Boxing Club, joining the stable after its 1970 inception. A fierce competitor on the global stage, he made his international debut at the 1987 Inter-Cup Championships in Germany.

Affectionately known as Thess to his close friends and Breweries teammates, Waithaka’s crowning achievement came at the 1991 African Games in Cairo, Egypt, where he battled his way to the semi-finals, losing on points to Tanzania’s Magoya Isangura. He returned home with a bronze medal. Other medallists in Cairo were light-flyweight James Wanene (bronze), light-middleweight Kenneth “Valdez” Ochieng (bronze) and and a silver from heavyweight Joseph “Nyundo” Akhasamba.

The boxing community mourns a heavy hitter taken by an unpredictable tragedy. Investigation into the cause of the blaze is ongoing.

Muiruri recalls on August 1, 2026, Waithaka was in a jovial mood during a family get-together party in Juja on the outskirts of Nairobi’s Central Business District.

“Little did we know this was our last time with our lovely uncle, my mum is his elder sister,” said Muiruri.

August 29, 2026

The global celebrations for International Boxing Day reached a crescendo in Astana on 28 August, where the IBA and NOMAD staged a blockbuster international fight card featuring premier talent from across the globe.

The event, held in Kazakhstan’s capital city Astana, brought together traditional boxing and contests in MMA gloves on a single card, featuring athletes from Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Mexico, Venezuela, Namibia, and the Philippines. The programme combined established professionals, rising national-team stars, and local favourites, topped by two title fights.

“Astana brought together athletes from eight nations sharing one ring and one stage, on a night tied to International Boxing Day. This is boxing at its best — diverse, competitive, and full of opportunity for those who work for it,” said IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE.

Namibia’s Immanuel Josef shows resilience in defeat by Kazakhstan star Saken Bibossinov 

Saken Bibossinov (KAZ) delivered a composed performance against Immanuel Joseph (NAM), using crisp footwork, precise single punches, and sharp combinations to dominate the majority of the exchanges.

The southpaw Kazakh, who’s a two-time world champion and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, dominated the fight throughout the eight rounds.

Joseph failed to find the range and was on his backfoot for the better part of the fight with Bibossinov piling on points with his snappy left cross which landed on target more often and digging right to the ribs.

Josef did not shake his opponent with any telling blow, accepting the defeat honourably after Bibossinov was declared the winner on points.

“It was the greatest moment for me to fight the twice world champion,” said the 34-year-old Josef in a post-match interview, dropping to 19-4-1 with seven KOs.

Saken, 28, is now unbeaten in three pro fights with one KO.

“Every boxer wants to fight the best to showcase his talent but Saken was too good for me, we win some lose some I’ve learnt a lot from the fight.”

Result: Saken Bibossinov (KAZ) def. Immanuel Josef (NAM) by decision.

In the main event, two-time amateur world champion Sanzhar Tashkenbay (KAZ) made a successful transition to the professional ranks, defeating Neel Jacoms (PHI) over 10 rounds to claim the IBF Asia light-flyweight title.

Almaz Nurgali (KAZ) also captured the IBA NOMAD bantamweight title after defeating Aidos Zhapparbergenov (KAZ) in their eagerly anticipated rematch.

Chebotar outboxes Borrego in tactical contest

Vasile Chebotar (MDA) earned a decision victory over Jose Miguel Borrego (MEX), using fluid movement, disciplined defence, and sharp counters to neutralise the Mexican’s relentless pressure.

Chebotar finished strongly, increasing his own aggression in the later rounds before securing the judges’ verdict.

Result: Vasile Chebotar (MDA) def. Jose Miguel Borrego (MEX) by decision.

Madiev drops Agaev on way to convincing win

Ruslan Madiev (KAZ) defeated Imran “Dantist” Agaev (KAZ) in their contest wearing MMA gloves.

Madiev applied sustained pressure throughout and dropped Agaev with a powerful combination late in the second round before controlling the action until the final bell.

Result: Ruslan Madiev (KAZ) def. Imran Agaev (KAZ) by unanimous decision.

Kulmagambetov lands spectacular second-round knockout

Kanat Kulmagambetov (KAZ) produced one of the most emphatic finishes of the night against Timur Abdurakhmanov (RUS).

As Abdurakhmanov rushed forward early in the second round, Kulmagambetov caught him at close range with a perfectly timed right hand that ended the contest instantly.

Result: Kanat Kulmagambetov (KAZ) def. Timur Abdurakhmanov (RUS) by KO, Round 2.

Tukov edges difficult contest with Colmenares

Vadim Tukov (RUS) preserved his unbeaten record with a hard-fought decision victory over Eddy Colmenares (VEN).

Colmenares utilised his height and reach effectively for long periods, forcing Tukov to work hard to establish his range, but the judges ultimately awarded the bout to the Russian.

Result: Vadim Tukov (RUS) def. Eddy Colmenares (VEN) by decision.

Toktar and Isroilov trade knockdowns before explosive finish

Erkebulan Toktar (KAZ) and Bobirjon Isroilov (UZB) delivered one of the most dramatic clashes of the evening.

Toktar dropped Isroilov almost immediately with a left hook, only for the Uzbek fighter to respond by flooring Toktar with a clean right hand later in the opening round.

Toktar regained control in the second, scoring two further knockdowns before another sustained barrage forced the referee to halt the contest.

Result: Erkebulan Toktar (KAZ) def. Bobirjon Isroilov (UZB) by TKO, Round 2.

Nurgali wins rematch to claim IBA NOMAD title

Almaz Nurgali (KAZ) defeated Aidos Zhapparbergenov (KAZ) after five demanding rounds to become the new IBA NOMAD bantamweight champion.

The rematch proved competitive from the opening bell. Zhapparbergenov seized the early initiative, while Nurgali responded with sharp counters despite sustaining a cut in the first round.

Nurgali raised the tempo in the second round, turning the contest into a gruelling, physical battle in which both men traded heavy blows and finished the bout visibly marked.

After five rounds, Nurgali was awarded the decision to dethrone Zhapparbergenov.

Result: Almaz Nurgali (KAZ) def. Aidos Zhapparbergenov (KAZ) by decision.

Title: IBA NOMAD bantamweight title.

Tashkenbay drops Jacoms twice to win IBF Asia title on professional debut

Sanzhar Tashkenbay (KAZ) marked his professional debut with a commanding 10-round victory over Neel Jacoms (PHI) to claim the IBF Asia light-flyweight title.

The main event quickly unfolded as a classic clash of styles. The taller southpaw Tashkenbay sought to control the range with his jab and movement, while Jacoms repeatedly looked to close the distance and land wide, power-laden hooks.

The Filipino turned up the pressure through the middle rounds, creating several uncomfortable moments for the home favourite. Tashkenbay sustained a cut near his right eyebrow as Jacoms found sustained success working on the inside.

However, momentum shifted decisively late in the fifth round when Tashkenbay timed his opponent’s charge and landed a crisp right hook, sending Jacoms to the canvas.

From that point on, the Kazakh dictated the range. He used lateral movement and sharp pivots to neutralise Jacoms’ advances, consistently punishing the Filipino whenever he stepped in without preparation.

Tashkenbay struck again towards the end of the eighth round, dropping Jacoms for a second time with another precise counter.

Jacoms displayed remarkable resilience and continued to press forward through an entertaining final round, but Tashkenbay remained firmly in command to seal a wide points victory and capture the first professional title of his career.

Result: Sanzhar Tashkenbay (KAZ) def. Neel Jacoms (PHI) by decision.

Title: IBF Asia light-flyweight title.

▪️World bantamweight champion Widad Bertal aka Stinging Bee robbed against Italian opponent

▪️Morocco now eyes third African title in a row in Kinshasa

August 28, 2026

The Moroccan boxing team has cemented its status as Africa’s ultimate ring superpower, dominating the continent’s standings at the just-concluded Mediterranean Games in Italy.

Morocco fought its way to a deserved third-place overall finish, scooping two gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. They were just behind tournament winners Spain (4-2-0) and hosts Italy (4-0-3), leaving their continental rivals far behind.

The triumph was made even sweeter as Morocco completely outclassed arch-rivals Algeria, who finished a distant eighth with zero gold medals (0-3-2), followed by Egypt in 10th (0-1-1) and Tunisia in 15th (0-0-1).

Moroccan golden run was spearheaded by 2023 Africa featherweight champion Soulaymane Samghouli (65kg) and Africa light-middleweight champion Saida Lahmidi, who both captured gold. Defending Africa light-flyweight champion Yasmin Mouttaki, Africa welterweight champion Nadir Abdelhak, and continental silver medallist Toutire Mounia added to the impressive haul by bringing home three bronze medals.

However, the tournament was not without controversy. Nabil Hilmi, the Vice President of the Royal Moroccan Boxing Federation, expressed fierce disappointment over the officiating in the women’s bantamweight final. He claimed that reigning female world champion Widad Bertal, affectionately known as the “Stinging Bee,” was outrightly robbed of a gold medal against her Italian opponent.

“Widad clearly won the fight, we were shocked how the Italian was declared the winner,” Nabil told boxersworld.co.ke, noting that the double-African Elite champion and African Games gold medallist had thoroughly overwhelmed her opponent in every single round. Bertal ultimately had to settle for silver.

Looking ahead, all eyes are now on the Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo, scheduled for October 18-31. While Nabil stated that an official decision will be announced next week, indications strongly suggest Morocco will travel to Kinshasa.

Having won the tournament there in 2024 with a staggering 21 medals, Morocco is locked in on making history as the first-ever country to win the African Championships three times in a row. They first won it in 2023 in Yaounde, Cameroon.

▪️13 bouts scheduled

▪️ Ngome leads with 9 boxers, followed by MMJKT (6) and Magereza (4)

▪️ High-level competition; Kasililika and Eliankunda set to clash today

August 28, 2026, Tanga.

The finals of the 2026 Tanzania’s National Boxing Club Championship in Tanga are set to take place this evening at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga City, with a total of 13 bouts scheduled. The tournament, which began on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, has reached its climax, with 26 boxers expected to step into the ring for the 13 final bouts.

Defending champions Ngome lead the pack with nine boxers qualifying for the finals, followed by MMJKT with six boxers and Magereza with four. JKT Mgulani has qualified three boxers, while General Chande (Tanga), Band Coy, and Mashujaa have each qualified one boxer for the finals.

KASILILIKA AND ELIANKUNDA TO FACE OFF AGAIN

One of the most highly anticipated bouts is in the light-heavyweight category (80kg), featuring Eliankunda Daniel of MMJKT and Enzi Kasililika of Magereza. The boxers will face each other again following their clash in the finals of the National Open Championship held in Dar es Salaam in April 2026, where Eliankunda emerged victorious on points.

In other bouts, Mhina Moris (Ngome) will take on Swedes Maarifa (MMJKT) in the heavyweight division (92kg), while Abdul Chande (General Chande, Tanga) faces Shukuru Yodani (Magereza) in the cruiserweight division (86kg).

Additionally, Shafii Mbaruku (MMJKT) will fight Sikudhani Petro (Ngome) in a bout expected to add excitement to the finals.

The 2026 National Club Championship in Tanga has brought together a total of 15 clubs from various parts of the country; the finals are expected to be highly competitive and will determine the 2026 National Club Champion.

✍🏽 BFT Communications

▪️Combative Secretary-General Anta Gueye fires warning shots to the big guns.”This time around it won’t be business as usual,” she says

August 28, 2026

Senegal has officially confirmed its participation in the 22nd edition of the Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships, scheduled to take place in Kinshasa, DR Congo, from October 18 to 31, 2026.

The announcement was made by Anta Gueye, the Secretary General of the Senegal Boxing Federation, who revealed that the country plans to field a strong contingent of 17 boxers for the continental tournament.

“We have not named our team yet; this will be done soon. We will be represented by our best boxers in Kinshasa because we want to be on top, this time it will not be easy we promise fireworks,” Gueye told boxersworld.co.ke.

Senegal heads into the Kinshasa tournament aiming to surpass its stellar performance at the last Africa Championships in 2024 in Kinshasa, where the nation finished 4th overall in the medal standings. During that edition, Senegal secured a total of seven medals (1 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze), finishing just behind overall winners Morocco, hosts DR Congo, and Kenya.

The standout star of Senegal’s previous campaign was French-based heavyweight Karamba Kebe, who made history by winning the country’s first gold medal in 26 years. Kebe clinched the top spot after defeating DR Congo’s 2022 Africa Championships bronze medalist Landry Matete in a thrilling heavyweight final.

While the official squad list is still pending, the federation is expected to look toward its recent podium finishers to anchor the team.

Senegal’s medalists at the 2024 Africa Elite Championships:

Gold

Heavyweight Karamba Kebe

Silver

Welterweight Diallo Mohamed Abdallah

Light-middleweight Mbaye Awa Cheikh

Bronze

Light-welterweight Idrissa Gueye

Women’s welterweight Maïmouna Ndong

Lightweight Diop Serigne Mbacke

Women’s heavyweight Cisse Khadidiatou