▪️Brilliant Kenyan boxers displayed a splendid show in the BFK Nairobi County Schools, Junior and Youth tournament but lack of clear pathway at the regional and continental level stifles their growth
▪️Sensational Ellah Demesi maintains unbeaten streak over Kibra Youth clubmate Anastacia Mutindi

August 16, 2026

Kenyan youngsters displayed impressive boxing at the BFK Nairobi County schools, junior, and youth tournament finals on August 15, 2026 with Senegal-bound Ellah Demesi maintaining her rise to the top.

The four-day event, held at the Umoja One Boxing and Arts Club, proved that the country’s grassroots initiative Ndondi Mashinani is thriving.

However, beneath the celebratory cheers lies a sobering reality: these young fighters face a dead-end pathway due to a critical lack of regular continental junior and youth tournaments across Africa. It’s the same situation at the regional level.

The highlight of the day belonged to the sensational youth international southpaw, Ellah Demesi who is among the African boxers to feature in the Olympic Youth Games later this year in Dakar, Senegal. Demesi scored her fourth consecutive victory over her Kibra Youth Club teammate, Anastacia Mutindi, in a thrilling light-flyweight bout.

“I didn’t box well today but I accept defeat, it’s part of my growth,” Anastacia told boxersworld.co.ke

She put up a commendable performance but her lower work rate contributed to the defeat against the sharper and busier Demesi who scored more often than her teammate.

Not to be outshone by her elder sister Demesi, Ramsey Wahu outpointed Slay Jafaro of Kangemi in the 38-41kg category. Ramsey is the one who introduced Demesi to boxing when she convinced her to accompany him to watch a local event Kibra and from that day Demesi was hooked to boxing.

In other highlights, a thrilling bantamweight encounter saw Kasarani Youth’s Eugene Njoroge outpoint southpaw Douglas Omondi of Kibra Youth Club. The latter fought with an injured left hand. It was Njoroge’s second victory over Omondi.

“I’ll beat him again if we meet in our third fight,” boasted Njoroge to the amazement of Kasarani Youth Club coach Benjamin Musyoka, one of Kenya’s top grassroots coaches, producing international boxing brothers, Benedict and Chris Juma.

Good Shepherd of Thailand Club maintained his ascendancy with a perfect points win over Victor Mwangi of Kasarani Youth in the minimumweight class.

A form three student at Clay City Mixed Secondary School, Good Shepherd dominated his opponent for the better part of the fight with accurate jabs and timely combinations.

“I’m happy taking part in this tournament again to gauge my performance,” said Good Shepherd. He’s eyeing a job in KDF or Kenya Police on completion of his studies, and intends to improve on his boxing further by taking part in the Nairobi league.

Talented junior Kallah Said Abdullah aka Gaddafi of Mathare North was unlucky this time, injuring his thumb in the second round against points victor Gedion Ekal of Kasarani Youth in the 31kg weight class.

“I’ll come back stronger in the next tournament,” said a confident Kallah who is known for his effective right uppercut delivered with clinical accuracy.

Sanchez Maina of Kibra Youth was not impressed with the officiating in his fight against Floyd Kimani of Mathare North.

“He started crying in the third round because he was bleeding from the nose, that’s why they gave him the fight,” Maina told boxersworld.co.ke

However, Kimani disputed Maina’s complaint, arguing that despite the fact that the fight was stopped in the third round he was leading on points.

Kimani is right. That’s exactly what happened. He was ahead on points.

Thailand’s Cynthia Waringa outpointed clubmate Tamasha Wanjiru who was taking part in her first competitive event.

Head coach of Thailand Githurai John Ochieng aka Chea was impressed by Wanjiru’s debut performance.

“She proved herself today. I’m happy because convincing girls to join boxing is not easy. Wanjiru will improve with time,” said Ochieng.

Ochieng and fellow coaches including Edward Ogweno aka Dimbuts of Kibra Youth, Kasarani Youth’s Benjamin Musyoka, Raphael Kamuya aka Kamwana of Mbotela BC, Mike Mungai of Umoja BC, former international Maurice “Kawata” Maina and Sospeter Sosman were all unanimous: talent abounds in Kenya boxing following the impressive show of the youngsters drawn from various clubs in Nairobi popularly referred to as the Mecca of boxing in Kenya.

Yet, beneath the cheers and the flashing gloves lies a burning question for the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) and their talent-scouting Ndondi Mashinani initiative: Where do these youngsters go next?

While Europe, Asia, and the Americas boast packed calendars for school-age fighters, African boxing remains in a deep sleep. There is currently no official continental junior tournament. The African Youth Championships are a rare treat, held in Guinea in 2025 only after a long, frustrating pause.

Even regional tournaments are non-existent. For most of these kids, this annual event followed by the national junior and youth tournament in December have become an annual ritual. There is no pathway to regional and continental level.

Encouragingly however, in 2025, the inaugural African School Games took place from July 26 to August 5, 2025, in Annaba, Algeria. Organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), the historic event brought together nearly 2,700 young student-athletes from over 50 countries to compete in multiple developmental sports disciplines, including boxing, to foster grassroots continental talent.

It will be interesting to see whether ANOCA will maintain the African School Games.

Otherwise, the boxing future for African junior and youth boxers remains foggy with no clearcut pathway to regional and continental glory. Only a lucky few survive the drought to join Kenya’s elite national team, the Hit Squad and recruited by KDF, Police and Prisons. Others simply hang up their gloves, their potential wasted. They opt to continue with their education.

Kenya’s national team head coach Musa Benjamin watched the bouts at Umoja from the ringside, his pride mixed with deep frustration.

“We would love to see these boxers qualify to represent Kenya in the Africa Junior and Youth Championships, but those tournaments just do not exist,” Benjamin told boxersworld.co.ke.

“It is heartbreaking when you look at the packed tournament schedules for kids in Asia and Europe.

The Kenyan head coach blames the crisis on lazy leadership, financial constraints, infighting and lack of ambition among African boxing officials to improve the plight of the boxers. Musa accused some leaders of caring more about their own titles than the fighters themselves. His assertion is lent credence by the deplorable issues discussed in some Africa Whatsapp boxing forums which hardly focus on important continental boxing development except talking about leadership titles and petty squabbles.

Musa said Kenya even tried to spark local competition by reviving the historic Urafiki Cup (formerly Millington Drake Trophy and later Brunner’s/Urafiki) with Uganda and launching an East African schools, junior and youth boxing tournament. Both ideas died due to a total lack of interest from neighbouring countries.

“We have a very long way to go in Africa,” Benjamin admitted, urging African federations to introduce more inter-club and inter-country contests in their regions.

To keep his young fighters from rusting, the head coach hinted at a backup plan: a fresh dual-meet tournament between Nairobi and Nakuru counties.

“Without it, these bright young stars will have nothing left to fight for until the national championships in December,” said Musa, his sentiments exposing lack of a structured boxing programme in Africa. Coupled with financial constraints facing most African countries, regular continental and regional boxing for elite and the young boxers – for now – remains a pipedream.

Bizhamov captures IBF European title as Asadullaev halts Lubkovich streak at IBA.PRO 20

August 16, 2026

Djambulat Bizhamov (RUS) claimed the vacant IBF European super-middleweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Vladimir Mironchikov (SRB) in the headline bout of IBA.PRO 20 in Naberezhnye Chelny on 14 August.

The 20th edition of IBA.PRO produced several significant results across an action-packed eight-bout card. Khavasbek Asadullaev (UZB) handed Sergey Lubkovich (RUS) the first defeat of his professional career, while Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov (UZB), Mikhail Grigoryan (RUS), and Ruslan Selimyan (RUS) all secured IBF titles.

Bizhamov outboxes Mironchikov in clash of unbeatens

The main event brought together two undefeated fighters with extensive international experience, and the contrast in styles was evident from the opening bell. Mironchikov took the front foot and pressed the action, while 2025 IBA world champion Bizhamov controlled the distance, drawing his opponent in before answering with sharp counters.

Mironchikov found success in the third round after increasing his body work and landing combinations at close range. As the bout progressed, however, Bizhamov created more space, making the Serbian fall short and punishing the misses with crisp counters.

By the sixth round, Bizhamov had found his rhythm. His lateral movement and sharp defence increasingly frustrated Mironchikov, who continued to search for openings on the inside.

Mironchikov mounted a spirited final attack in the tenth, but Bizhamov remained composed behind his guard until the final bell.

All three judges awarded Bizhamov the contest, with scores of 97-93, 96-94, and 96-94. The victory extended his professional record to 4-0 and secured the IBF European super-middleweight crown.

Asadullaev ends Lubkovich’s 22-fight unbeaten run

One of the standout results of the night came at welterweight, where Asadullaev brought an end to Lubkovich’s 22-fight unbeaten run.

The contest developed into an enthralling tactical clash. Asadullaev pressed relentlessly to close the distance behind hooks and combinations, while Lubkovich relied on movement, timing, and counter-punching.

Lubkovich had his moments when able to complete his attacks and reset into space, but Asadullaev grew increasingly dangerous whenever he trapped the Russian within range.

The Uzbek found significant success to the body in the seventh round and stepped up his output in the eighth as the contest remained competitive down the stretch.

Asadullaev’s relentless pressure ultimately swayed the judges. He earned a unanimous decision (98-92, 97-93, 96-94) to remain undefeated, handing Lubkovich the first loss of his professional career.

Mirzakhalilov forces stoppage against Natyrov

Mirzakhalilov produced the only stoppage of the evening against previously unbeaten Chingiz Natyrov (RUS) to capture the vacant IBF European super-bantamweight title.

After a competitive opening round, the 2019 IBA world champion took firm control in the second. Mirzakhalilov dialled up the pressure, landing heavy body shots and repeatedly finding the target with sharp uppercuts.

His dominance grew through the fourth round as he landed sustained combinations against Natyrov, who was visibly hampered by damage to his left eye.

Natyrov’s corner decided against sending him out for the fifth round, handing Mirzakhalilov an impressive RTD stoppage victory and the IBF European belt.

Grigoryan reaches 10-0 and secures IBF Youth crown

Mikhail Grigoryan (RUS) delivered on his pre-fight promise, moving to 10-0 with a composed performance against Uganda’s Henry Oteba.

Operating from his southpaw stance, Grigoryan established his range early and used his hand speed to dictate the exchanges. He regularly drew Oteba forward before countering cleanly to the head and body.

Oteba remained disciplined behind a high guard, preventing Grigoryan from securing a stoppage, but the Russian upped his work rate in the championship rounds to seal a comfortable unanimous decision over ten rounds for the IBF Youth lightweight title.

Selimyan stays perfect

Ruslan Selimyan (RUS) also preserved his unblemished record with a unanimous decision victory over Ivan Kambagire (UGA).

Selimyan controlled the contest with sustained front-foot pressure and heavy body work, while Kambagire operated primarily on the defensive. Although the Ugandan found occasional success on the counter late on, Selimyan’s volume proved decisive as he captured the IBF Youth welterweight title.

Mamasoliev, Abdullin and Sergeev secure decision wins

Khalimjon Mamasoliev (UZB) opened the night with a unanimous decision over the durable German Skobenko (RUS), controlling the tempo with clean combinations throughout.

Unbeaten Amin Abdullin (RUS) defeated Adilet Kurmetov (KAZ) on points over six rounds, using his jab and superior footwork to build an early lead that withstood a late push from Kurmetov.

The event also delivered a memorable homecoming for Sergey Sergeev (RUS). Competing professionally in Naberezhnye Chelny for the first time, the 2024 BRICS Games gold medallist and 2026 Russian Cup winner defeated Nekruz Salimov (TJK) by unanimous decision to move to 3-0 and lift the Naberezhnye Chelny Mayor’s Cup.

Reflecting on the milestone tournament, IBA CEO and Secretary General Chris Roberts OBE praised the quality of competition on display:

“IBA.PRO 20 was a fantastic showcase of world-class professional boxing, delivering incredible drama and elite performances across the card. Staging our 20th edition here in Naberezhnye Chelny highlights the tremendous momentum of the IBA.PRO series, which continues to provide athletes with a competitive global platform to showcase their talent and fight for major international titles.”

IBA.PRO 20 Full Results

Djambulat Bizhamov (RUS) def. Vladimir Mironchikov (SRB) via unanimous decision (97-93, 96-94, 96-94) — IBF European super-middleweight title

Khavasbek Asadullaev (UZB) def. Sergey Lubkovich (RUS) via unanimous decision (98-92, 97-93, 96-94)

Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov (UZB) def. Chingiz Natyrov (RUS) via RTD (R4, 3:00) — IBF European super-bantamweight title

Mikhail Grigoryan (RUS) def. Henry Oteba (UGA) via unanimous decision — IBF Youth lightweight title

Ruslan Selimyan (RUS) def. Ivan Kambagire (UGA) via unanimous decision — IBF Youth welterweight title

Amin Abdullin (RUS) def. Adilet Kurmetov (KAZ) via unanimous decision

Khalimjon Mamasoliev (UZB) def. German Skobenko (RUS) via unanimous decision

Sergey Sergeev (RUS) def. Nekruz Salimov (TJK) via unanimous decision — Naberezhnye Chelny Mayor’s Cup

The full eight-bout card has been confirmed for International Boxing Day, which will bring three days of boxing activities to Astana, Kazakhstan, culminating in fight night at the Zh. Ushkempirov Palace of Martial Arts on 28 August.

August 16, 2026

Organised by the International Boxing Association (IBA) and NOMAD, the card features five professional boxing contests and three IBA NOMAD bouts in MMA gloves, showcasing a mix of local stars and international talent, including world champions.

Two-time IBA world champion Sanzhar Tashkenbay (KAZ) will headline the night as he makes his professional debut against Neel Jacamos (PHI), with the IBF Asia flyweight title at stake.

Tashkenbay has already established himself among the leading boxers of his generation, winning IBA World Championships gold in 2023 and 2025 as well as the Asian title in 2022. He will now begin the next stage of his career with a ten-round championship contest on home soil. Jacamos arrives from the Philippines having previously competed for the Philippine Youth light flyweight title.

The co-main event will feature a championship rematch between IBA NOMAD bantamweight champion Aidos “Alim” Japparbergenov (KAZ) and former champion Almaz Nurgali (KAZ). Their first meeting ended in a draw, leaving the rivalry unresolved and setting up a second five-round encounter in Astana.

Two-time IBA World Champion and Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Saken Bibossinov (KAZ) will also feature on the card. The Kazakh boxer is set for an eight-round professional contest against experienced Namibian Immanuel Josef (NAM), who has competed for regional WBA and WBO titles during his professional career.

Another international eight-round contest will see unbeaten Vadim Tukov (RUS) face Eddy Colmenares (VEN). Tukov holds the WBA Gold title, while Colmenares has previously won the WBA Fedelatin and WBC Latino titles.

Unbeaten Vasile Cebotari (MDA) will put his perfect 19-0 professional record on the line against Jose Miguel Borrego (MEX). Cebotari, a European U22 Champion, European Championships bronze medallist, and former WBC Youth Champion, faces an experienced Mexican opponent who holds the IBA Americas title and is a five-time Mexican amateur champion.

Yerkebulan Toktar (KAZ) will take on Bobirzhon Isroilov (UZB) over four rounds. Isroilov brings extensive combat sports experience to the contest as a Muay Thai World Champion with a 47-3 record, alongside an unbeaten start to his professional boxing career.

Three contests will take place under the IBA NOMAD format in MMA gloves. Alongside the Japparbergenov-Nurgali title rematch, Kanat Kulmagambetov (KAZ) will meet Timur Abdurakhmanov (RUS), while Ruslan Madiev (KAZ) faces Imran Agaev (KAZ). Both bouts are scheduled for three rounds.

International Boxing Day fight card
Professional boxing

Sanzhar Tashkenbay (KAZ) vs Neel Jacamos (PHI) — 10 rounds, IBF Asia flyweight title
Saken Bibossinov (KAZ) vs Immanuel Josef (NAM) — 8 rounds
Vadim Tukov (RUS) vs Eddy Colmenares (VEN) — 8 rounds
Vasile Cebotari (MDA) vs Jose Miguel Borrego (MEX) — 8 rounds
Yerkebulan Toktar (KAZ) vs Bobirzhon Isroilov (UZB) — 4 rounds
IBA NOMAD (MMA gloves)

Aidos “Alim” Japparbergenov (KAZ) vs Almaz Nurgali (KAZ) — 5 rounds, IBA NOMAD bantamweight title
Kanat Kulmagambetov (KAZ) vs Timur Abdurakhmanov (RUS) — 3 rounds
Ruslan Madiev (KAZ) vs Imran Agaev (KAZ) — 3 rounds
Fight night will be the culmination of a three-day International Boxing Day programme in Astana.

An open workout will take place at Khan Shatyr on 26 August. The celebrations will continue on 27 August with a boxing festival featuring the official weigh-in, face-offs, a press conference, fan activities, and an entertainment programme. The eight-bout card will then take place at the Zh. Ushkempirov Palace of Martial Arts on 28 August.

Tickets are available through Ticketon.kz.
Media accreditation for International Boxing Day is open until 20 August.

▪️More than just a local trophy, this fierce rivalry highlights the incredible explosion of talent in Kenya women’s boxing

August 14, 2026

The ring at the Umoja One Boxing and Arts Gym is about to spark with absolute electricity this Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Two of Kibra Youth Boxing Club’s brightest teenage stars, Ellah Demesi and Anastacia Mutindi, are locking horns for the fourth time. Their light-flyweight bout is one of the highlights at the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) Schools, Junior, and Youth Championships finals in Nairobi.

More than just a local trophy, this fierce rivalry highlights the incredible explosion of talent in Kenyan women’s boxing.

Ellah Demesi, a brilliant southpaw (left-handed) fighter from Shadrack Kimalel School holds a 3-0 lead in their head-to-head rivalry.

Anastacia Mutindi is relentless, hard-working warrior who is knocking loudly on the door of Kenya’s elite national team, the Hit Squad. Both have now graduated to the youth level (17-18 yrs) from juniors.

Demesi enters the ring with the calm confidence of a global traveller. Since making her international debut at the 2025 Africa Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, she has grown into a mature, tactical boxer. High-level experience at the World U-19 Championships in Bangkok further sharpened her skills. Now, she looks to use those international tools to protect her undefeated streak against her club rival.

This fight is a crucial stepping stone as she aims to represent Kenya at the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

Mutindi, a student at St Joseph Tuk Jowi Girls Secondary Schools in Migori County, on the other hand, is fueled by pure hunger and determination. While she has earned national team call-up, she is still waiting to make her official international debut. Known for her incredible work ethic, Mutindi views this fourth meeting as the perfect chance to finally break the spell, shock the favorite, and prove she too belongs on the biggest stage.

This bout is more than just a personal grudge match. It represents the exciting future of women’s sports in Kenya. Watching two highly skilled teenagers from Kibra dominate the main event shows that the next generation of female boxers is ready to take over the world. Expect fireworks, clever footwork, and non-stop action from the opening bell to the final referee decision.

At the ringside will be their coach and founder of Kibra Youth Edward Ogweno aka Mbutamtu aka Dimbuts. Ogweno has curved a niche for himself as one Kenya’s most successful grassroots coaches, boasting four internationals in Demesi, Africa Zone 3 featherweight bronze medallist Paul Omondi, Phelix Ochieng and African Youth Games bronze medallist Clinton “Canelo” Omondi.

“I’m very proud of my girls. They’re all hard working and self-driven talented stylish boxers,” Ogweno told boxersworld.co.ke

▪️Saulo was in the crack team of Undugu St Teresa’s Boxing Club that rocked Kenya’s boxing scene in the 1980s under coach Joseph Onyango

August 13, 2026

Former Kenyan international boxer Saulo Odhiambo aka Soli has passed away at the age of 70.

He died on Tuesday night, August 12, 2026, at his home in Migori County. His fifth-born son, Santos, confirmed the sad news to boxersworld.co.ke

Santos shared that his father had been battling diabetes and dementia. The illness had worsened to the point where the boxing legend struggled to recognize his own children.

Saulo was married to Monica Auma. Together, they had seven children, including six boys and one girl. Santos is one of the triplets, others are Pharaoh and Hagler, named after the famous USA boxer Marvin Hagler. The first born is Kenas Ochiri followed by Caesar Mchongwe, triplets Hagler Onguka, Pharaoh Ajwang and Santos Ombwera, Hayes Omotto and the only girl Christabel Odhiambo. The eighth one Ntessah Bantu passed on.

The family grew up in Nairobi’s Jericho Estate. Their home was right next to Camp Toyoyo, a very famous sports ground in the area.

Before moving to Migori County later in life, Saulo spent his time helping local youth. He worked alongside coaches Nixon Bisto and Elijah Mringie to train upcoming fighters at the Jericho Boxing Club.

Saulo was a star fighter for the famous Undugu St. Teresa’s Boxing Club. When the Kenya National Boxing League started in 1981, Undugu was a “hard nut to crack” because their team was so talented.

At Undugu, or Senti if you like, Saulo fought alongside other legendary Kenyan names including: Kenneth “Valdez” Ochieng and his younger brother now based in the USA Chris “Bingwa” Sande, Joseph “Bazooka” Mwema, Washington Odhiambo (now living in the USA as Shabaan Ogolla), Musa Benjamin (the current head coach of Kenya’s national team, the “Hit Squad”), Joram “Hercules” Apudo, Peter “Rapid” Njunge (now living in Germany), Absalom “Diblo” Okinyi, his younger brother Nick “Commander” Okoth and their cousin Edwin Okong’o and Athanus Nzau.

In 1981, during one of the first-ever league matches, Undugu crushed Mombasa’s Bamburi club 9-2. In that event, Saulo won his lightweight bout outpointing Yusuf Saidi. Bamburi’s only two winners were Mbugua Wanyoike and Chadwick Agenga formerly known as Raphael Stingo.

Saulo started boxing for Kenya’s national team in 1980. After winning the Kenya Open lightweight title at the Tusker Village Hall, he was selected for an elite national team tour of London at the end of 1980.

He later joined Kimbo boxing team, where he played a major role under team manager Ephraim Amboye. The family has stated that burial arrangements will be announced in the coming days. Saulo celebrated his 70th birthday on May 10, 2026.

▪️Jamal plans to stage the first ever Boxing Federation of Kenya women’s-only boxing tournament

August 13, 2026

“We must do more to create opportunities for women in boxing” says Boxing Federation of Kenya President Anthony “Jamal” Otieno.

Jamal strongly believes the future of Kenyan boxing cannot be complete if women are left behind.

At the recent Robert Wangila Memorial Boxing Championship, Jamal demonstrated once again that his vision for boxing goes beyond medals, rankings and championships. His commitment to spending time with boxers and engaging with the boxing family also highlighted an important issue — the need to deliberately expand and strengthen women’s participation in the sport.

For many years, women have demonstrated that they possess the talent, courage, discipline and determination required to excel in boxing.

What they need is opportunity.

What they need is exposure.

What they need is structured development.

What they need is investment.

And most importantly, they need leaders who believe in them.

Boxing is not a sport reserved for men only.

The modern boxing landscape has already demonstrated that women can compete at the highest level and produce outstanding performances.

From the grassroots gym to the national team, women boxers have repeatedly shown that they can train hard, compete fiercely and represent their clubs, counties and country with distinction.

But talent alone is not enough.

Talent requires an environment where it can grow.

A young girl who walks into a boxing gym for the first time should be able to look around and see other women succeeding.

She should be able to identify role models.

She should have access to competent coaching.

She should have opportunities to compete.

She should feel safe and respected.

She should be encouraged to dream.

And she should be told:

“You belong here.”

That is the kind of environment Kenya must continue building.

Jamal has made it clear that women’s involvement in boxing deserves greater attention.

This is not simply about increasing the number of women who participate in competitions.

It is about creating a complete pathway for women throughout the boxing ecosystem.

Women should be athletes.

Women should be coaches.

Women should be referees and judges.

Women should be administrators.

Women should be technical officials.

Women should be team managers.

Women should be sports leaders.

Women should be mentors.

Women should have a voice in shaping the future of boxing.

A truly progressive boxing structure must give women opportunities not only to participate, but also to lead.

The transformation must begin at grassroots level.

The boxing clubs are where the future starts.

A young girl from Kariobangi, Dandora, Mathare, Huruma, Ongata Rongai, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru or any other part of Kenya should have an opportunity to walk into a boxing gym and discover her potential.

She should not be told that boxing is “for boys.”

Instead, she should be encouraged to train.

She should be given equipment.

She should receive proper coaching.

She should be given competitive opportunities.

And when she loses, she should be encouraged to come back stronger.

When she wins, she should be celebrated.

That is how champions are created.

One of the biggest barriers facing women’s boxing is not always talent.

Sometimes it is mindset.

There are still people who believe that boxing is too aggressive for women.

There are families that discourage girls from taking up the sport.

There are communities that do not recognize women’s sporting ambitions.

There are young girls who are afraid to enter gyms because they believe they will not be accepted.

These attitudes must change.

Boxing is built on discipline, respect, fitness, courage and self-control.

When properly structured, it can empower young women physically, mentally and socially.

A boxing girl learns how to stand confidently.

She learns how to defend herself.

She learns discipline.

She learns resilience.

She learns how to deal with pressure.

She learns that setbacks are not the end of the journey.

These are life skills that go far beyond the ring.

Women’s boxing should not be treated as an afterthought.

It should not only receive attention when there is a major tournament.

It should not be remembered only when selecting teams for international competitions.

It should be part of the long-term development strategy of Kenyan boxing.

That means investing in women’s programmes consistently.

It means identifying talent early.

It means developing coaches who can work effectively with female athletes.

It means creating competitions.

It means supporting women who want to pursue officiating and administration.

It means building pathways from grassroots boxing to elite competition.

And it means ensuring that women have a seat at the table when decisions about the future of boxing are being made.

Every generation needs someone to look up to.

A young female boxer who sees another Kenyan woman succeeding in the ring begins to believe:

“If she can do it, maybe I can do it too.”

That belief can change a life.

This is why the success of women boxers must be celebrated.

Their stories must be told.

Their victories must be documented.

Their struggles must be acknowledged.

Their journeys must inspire the next generation.

But we also need more women behind the scenes.

Imagine a young female boxer being trained by a woman coach.

Imagine her being officiated by a woman referee.

Imagine her being mentored by a former female champion.

Imagine her eventually becoming a coach herself.

That is how a sustainable women’s boxing ecosystem is created.

A promise is powerful.

But a promise becomes transformational when it becomes action.

Jamal’s commitment to increasing women’s involvement in boxing should therefore inspire the entire boxing fraternity to ask:

What can we do differently?

Clubs can establish women’s boxing programmes.

Coaches can actively recruit young female athletes.

Parents can encourage their daughters to participate.

Sponsors can invest in women’s tournaments.

Administrators can create more opportunities.

Former boxers can become mentors.

Women who have experience in the sport can be encouraged to take leadership roles.

And fans can support women’s bouts with the same enthusiasm they give men’s competitions.

Everyone has a role.

If you are a young woman watching boxing from the sidelines, this message is for you:

Don’t be afraid to dream.

If you want to box, find a reputable boxing club.

If you want to compete, train.

If you want to become a coach, learn.

If you want to become a referee or judge, pursue the necessary development.

If you want to become an administrator, step forward.

Do not allow outdated stereotypes to determine what you can become.

The ring does not ask whether you are a man or a woman.

The ring asks whether you are prepared.

It asks whether you have discipline.

It asks whether you have courage.

It asks whether you are willing to work.

And Kenyan women have repeatedly demonstrated that they possess all these qualities.

The future of Kenyan boxing should be one where women are visible at every level.

We should see more girls entering boxing clubs.

More women competing nationally.

More women representing Kenya internationally.

More female coaches.

More female officials.

More female administrators.

More women in decision-making positions.

And more young girls growing up knowing that boxing is an avenue through which they can discover their potential.

This is not about replacing men.

It is about expanding the family.

When women succeed, Kenyan boxing becomes stronger.

When more girls participate, the talent pool becomes deeper.

When women take leadership roles, the sport gains new perspectives.

When communities support female athletes, society benefits.

The boxing fraternity will be watching.

Not with criticism, but with hope.

Hope that the promise to improve women’s participation becomes programmes.

Hope that more girls receive opportunities.

Hope that clubs are supported to develop women’s boxing.

Hope that female officials receive pathways to progress.

Hope that women are included in leadership and decision-making.

Hope that the next generation of Kenyan female boxers will have opportunities that previous generations did not have.

Because the greatest measure of leadership is not what we say today.

It is what becomes possible tomorrow because of what we did today.

Robert Wangila’s legacy reminds us that boxing can inspire an entire nation.

Now, perhaps, we can begin writing another chapter — one in which Kenyan women are given even greater space to express themselves through the sport.

Let the boxing gyms become places where boys and girls train together with mutual respect.

Let tournaments give women meaningful opportunities to compete.

Let coaches discover and nurture female talent.

Let administrators create pathways.

Let sponsors invest.

Let parents encourage.

Let fans support.

And let leaders like Jamal champion the cause.

Because somewhere in Kenya today, there is a young girl who has never stepped into a boxing gym.

She may have extraordinary talent.

She may have the heart of a champion.

She may one day represent Kenya on the biggest international stage.

But she needs someone to open the door.

Let us open that door.

Let us give her a chance.

Let us give her a platform.

Let us give her the confidence to say:

“I AM A BOXER.”

◾JAMAL’S PROMISE: MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN.

◾MORE GIRLS IN THE GYM.

◾MORE WOMEN IN COMPETITION.

◾MORE FEMALE COACHES AND OFFICIALS.

◾MORE WOMEN IN BOXING LEADERSHIP.

◾ONE STRONGER, MORE INCLUSIVE KENYAN BOXING FAMILY.

The future of Kenyan boxing cannot be built by half of the population.

Let us build it together.

We now look forward to the first-ever BFK women’s boxing tournament. Jamal has announced this special event will take place in 2026 at a date to be announced.

@Boxing Arena

▪️”The coach and boxer can intentionally hide the history of injury and restriction by handing a new record book without documentation. The attachment of the old record book will flag what should have been a medical disqualification,” says the Lesotho doctor

August 12, 2026

The participation of boxers in tournaments organised by different organisations raises concern that it’s unlikely they will welcome boxers injured outside their own competition.

This should not be a problem if the same boxer uses the same record book for boxing, and all injuries are well documented, including those that require restrictions.

Where the old record book gets finished, it should not be discarded, it should be attached to the new one to allow for picking up injured boxers from the same or different organisation’s competitions.

This calls for a more vigilant evaluation of the record book, beyond the usual “Fit to Box” certificate.

It should always be borne in mind that both the coach and boxer can intentionally hide the history of injury and restriction by handing a new record book without documentation. The attachment of the old record book will flag what should have been a medical disqualification.

Boxers stand to lose if they don’t adhere to medical reporting in all events, whether they are National, Zonal, Continental, International or Major Games Events. Sports Departments of both WB and IBA should keep injury database to help protect such boxers from potential abuse.

In the AIBA era, such database information included injured boxers with or without restrictions. It was very useful to let track of such boxers.

Presently, whenever there is an upcoming event, participating NFs must submit the full names and weight categories of their prospective competing boxers. This information must be entered in the Pre-competition database before Sports Entry Check exercise to flag those with restrictions, and warn the hosting organisation not to allow them until they have been medically cleared to return to boxing.

Thus, it will require adoption of mandatory attachment of completed old record books to the new record books to facilitate valid Sport Entry Check. Sports Departments must take documentation and analysis of the medical jury report very high.

Boxers’ safety is not only for them alone, now and into the future. It goes a long way to raise the bar for the reputation of the sport code of boxing.

Annual meetings of the Medical Committee/Commission is critical for reviewing scientific developments and lessons learned from preceding years of activity. This deepens medical management of injured boxers while it improves the pro-safety agenda for boxers…………………………..

The author of this story, Dr. MAKHETHA EMMANUEL MOSOCHO is an experienced ringside doctor from the African Kingdom of Lesotho who has served not only as Chair of Medical Jury in various continental boxing championships, but also as part of ringside doctors for former AIBA and IBA Championships, as well past Olympic Qualifiers, and was a member of the Former AIBA Medical Commission and current IBA Medical Committee. He is the chair of the African Zone 4 Medical Commission.

▪️For these young competitors, this tournament is much more than a weekend of sports. It is their official launching pad towards global stardom

August 12, 2026

The Umoja Boxing and Arts Club ring is alive with flying fists and roaring crowds from August 12-15, 2026, as Kenya’s future stars clash in the Nairobi County’s School,Junior, and Youth Boxing Tournament.

Organized under the watchful eye of the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK), this four-day event serves as the ultimate breeding ground for the next generation of boxing stars. The ultimate dream for these young fighters is to secure a spot on the legendary “Hit Squad”—the Kenya national boxing team.

For these young competitors, this tournament is much more than a weekend of sports. It is their official launching pad towards global stardom. The BFK uses grassroots events like this one in their Ndondi Mashinani initiative to spot raw, natural talent early. Coaches can then polish these rough diamonds into elite fighters capable of winning medals at massive global events like the Africa, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. By building a clear pathway from community neighborhoods to international rings, the federation ensures that Kenya’s rich and proud boxing history continues to thrive.

This tournament highlights the BFK’s deep ongoing commitment to churning out world-class boxers. The young boxers competing are walking the exact same path as the country’s greatest boxing icons.

The tradition of testing youth on the big stage traces back to 1971, when the Amateur Boxing Association of Kenya (ABA) under the chairmanship of Brigadier Cromwel Mkungusi held its first-ever junior championships at the Prisons Staff Training College, then located right opposite Wilson Airport before shifting to Ruiru on the outskirts of Kenya’s capital city Nairobi.

Among the brave young boys who traded punches in that historic 1971 tournament and later to become Kenya’s renowned boxers were Steve Muchoki, his younger brother Mike “Stone” Irungu, Kamau “Pipino” Wanyoike, Napunyi Oduori, Patrick Lumumba and James Njoroge of YMCA whose thrilling light-flyweight final was the highlight of Kenya’s first-ever junior tournament with Muchoki winning the clinch-free entertaining bout.

Muchoki, representing Railways Starehe in the famous Dallas Muthurwa Estate, grew up to become a monumental figure in African sports, cementing his legacy as the first—and only—Kenyan world champion so far in amateur boxing. His brother Irungu, Wanyoike, Napunyi and Tabu also became household names in Kenya boxing, inspiring others such as 1984 Los Angeles Olympics bronze meda llist Ibrahim “Surf” Bilali to follow suit.

As the punches fly in Umoja One Estate, every single boy and girl stepping through the ropes is fueled by the same burning hunger that drove Muchoki from a local junior contender to the top of the world.

Come and watch how young amateur boxers test their skills, discipline, and tactical sharpness as they prepare to climb the ranks towards international glory..

Host Mike Mungai, the head coach of Umoja Boxing and Arts Club, welcomes you all to this important and exciting tournament.

▪️WB-aligned African Boxing boss wins praise across the continent for officially allowing his affiliates take part in IBA events for the benefit of the boxers

August 10, 2026

The wisdom of King Solomon Kargbo, President of WB-aligned African Boxing body, has officially saved boxers in the continent from the destructive trap of anti-IBA elements who have openly showed they don’t have the interests of boxers at heart.

By decreeing that African boxers can freely compete in IBA events, Kargbo has lived up to his biblical namesake, putting the livelihoods of boxers above petty administrative warfare.

Kargbo and his board have risen above the political noise only detrimental to the future of African boxers. His body is affiliated to World Boxing which was formed to safeguard Olympic boxing after the IOC deregistered the International Boxing Association.

He was elected African Boxing President by acclamation during the inaugural continental congress held on December 28, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. Elected Vice Presidents were the powerful Nigerian tycoon who’s the founder and owner of Yucateco Promotions Omonlei Yakubu Imadu and smooth crafty operator Anta Gueye. Cyprien Tamo is the Secretary-General.

Anti-IBA critics, or clowns if you like, within Africa maliciously pushed for a total boycott of IBA events without putting into account Africa currently has almost zero alternative to elite competitions outside the IBA-organized Africa Elite Championships. Their hypocrisy was exposed because they offered no alternative tournaments or bringing on board sponsors other than soiling the image of African Boxing with their senseless remarks and childishly discrediting IBA Africa leadership under the respected Interim President Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo. To knowledgeable boxing insiders in Africa, Luyoyo is way above them and operating in a different league altogether.

Interestingly, global boxing powerhouses like Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries have comfortably participated in IBA and WB events without penalty but some evil-hearted officials aligned to African Boxing had warned of dire consequences if affiliates of African Boxing body take part in IBA tournaments, a position that exposed their mediocrity.

Critics pushing for boycotts have been described by boxing analysts as bitter outcasts settling personal scores with IBA at the expense of the most important people in boxing: the boxers.

Kargbo’s wise decision therefore leaves these vocal detractors completely discredited, naked and embarrassed. Their sissy punches at IBA have left them with egg on their faces. Now they know IBA is like a baobab tree that cannot be easily brought down. It’s laughable they were using a razor blade to chop down the strong tree which can live up to 5000 years.

“Our boxers need a lot of tournaments in both WB and IBA, and other international boxing organisations,” Kargbo told boxersworld.co.ke on phone, adding a clincher:”We need teamwork in Africa for our boxers to realize their dreams.”

Kargbo confirmed a board meeting took place arriving at the wise decision officially allowing their affiliates take part in IBA tournaments and those of other organisations.

The African Boxing’s circular to all their affiliates reads: “Following consultations with World Boxing, and in line with the decision taken by the Executive Board of African Boxing during its meeting held on 6 August 2026, we wish to inform all affiliated National Federations that there are currently no restrictions on national teams or athletes participating in events organized by other boxing organizations.

“This position reflects African Boxing’s commitment to ensuring athlete development, competitive exposure, and the continued growth of boxing across the continent.”

Across Africa, the wise decision by Kargbo is viewed as a testament to his pragmatic leadership. In a sporting landscape often fractured by political infighting, malice and bitter personal rivalries, Kargbo’s move is the visionary tonic over bureacracy that Africa boxing needed to move forward.

For years, global boxing threatened to trap athletes in the crossfire of organisational disputes. Kargbo wisely refused to let African boxing talent become collateral damage.

His philosophy is simple: boxers need to fight irrespective of the body organising the competition. By prioritizing the boxers’ immediate livelihoods and career progression, Kargbo demonstrated unparralled wisdom ignoring noise from some selfish anti-IBA critics who have no interest on boxers’ welfare except to satisfy their own personal deals in boxing. As an experienced administrator, Kargbo knows the critics – currently taking shelter in the African Boxing body – after falling out with IBA, are not sincere other than pretending to support AB but if enticed by handouts from IBA they will run away from AB without notice. In essence, Kargbo knows these are opportunists and “guns for hire” whose aim is not the development of the sport in Africa but they are only in boxing for self gratification.

The African Boxing boss knows the consequences of an idle boxer, and to avoid the immense boxing talent going to waste due to selfish interests of a few egocentric individuals, he chose the wiser move of letting them participate in IBA tournaments that offer significant prize money to the boxers. To many African boxers, these purses are not just perks; they fund their training, family survival and investment in worthy projects.

Top African boxers such as Morocco’s three-time Africa champion and 2023 World Championships gold medallist Khadija Mardi, two-time Africa champion Alcinda Dos Santos of Mozambique and Zambia’s celebrated African Games champion Patrick Chinyemba have on various occasions told boxersworld.co.ke how IBA’s prize money has changed their lives.

“The 100,000 dollars I earned for winning world heavyweight title in India has enabled me buy a house in Casablanca,” said a proud Mardi while Alcinda and Chinyemba have built decent family houses.

“When it rained, we all got wet because of the poor structure, it got better, and now I have my own house thanks to the IBA prize money,” said Alcinda.

She went on: “The IBA has made the dreams of many boxers worldwide become a reality. With the IBA prize money we have had the opportunity to go back to school, and invest for the future.

“I had a family that sometimes survived on one meal per day, and when it rained, we all got wet inside the house. It got better, now I have my own beautiful house living comfortably with my family members, and we no longer suffer from the rain. Many thanks to the entire IBA team especially President Umar Kremlev who has tirelessly worked for the improvement of boxers’ lives through prize money tournaments. That’s a huge achievement, it never happened before, and we understand the great things that he has done.”

With Kargbo’s announcement allowing their affiliates take part in IBA events, boxing giants like Nigeria, the reigning African Games champions, have no excuse to skip the upcoming IBA Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships in Kinshasa from October 18-31, 2026.

Asked whether he will be in Kinshasa for Africa’s flagship boxing event, Kargbo said:” Why not provided I receive an official invitation and General Luyoyo is a leader I respect for his passion in the sport.”

Kargbo and General Luyoyo have had a long working association in boxing. Both were in the same camp fighting the regime of former deposed President of the defunct Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) Eyassu Berhanu. IBA’s sucker punch that eventually knocked out Eyassu & Co was a sweet victory for Luyoyo and Kargbo.

It therefore came as no surprise when Kargbo travelled all the way to Kinshasa to meet Luyoyo in the wake of threats sometime back by a section of the African Boxing body that they will punish their affiliates taking part in IBA events.

The historic high-level meeting yielded an immediate breakthrough:

A crucial truce was struck, captured visually in widely shared photographs of Kargbo and Luyoyo smiling and shaking hands, demonstrating absolute solidarity.

The unity forged between Kargbo and Luyoyo successfully neutralised the breakaway threats, leading to massive institutional alignment across the continent.

“At my meeting with General Luyoyo I promised to take a decision in the best interests of boxers and Africa not for Solomon or General,” Kargbo told boxersworld.co.ke

Indeed Kargbo lived up to his promise because the ultimate winners in his latest decision are the boxers. Without boxers, the suits have no sport to govern.

▪️Under Jamai’s leadership from 2019, women’s boxing in Kenya has made uprecedented progress including more female R&Js going through certification courses culminating in Leila Idd becoming the first ever female R&J to attain Star-3 level in East Africa

August 9, 2026

Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) President Anthony “Jamal” Otieno has announced big plans to stage a historic women-only tournament later this year to celebrate the speedy growth and international success of Kenya’s female boxers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Robert Wangila Memorial Cup Tournament on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Uhuru Estate playground, Jamal said the specific dates for the groundbreaking event will be announced soon.

“I’m very impressed with our female boxers’ progress, which is why I’ve decided to honour them by staging a female-only tournament to give them an opportunity to express themselves better plus other new ones showcasing their potential,” Jamal told boxersworld.co.ke.

Since taking the helm of Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) in 2019, Jamal has aggressively championed gender parity in the ring. His leadership has consistently prioritized exposing female fighters to elite global competitions, including the Women’s World Championships, Africa Boxing Championships, and the African Games.

This deliberate investment has triggered an unprecedented wave of continental success:

Elizabeth Andiego (Mkono Chuma): The undisputed doyen of East African women’s boxing captured a historic gold medal at the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup in 2024 in South Africa, adding to her impressive haul of two silver medals and one bronze from the Africa Championships.

Amina Martha Faki: The mercurial bantamweight made history by becoming the first-ever Kenyan female boxer to secure a podium finish at the African Games, winning bronze in Accra, Ghana.

Liz Andiego leads in Kenya’s female boxers’ rich harvest of three golds in Zone 3 2022:

Three gold medals by Kenyan female boxers enabled Kenya finish second behind DRC with a total of 18 medals – six gold, five silver and seven bronze with only four boxers missing medals out of the 22 who represented Kenya in Kinshasa in the 2022 Africa Zone 3 Championships.

Kenya harvested six gold medals, three of them from female boxers, light-welterweight Teresia Wanjiru, welterweight Everline Akinyi and light-heavyweight Liz Andiego. And to put the icing on the cake, all the 10 women boxers who travelled to DRC won medals.

Friza Asiko and Veronica Mbithe shine in Nairobi Zone 3:

KDF immaculate boxers Friza Asiko (light-middleweight) and Veronica Mbithe aka Pioneer (light-flyweight) won gold medals in the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi. Friza also won a gold medal in the 2024 Africa Military Games and Mbithe settled for silver in Abuja.

 The Next Generation:

A new wave of talent is already breaking through, highlighted by Kisumu’s rising star Sonia Atieno, who clinched a bronze medal at the 2025 African Youth Games in Angola. Promising Kibra Youth southpaw Ellah Demesi has represented Kenya in the Africa Youth Games and World U-19 in Bangkok, Thailand. There’s Sheila Auma and Cynthia Mwai both of them now employed by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

The number of female qualified Referees and Judges during Jamal’s reign has grown in leaps and bounds. The main ingredient? They have been empowered with more certification courses. This has culminated in Mombasa-based Leila Idd becoming the first ever R&J in East Africa to ascend to the level of Star-3.

The upcoming female-only tournament is designed to serve as both a rewards showcase for these decorated champions and a launching pad for the dozens of promising female fighters rising through the domestic ranks.