DREAM FULFILLED AS 12 KENYAN BOXERS PREPARE FOR DEBUT
▪️It’s the burning desire of any ambitious boxer to represent the national team

October 11, 2025

Excitement is written all over the faces of 12 boxers as they train at the Mathare Police Depot on the outskirts of Nairobi’s Central Business District.

That’s where the Kenyan boxers are preparing for the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships set for Kasarani Indoor Arena from October 16-24.

As some of the 12 boxers spar against each other, they are careful not to incur any injury to mess up their eagerly awaited debut for the national team.

The 12 boxers are flyweights Diouf Muimi and Kelvin Maina, bantamweight Emmanuel Chondo, featherweights Mwinyi Kombo and Paul Omondi, light-welterweight Caleb Wandera, welterweight Wiseman Kavondo, light-middleweight Alvin Oduor, heavyweight John Oyugi, minimumweight Jane Wangare, bantamweight Sheila Auma and lightweight Sylvia Obwamu.

At 18 years Sheila is the baby of the team. The Kibra Olympic boxer started boxing in 2024 bursting into the limelight this year by capturing a treble: novices, intermediate and Kenya Open titles. In the Open she caused an upset beating international Ann Wanjiru who has now moved to Kisumu from Mombasa.

“I’m really looking forward to box for my country and win a medal,” Sheila told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

“I thank my coaches Patrick Safare and Hassan Salim for coaching me the basics.”

She appeals to well wishers to support her financially take up a course of her choice.

In addition to Sheila, other Kibra Club products in the team are featherweight, 21-year-old Paul Omondi now a member of Police Boxing Club and KDF’s Washington Wandera.

“I can’t wait to fight for my country for the first time,” says Omondi.

Kelvin Maina, bantamweight Emmanuel Chondo, featherweight Mwinyi Kombo and lightweight Sylvia Obwamu have had a taste of international boxing though not with the national team.

Maina was at the 2021 World Military Games in Russia and is the reigning African Military Games flyweight champion, a title he clinched in Abuja, Nigeria in 2024.

“I’ve really waited for this opportunity to represent my county I’m happy I’ve made it,” says Maina who started boxing in 2011 at Tommy Gee Boxing Club later renamed G44 under coach Julius Theuri, a former international. He moved to Thailand club in 2013 to work under Nairobi County head coach John Ochieng aka Chea. Maina clinched gold in 2014 in Dar es Salaam in an intercity clash between Nairobi and Dar es salaam.

Kombo aka Giant Killer represented Mombasa Combined in Tanga where he remained unbeaten in two matches. He fights for Prisons in the national league. Obwamu got a taste of international boxing this year representing Nairobi against Kampala, losing to Uganda’s African Championships bronze medallist Emily Nakalema.

“Nakalema is so far my toughest opponent,” says Sylvia who started boxing in 2021 under coach Sosman and she’s currently a member of Kariobangi Boxing Club.

Perhaps the happiest of all the debutants is Caleb Wandera. He has ended decades of Nakuru County not having a boxer in the national team.

In 2022, Wandera decided to learn taekwondo at Flamingo estate in Nakuru but switched to boxing the same year on realizing he couldn’t cope up with the expenses involved.

“I decided to change to boxing, and approached coach Peter Githinji he accepted to teach me boxing, I don’t regret making the change I’m so happy now I’ve been called up to the national team,” says Wandera.

“Training in Nairobi is more advanced than Nakuru. I thank the national head coach Musa Benjamin for including me in the national team, the gold is mine.”

Wandera relocated to Nakuru in 2019 from home in Nambale, Busia County.

Slumgirl Jane Wangare becomes the first ever boxer from Mukuru Fight-4-Life Boxing Club to represent the national team.

She’s a student of former international Benson Gicharu who is the coach and owner of the club.

Wangare will definitely inspire her teammates to work harder to emulate her. Besides joining the national team, boxing has enabled her land a job at Kenya Prisons.

Like Wangare, KDF’s light-middleweight Alvin Oduor should also thank boxing for enabling him get a job at Kenya Defence Forces.

A product of coach Raphael Kamuya aka Kamwana, Oduor has been very impressive in the league and is in the light-middleweight berth with African champion Boniface Mogunde. Their common enemy is Burundi’s Nestor Nduwarugira, a silver medallist in the 2024 Africa Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo.

Jericho Boxing Club’s Emmanuel Chondo aka Manu and Mwinyi Kombo join Shaffi Bakari to increase to three the number of boxers from Coast Region in the national team. Chondo, brought up in Nairobi’s Jericho Estate, is from Kilifi County and attributes his success in boxing to coaches Elijah Mringie and Nixon Omondi Bisto.

Chondo’s rival in the ring Diouf “Bashday” Muimi, started boxing in 2018 handled by coaches Kennedy Muiruri and the late John Kimani at Mathare North Boxing Club. He’s the reigning Kenya Open flyweight champion and is so far unbeaten in the Kenya National Boxing League.

Photo design by Duncun Kuria aka Sugar Ray

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The rise of a new generation of youthful boxers in Eswatini determined to stamp their authority at the big stage

Eswatini’s young boxing stars stole the spotlight at the Lesotho National Youth Games, bringing home two gold medals in spectacular fashion.

The friendly games between Eswatini and Lesotho wrapped up in Maseru with Eswatini securing 12 medals overall — but it was the boxers who set the tone for victory.

Calvin Gumbi battled his way to the top, winning his first fight in the semis to advance to the final, where he powered through to claim gold. His teammate, Nothando Mshayise, made the most of her shot in the women’s final — winning gold in dominant style after receiving a bye in the semi-finals. Their victories lit the spark for Eswatini’s medal rush across all events.

The twin triumphs in the ring proves Eswatini boxing is on the rise, with a new generation ready to carry the torch into regional and continental competitions.

*Courtesy African Boxing News*

SIX-MAN CAMEROON TEAM FOR THE BIG PARTY IN NAIROBI

▪️ Coach Alain Didier Ngatcha names a crack team of six boxers he says will shake Kasarani Gym

Cameroon’s towering super-heavyweight Zacharie Mvogo is among the six boxers to represent the Central African country in the Africa Zone 3 Championships set for October 16-24 at Kasarani Gym in Kenya’s capital city Nairobi.

Mvogo made $15,000 in just two rounds of his super-heavyweight final against Agnes Kedy of the Seychelles at the 2023 Africa Championships in Yaounde.

He won via abandonment in two minutes 57 seconds of the second round.

In addition to Mvogo, there’s reigning Africa Championships minimumweight champion Wouang Marcial, 2023 Africa Championships flyweight bronze medallist Issouhou Mouhaman, welterweight Oumarou Mohamed, African Games light-heavyweight bronze medallist Fotouo Totap Junior and cruiserweight Baguiguana Georges who made his international debut in the 2024 African Championships in Kinshasa losing in the semi-finals to DR Congo’s Pita Kabeji and returned home with a bronze medal.

There were high expectations that DR Congo’s reigning Africa female flyweight champion Nyembo Gisele will meet Cameroon’s Reine Laure Ngoune for a rematch. However, coach Ngatcha said he decided to enter men only for the Nairobi event probably saving the women’s gas for the World Championships scheduled for December 2-13 in Dubai.

Reine outpointed Gisele 5-0 in the flyweight final at the 2023 Africa Championships in Yaounde.

Big-talking Gisele has been baying for Reine’s blood since her defeat to the Cameroon boxer. Nyembo still has formidable opposition in Kenya’s vastly improved Faith Nafuna and Africa Military Games silver medallist Veronica Mbithe, Uganda’s promising Angel Katushabe and Burundi’s 2022 Africa Championships silver medallist Ornella Havyarimana if she has not moved up to bantamweight.

The Burundi team has maintained a loud silence ahead of the Zone 3 Championships.

ALCINDA DOS SANTOS, TIAGO MUXANGA CLINCH TOP AWARDS AND SINOIA IS THE BEST COACH

 ▪️Mozambique Boxing Federation President Gabriel Junior in cloud nine as he reaps the fruits of his labour in boxing development

World silver medallist Alcinda Dos Santos and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Tiago Muxanga have scooped top awards in the 50th National Sports Gala in Maputo this week.

Alcinda, the two-time Africa light-middleweight champion and silver medallist at the 2022 World Championships, was named the Best Female Athlete and Muxanga Best Male Athlete.

As if that was not enough, Lucas Sinoia went home with the Best Coach trophy for his tremendous contribution in honing the talents of Mozambique top boxers among them Alcinda, Muxanga and two-time Africa champion Rady Gramane who’s also a bronze medallist in the 2022 World Championships.

Mozambique Boxing Federation President Gabriel Junior was in cloud nine as he received the awards from Mozambican President Daniel Chapo.

“It was with joy that boxing was one of the most awarded sports of the night,” said an excited and jovial Gabriel Junior. He remarks, “This milestone marks seven years of a revolution in Mozambique boxing where the sport’s value and prestige have returned to their original form.

“The last seven years are undoubtedly the best ever for this sport, with international medals won, consecutive appearances in the Olympic Games, the best-ever ranking and other achievements,”he says.

Gabriel Junior’s latest project to Mozambican boxing development is the launch of a new round-robin competition format that will integrate junior and senior categories.

“It will be the most extensive competition ever and aims to bring a new dynamic to the sport,” Gabriel Junior told boxersworld.co.ke

BOTSWANA BOXING PRESIDENT TO INTRODUCE LEAGUE IN 2026

▪️ “Boxing league will improve the standard of our boxing because clubs will compete against each other with quality boxers”, says Thipe

The introduction of a national boxing league in Botswana next year, 2026, will open a new chapter in the development of the sport.

In an interview with boxersworld.co.ke, the President of Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA), Dirang Thipe said the objective of the league is to improve the standard of boxing in the Southern African country .

“The boxing league will improve our standard of our boxing because clubs will compete frequently against each other with quality boxers,” says Thipe himself a former international boxer.

“The league is part of what I had in my manifesto before our elections and that is the restoration of boxing,” says Thipe, adding: “The former President did not take control of his office and failed to update affiliates. Immediately you see an association lacking in competition know that something is wrong. Boxers must be constantly active and there has to be development from the grassroots.”

Thipe gets excited when talking about his plans to introduce the league.

“This league will be like diamond to the boxers,” he says, “they’ll enjoy it so will the fans, it will change the face of Botswana boxing completely.

What will be at stake in the Botswana National Boxing League?, I ask Thipe.

“There will be prize money if we get sponsors because in this era we must empower boxers financially not just giving them trophies. During the league boxers will get a little by way of Best Bout for men and women, and then at the end of the league is when all medal winners will enjoy.

“Already there are some good promises for sponsorship but I can’t name the sponsors now.

All eyes are now on Thipe whose journey as a teenage boy from Mmathubudukwane in Kgatleng District to the classrooms of Molefi Senior Secondary School in 1992 was not just about a change of environment, but a crucial moment in his life and a leap into the unknown, in a quest of a brighter future.

Leaving home at 17, saying goodbye to loved ones, he carried with him more than just his belongings, he also carried the hopes and expectations of those who believed in traditional paths of becoming a teacher, soldier, or nurse. Yet, the atmosphere in Mochudi and within the halls of Molefi Senior Secondary, would open doors to a world of new possibilities and forever reshape his destiny.

“During boxing training, I used to go and watch,” recalls Dirang Thipe, now the president of Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA). Gradually, I got more interested and eventually joined the school club,” he said.

Back then, while in Form 3, Thipe was under the mentorship of teacher Peter Mlewa. He describes how boxing was Mlewa’s passion, his breath, and purpose. By 1993, Molefi made history when its learners became national boxing champions. After finishing at Molefi, Thipe took a two-year break from the ring to serve in the Tirelo Setshaba programme, working as a teacher.

But even during this time, he did not let go of his dream. During school breaks, he continued to nurturing his talent and honing his skills. His journey took him to Botswana Diamond Valuing Company boxing club, now known as Diamond Trading Company Botswana.

His stay there was brief, however, as he soon found a new chapter with his current employer, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF). Today, Thipe is a librarian with BDF, but his true passion has always been boxing. He boasts 33 years of experience, starting as an amateur, rising to professional, coaching and serving in administrative roles and ascending to presidency. In our interview, Thipe keeps on highlighting how pivotal his employer has been in his boxing journey.

“In 1999, after training, I decided to go back to boxing,” he says. “One thing about BDF is that when they see potential in you, they give you an opportunity.”

He was appointed Glen Valley Boxing Club head coach from 2008 to 2010. In 2008 also, Thipe recalls being assigned to coach the Botswana youth boxing team that participated in South Africa, where eight boxers competed and secured five medals.

“From there, in 2009, I was promoted to the senior team, which took part in the Zone 4 Games in Swaziland. We sent 10 boxers and returned with 10 medals (nine gold and one silver), marking the best team we have ever had,” he explains.

In 2010, he was also elected BoBA vice president (technical). When his tenure ended, he returned to coaching at Glen Valley until mid-2013, when he was elected BoBA secretary general, a position he held until 2015. Throughout this period, whenever possible, he returned to coaching, resuming his role as head coach at Glen Valley for the next two years. In 2017, he was elected vice president of BoBA, once again halting his coaching career.

In 2020, SSKB, where he is currently based, appointed him as head coach, a role he held until August 9, when he was appointed p resident. With 15 years as a boxer (1992–2007), Thipe’s achievements include a bronze medal at the 1999 World Military Games in Croatia.

That same year, through dedication and hard work, he was called up to the national team, serving until 2006. His notable accomplishments include a bronze medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Championships in Manchester, gold at the 2002 African Military Games in Nairobi, reaching the quarter-finals at the 2003 Abuja All Africa Games, and a bronze medal at the 2004 Gaborone African Championships, narrowly missing Olympic qualification.

Just as a soldier fights tirelessly to defend and serve, Thipe’s extensive experience is reflected in his efforts to transform SSKB, which he joined with just four boxers, into a club boasting 11 female and 17 male boxers. He is committed to reviving boxing to its former glory during his four-year tenure as the president.

“As a product of school sport, I want to start at the grassroots, making sure clubs adopt schools at the same time reviving various categories from junior to elite tournaments, similar to the days of the Keone Mooka Mageu Championship,” he said.

A priority for Thipe is increasing the number of women boxers to match their male counterparts, with plans to host sparring sessions and women-only tournaments. Although financial challenges remain, he remains optimistic about securing sponsorships rather than relying solely on the Botswana National Sports Commission. He describes the BDF as his backbone and hopes for its continued support, whether through venues or other means.

A father of three, Thipe’s passion for boxing has also influenced all his children. His second born, Gift Thipe, represented Botswana at the 2019/20 Malawi Youth Games, showing the family’s dedication to the sport.

Additional reporting by DailyNews

Fans will not pay at the gates to make it possible for every Kenyan to watch the competition at Kasarani Indoor Arena

Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) President Anthony Otieno aka Jamal has flung open the gates for every Kenyan boxing fan to watch Africa Zone 3 Championships free of charge.

“We know times are hard financially for every Kenyan therefore we would hate to squeeze them further to pay at the gates,” Jamal told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

The tournament will take place from October 16-24 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya.

“We also want our jobless upcoming boxers in the estates to be Kasarani to learn a few tips, if we charge fans these young boxers will not have access to the venue,” said Jamal who appealed to Kenyans to attend the tournament in large numbers.

Jamal said arrangements are at an advanced stage and that it will be an elaborately organised tournament that will be remembered for a long time.

“We welcome our visitors from outside Kenya, let them enjoy the competition as well as sampling what Nairobi has to offer.”

For the diaspora boxing fans and those who will not be able to make it to Kasarani, you don’t need to worry. The event will be livestreamed from Kasarani every day with all bouts brought live to your phone.

Renowned Mauritian technical official Raj will be the Technical Director for the Nairobi event with Kenya’s Mwangi Muthoga and Cameroon’s Andre Basile Kalong among the International Technical Officials (ITO)

Star-2 Referees and Judges Leila Iddi and Hellen Wanjiku are on the verge of becoming the first ever Kenyan female Star-3 R&Js.

The two polished Kenyan women are among the R&Js earmarked to officiate at the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships from October 16-24 at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya.

In addition to officiating, they will also attend a Star-3 Certification Course to be held concurrently with the tournament.

Accomplished Mauritian technical official Godavarisingh Rajcoomar will conduct the R&J Star 1-3 Certification Courses at the same venue.

Raj will also be the Technical Director (TD) of the Zone 3 Championships. Among the ITO’s include Kenya’s longest-serving R&J Mwangi Muthoga and Cameroon’s former Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) Secretary-General Andre Basile Kalong.

Here is the list of technical officials for the Africa Zone 3 Championships:

Technical Director
1. Godavarisingh Rajcoomar 🇲🇺

ITO’s
1. DTD – Mohamed Braham 🇹🇳
2. SMO – Antoine Messina 🇨🇲
3. Dr – Julius Ogeto 🇰🇪
4. Joseph Muthoga 🇰🇪
5. Kalong Andre Basil 🇨🇲

R&J’s
1. Nelson Otieno 🇰🇪 3*
2. Edward Kibunja 🇰🇪 2*
3. Samuel Obiero 🇰🇪 3*
4. Danny Mkaima 🇹🇿 2*
5. Mafuru Mafuru 🇹🇿 1*
6. Jean Bouassa 🇬🇦 3*
7. Jean TchemuTchua 🇨🇲 2*
8. Abas Rudolf 🇺🇬 2*
9. Sylvain Nogoy Lokondola 🇨🇩 2*
10. Million Haile Sarera 🇪🇹 2*
11. Lone Wame Batsalelwang 🇧🇼 2*
12. Trefina Shivolo 🇳🇦 1*

Other R&Js from Kenya
13. Steve Ndun’gu 🇰🇪 2*
14. Hellen Wanjiku 🇰🇪 2*
15. Leila Iddi 🇰🇪 2*
16. David Opiyo🇰🇪

GUNS UNCORKED, WAR IS INEVITABLE AS 22 INTERNATIONAL BOXERS LEAD KENYA’S ONSLAUGHT

▪️ Three of them Liz Andiego, Lorna Kusa and Shaffi Bakari are the longest-serving national team members armed with wealth of experience to destroy the enemy

▪️ Finals brought forward to Friday, October 24 owing to unavoidable circumstances

The die is cast. Guns have been uncorked. War looms large as Kenyan boxers dig trenches in readiness for a fierce exchange of fire. There’s no retreat no surrender until they emerge victorious.

National team head coach Musa Benjamin has named 35 boxers – 23 men and 12 women – to trade leather in the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships whose finals will now take place on Friday, October 24 and not Saturday, October 25 because the Kasarani Indoor Arena had been booked for another function.

For the avid boxing fans and sports followers in general, your “Members Day” on October 24 starts at Kasarani to cheer the boxers to victory before you engage in throat irrigation.

To inspire these sons and daughters of Kenya who will shed blood, sustain cuts and bruises fighting for their nation, incentives such as the ones offered to the Kenyan footballers in the CHAN Championships will be a big morale booster. In any case boxing is Kenya’s most successful sport after athletics at the big stage with seven Olympic medals in the bag.

The Kenyan boxers have proved their might in the Zone 3 tournament first held in 2019 in Gabon.

In the second edition held in 2021 in Kinshasa, Kenya amassed 13 medals – one gold by heavyweight Elly Ajowi, five silver and seven bronze medals.

The third edition of Zone 3 Championships in 2022 – again held in Kinshasa – saw the Kenyan boxers firing in all cylinders winning a record 18 medals – six gold, five silver and seven bronzes to make a big statement on their intention to emulate the legendary boxers of yesteryear.

What was more inspiring in the remarkable success in Kinshasa is that three boxers inscribed their names in the annals of Kenya’s boxing history by winning the first ever gold medals by female pugilists at a major international tournament.

Light-welterweight Teresiah Wanjiru, welterweight Everline Akinyi and the doyen of female boxing in East Africa Liz Andiego won the three gold medals with flyweight David Karanja, bantamweight Shaffi Bakari and featherweight Samuel Njau winning the other three gold medals.

The evergreen Andiego, who is the captain of Kenya’s team, is at it again leading from the front among the 22 internationals and 13 debutants in the Kenya team.

Andiego, unbeaten locally for 15 years with a total of seven medals she has won for Kenya, is one of the three longest-serving internationals in the Zone 3 team. The others are light-heavyweight Lorna Kusa and Mombasa-bred Shaffi Bakari who made his international debut at the 2017 African Men’s and Women’s Championships in Congo Brazzaville winning a bronze medal.

This is Shaffi’s eighth year in the national team while warhorse Andiego and Kusa made their international debut in the 2010 Women’s World Championships in Barbados.

They bring on board a wealth of experience and knowledge to inspire their comrades successfully tackle their opponents in what promises to be a keenly contested boxing tournament.

Twelve countries among them defending champions DR Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Ethiopia, Gabon and Central African Republic have confirmed participation.

In addition to Liz Andiego, Lorna Kusa and Shaffi Bakari, the other international boxers in the Kenya team are minimumweights Silas Onyango and Africa Championships bronze medallist Abednego Kyalo, lightweight Ethan Maina, light-welterweight Aloice Vincent, welterweight Joseph Shigali, reigning Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde, African Games middleweight gold medallist Edwin Okong’o, 2019 African Games bronze medallist Cosby Ouma, light-heavyweight Humphrey “Jakababa” Ochieng, cruiserweight Chris Ochanda, heavyweight Peter “The Beast” Abuti, African Championships silver medallist Clinton Macharia, light-flyweight Lencer Akinyi, flyweights, African Military Games silver medallist Veronica “Pioneer’ Mbithe and Faith Nafuna, African Games bantamweight bronze medallist Amina Martha Faki, lightweight Emily “Ring Princess” Juma, light-welterweight Cynthia Mwai and welterweight Friza Anyango.

The 13 boxers making their debut for the national team include lightweight Sylvia Obwamu who was erroneously omitted in the earlier list. African Military Games flyweight champion Kelvin Maina and lightweight Washington Wandera are not new to big-time boxing having fought for KDF in several international tournaments including the 2021 World Military Games in Russia and inter-cities tournaments. Others making their debut for the national team are minimumweight Jane Wangare, bantamweight Sheila Auma, flyweight Diouf Muimi, bantamweight Emmanuel Chondo, featherweights Mwinyi Kombo and Paul Omondi, light-welterweight Caleb Wandera, welterweight Wiseman Kavondo, light-middleweight Alvin Oduor and heavyweight John Oyugi.

Head coach Musa Benjamin, his deputy David Munuhe and John Waweru have been with the national team since 2019, and as former boxers know the pain of a punch. So are the trainers John “Chea Omondi, Julius Theuri and James Wasao, the latter two being former internationals with Wasao winning a gold medal and captaining Kenya’s team to victory in the 2005 Zone Five Championships held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

The 35 boxers to represent Kenya in the Africa Zone 3 Championships

MEN

Minimumweight(48kg)

Silas Onyango Abednego kyalo

Flyweight(51kg)

Diouf Muimi

Kelvin Maina

Bantamweight(54kg)

Shaffi Bakari Emmanuel Chondo

Featherweight(57kg)

Paul Omondi Mwinyi Kombo

Lightweight(60kg)

Washington Wandera

Ethan Maina

Light-welterweight(63.5kg)

Aloice Vincent Caleb Wandera

Welterweight (67kg)

Joseph Shighali Wiseman Kavondo

Light-middleweight(71kg)

Boniface Mogunde

Alvin Oduor

Middleweight(75kg)

Edwin Okon’go

Cosby Ouma

Light-heavyweight (80kg)

Humphrey Ochieng

Cruiserweight(86kg)

Chris Ochanda

Heavyweight (92kg)

Peter Abuti

John Oyugi

Super-heavyweight (92+)

Clinton Macharia

WOMEN

Minimumweight (48kg)

Jane Wangari

Light-flyweight(50kg)

Lencer Akinyi

Flyweight (52Kg)

Veronica Mbithe

Faith Nafuna

Bantamweight (54kg)

Amina Martha

Sheila Auma

Lightweight (60kg)

Emilly Juma

Sylvia Obwamu

Light-welterweight(63.5kg)

Cynthia Mwai

Welterweight(66kg)

Friza Anyango

Middleweight (75 kg)

Liz Andiego

Light-heavyweight (81kg)

Lorna Kusa

COACHES

Benjamin Musa

David Munuhe

John Waweru

TRAINERS

Julius Theuri

John ‘Chea’ Omondi

James Wasao

DOCTOR

Dr.Julius Ogeto

PHYSIOS

Sospeter Kinuthia

Justus Mutinda Kyalo

Photo designs by Duncan Kuria aka Sugar Ray

Breaking news:

Twelve of the boxers including African Military Games champion Kelvin Maina, Diouf Muimi, Mwinyi Kombo and Caleb Wandera will be making their international debuts

Kenya’s national team head coach Musa Benjamin has selected 34 boxers – 23 men and 11 women – to represent Kenya’s team nicknamed Hit Squad in Africa Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi from October 16-25.

Missing in action are two-times Africa Championships light-heavyweight bronze medallist Robert Okaka aka Man Man Ngori and Africa Military Games bantamweight champion Dennis Muthama. The two KDF soldiers will not be at Kasarani Indoor Arena because they’re currently committed at work.

As hosts Kenya should have paraded 50 boxers of two teams each – 26 men and 24 women – in men and women but owing to lack of depth in women’s boxing and men’s heavier weights in particular head coach Musa had to settle for 34 boxers but more might be brought on board later because the train has not yet left the station.

“I’m the happiest coach today seeing new boys and girls in the team getting an opportunity to represent the national team,” said Musa, adding: “We’re still in consultation on the possibility of adding more boxers, irrespective of the results my joy is to see more boxers fulfilling their dreams of representing the national team.”

Twelve boxers – 10 men and two women – will make their international debuts.

They are flyweight Diouf Muimi, Africa Military Games champion Kelvin Maina, bantamweight Emmanuel Chondo, featherweights Paul Omondi, Mwinyi Kombo, lightweight Washington Wandera, light-welterweight Caleb Wandera, welterweight Wiseman Kavondo, light-middleweight Alvin Oduor and heavyweight John Oyugi. The two women’s debutants are minimumweight Jane Wangare and bantamweight Sheila Auma.

Back in the team is Lorna Kusa, a silver medallist at the 2022 Zone 3 Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo. She has moved up to light-heavyweight with team captain Liz Andiego dropping to middleweight. Kusa and Andiego are the longest-serving members in the Zone 3 team having first represented the national women’s team in the 2010 Women’s World Championships in Barbados with Kusa at featherweight and Andiego middleweight.

Here is the team of 34 boxers, coaches, trainers, physios and doctor:

*MEN*

*Minimumweight* (48kg)

Silas Onyango Abednego Kyalo

*Flyweight* (51kg)

Diouf Muimi
Kelvin Maina

*Bantamweight* (54kg)

Shaffi Bakari Emmanuel Chondo

*Featherweight* (57kg)

Paul Omondi Mwinyi Kombo

*Lightweight* (60kg)

Washington Wandera
Ethan Maina

*Light-welterweight* (63.5kg)

Aloice Vincent Caleb Wandera

*Welterweight* (67kg)

Joseph Shighali Wiseman Kavondo

*Light-middleweight* (71kg)
Bonny Mogunde
Alvin Oduor

*Middleweight* (75kg)

Edwin Okon’go
Cosby Ouma

*Light-heavyweight* (80kg)

Humphrey Ochieng

*Cruiserweight* (86kg)

Chris Ochanda

*Heavyweight* (92kg)

Peter Abuti
John Oyugi

*Super-heavyweight* (92+)

Clinton Macharia

*WOMEN*

*Minimumweight* (48kg)

Jane Wangari

*Light-flyweight* (50kg)

Lencer Akinyi

*Flyweight* (52Kg)

Veronica Mbithe
Faith Nafuna

*Bantamweight* (54kg)

Amina Martha
Sheila Auma

*Lightweight* (60kg)

Emilly Juma

*Light-welterweight* (63.5kg)

Cynthia Mwai

*Welterweight* ( 66kg)

Friza Anyango

*Middleweight* (75 kg)

Liz Andiego

*Light-heavyweight* (81kg)

Lorna Kusa

*COACHES*

Benjamin Musa
David Munuhe
John Waweru

*TRAINERS*

Julius Theuri
John ‘Chea’ Omondi
James Wasao

*DOCTOR*

Dr.Julius Ogeto

*PHYSIOS*

Sospeter Kinuthia
Justus Mutinda Kyalo

October 7, 2025 / IBA

Saint Petersburg super-lightweight prospect Tamerlan Ozdoev (3-0, 1 KO) edged the game Tanzanian Juma Kijo (7-2, 3 KOs) via six round unanimous decision.

Karina Tazabekova (6-0, 1 KO) outpointed Zambia’s Lina Kasweka (9-3, 4 KOs) in their six round super-bantamweight bout.

Meanwhile, Murad Khalidov scored a stunning seventh round knockout of Sergey Kuzmin in their eagerly-anticipated heavyweight grudge match at BETCITY IBA Pro 10 in Saint Petersburg.

In a bruising, back-and-forth contest that saw both men land heavy blows from the opening bell, it was Dagestani destroyer Khalidov (11-0, 6 KOs) who was the last man standing, becoming the first man to stop the experienced Kuzmin (19-3, 14 KOs) after a brutal onslaught left the local favourite flat on his back in seven.

Following weeks of tense verbal sparring, both men delivered on the significant pre-fight hype, delivering one of the standout battles of the year in-front of a packed crowd at KSK Arena.

A fast start from bare knuckle star Khalidov saw him snap the head of Kuzmin back with a series of well-placed uppercuts, however, Kuzmin would respond with his educated left-jab in an attempt to keep his opponent at bay.

However, Khalidov would continue to march forward, applying pressure to Kuzmin and breaking him down to head and body with thudding combination punching.

As the bout headed towards a tense finale, the Budennovsk bruiser would take the contest out of the judges hands by unleashing a succession of unanswered shots that sent Kuzmin reeling on to the ropes. A crunching left-hook to the head would see Kuzmin crumble to the canvas, with the referee waving the fight off and awarding Khalidov the biggest win of his storied career.

Now unbeaten in eleven, Khalidov wasted little time in calling for a match-up against Uzbek star Bakhodir Jalolov, who also claimed victory on the undercard.

“I want to fight Bakhodir Jalolov next,” said Khalidov after his explosive knockout victory.