A TOUGH FIGHT FOR MALAWI’S MARIAM DICK
Jessica Mfinyanga, one of the toughest female boxers in Tanzania who lost to Ellen Simwaka via split decision in September 2024, has been paired against Malawi’s upcoming female boxer Mariam Dick.
Dick (2-0-1) will fight Jessica (6-4-1) on 21 February, 2025.
#malawiboxingnews2025
THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF KENYAN BOXER OKAKA
In one month he lost four family members, then he became a water vendor and garbage collector, he was kicked out of his house by the landlord and at one time survived on roast maize only.
Whilst IBA continues with preparations for the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Serbia, the disappointing message under the current guise and leadership of the IOC remains the same: their intention to replace the IBA with an alternative “puppet” organisation that aligns with the IOC’s one-sided directives is clear. The ‘Dance of Power and Vulnerability’ becomes not only a challenge, but an opportunity for IBA to define its continued role in this harrowing landscape.
It is a true and interesting fact, that the IOC has explicitly threatened boxing’s rightful presence at the 2028 Olympic Games through their own degenerate activity, and the responsibility for this turmoil rests squarely on the shoulders of those at Maison Olympique. They continue through their closed-door negotiations, to deflect blame onto the International Boxing Association, suggesting that we have failed to meet their ‘impossible to achieve’ and to be honest, totally unviable operational standards. We remain on point and strongly disagree; the core issues and problems originate with the IOC and their sycophantic supporters, who seem to lack a fundamental and crucial understanding of this overall situation.
The continued story related to our officials and their integrity is quite simply ‘boringly repetitive’ and now fully out of context. We have in time created a strong system in place, that is managed diligently through good governance and close, careful management, involving renowned international experts. Those who choose to comment on this situation, have no direct responsibility or involvement in this process, but as always, we are surrounded by those armchair experts with a clear lack of understanding. The moral of the story here is ‘do not believe everything that you read’ other than those words from whom sit inside the organisation and are fully appraised of the situation. Biased and prejudiced opinions are carefully distributed among unaware masses to bring confusion.
Furthermore, the IOC continues to paint a picture of an alternative organization that will conform and obey without question. Their mantra appears to be, “We say jump, you say how high.” The IBA refuses to succumb to the mobbing tactics employed by this current leadership, who demand an unknown pathway of compliance in all respects.
It is alarming to witness discussions about recognising another organisation that is willing to bow down and appease those in power, knowingly without the considerable finance that is needed to match or support the output required. I wish good luck to those member federations who consider this as an advantageous move. National Federations that flee in times of adversity display what we perceive as fear; some label it as survival, but we see it differently. To live by the sword is to embrace those risks, which is the reason why the boxing community needs to understand who is right, and who is wrong – I see the full picture in support of IBA, having been part of it for many years. We equally understand that dual membership offers up the support and opportunities for our members who remain uncertain in this current climate, and we will endeavour as always advise, guide and to support as best we can.
Only time will tell, and we at IBA remain confident that karma will be met with peace. This peace will enable our athletes to compete without fear, freeing them from the current quandary and debacle of choosing which organisation or indeed competitions to attend whilst grappling with potential political repercussions. National Federations face similar challenges, as they contend with the disgraceful tactics employed by various National Olympic Committees (NOCs), many of which often lack a genuine understanding of boxing and its core values – along with those key and vital sources of finance that support the sport in their respective countries. Boxing is a unique and valued activity that touches all four corners of the globe, providing opportunities for individuals in the most deprived areas to pursue their ambitions, goals and dreams.
IBA offers those re-defining opportunities for athletes at all levels, from amateur boxing to the professional ranks, creating a clear pathway for their development and success. However, this essential support is currently under threat from those individuals who blindly believe that the International Olympic Committee holds all the answers and is the panacea of all things known in sport. These individuals overlook the significant contributions that IBA makes to the sport and its athletes, risking the erosion of a system that nurtures talent and fosters growth. The focus should remain on empowering athletes and preserving the integrity of boxing, rather than succumbing to misguided notions of a singular authority, along with an erroneous belief of an alternative puppet organisation having the ability to conduct high-level events, and indeed with prize money, that is now expected for the right reasons by our global boxing community.
The question remains; why would any organisation attempt to disrupt another without those respective resources, competition scheduling, or any kind of financial support programme in place, and having proven nothing. It is purely an irresponsible activity that will contribute hugely to the demise of boxing for many member federations. Without high-level competition, without resources, without real subject matter expertise, boxing will meet those continued challenges. If the task of the current IOC President is to conclude this business on his retirement, whilst running for the hills, then there is no legacy left by this man, simply a void which be seen as a catastrophic failure by all… inevitably leaving his replacement to pick up the brunt of his poor decision making.
The shambles at the most recent Olympic Games regarding gender recognition, solely based on a passport, completely undermines the principles that we hold dearly. Providing the backdrop for equal opportunities in sport has been sadly missed here. Whilst the IOC allowed two ineligible individuals, Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, deprive women boxers from their chance and Olympic gold medal in front of the sporting world, a huge step forward for the real protection of women’s sports has recently been seen. Kudos to President Trump for keeping his promise to safeguard athletes with this Executive Order. IBA knows and understands that there is still work to do, particularly in the international boxing space. Protecting the integrity and safety of female boxers must be a priority. IBA and its leadership are ready to collaborate with passionate supporters, to restore the sport after the IOC media debacle at Paris 2024.
IBA remains committed to enhancing the landscape of international boxing through diligent efforts across all facets of its operations. Our organisation is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with National Federations, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive in their respective locations and nurture their talents. This ongoing commitment underscores IBA’s focus on collaboration, development, and the promotion of our sport globally.
By prioritising these efforts, IBA will continue to create a positive environment that not only uplifts our members but also advances the sport of boxing collectively. Through our agile strategic initiatives and sustained engagement, IBA is always poised and ready to navigate those challenges whilst championing the interests of our National Federations, in turn Confederations in ultimately contributing to the growth and success of boxing worldwide.
Courtesy of IBA
MUSA BENJAMIN TELLS EAST AFRICAN R&Js TO AVOID PATRIOTISM
▪️ He decries dubious officiating in the Nakawa vs Nairobi contest in Kampala
Kenya’s national team head coach Musa Benjamin has advised referees and judges in the region to be professional and avoid patriotism when discharging their duties.
Musa’s remarks come in the wake of what he describes as dubious officiating in some bouts during the Nakawa Combined vs Nairobi County international friendly match last Sunday, February 2, in Kampala.
“Officiating was a bit wanting. Our R&Js should avoid patriotism irrespective of the nationality of the boxers in the ring,” a disappointed Musa told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.
“They should just be firm and fair. That way they also contribute to the growth of both themselves and the sport.
“Poor officiating isn’t helpful to boxers in the long term because they become complacent believing they are good. Fair officiating complements the coaches’ efforts in uplifting our standards in the region.”
He cited three bouts the Kenyans were robbed of victory, and that if the judges were fair Nairobi County should have won by 8-7 bouts. Nakawa Combined defeated the visitors 10-5 bouts.
Musa, who is also the Secretary-General of the Nairobi County Boxing Association and BFK treasurer, travelled to Kampala as the team manager.
He said Nairobi’s light-flyweight Silas Onyango, flyweight Emmanuel Chondo and featherweight Chris Juma, won their bouts fair and square but the Ugandan judges decided to be more patriotic giving Nakawa boxers victories they didn’t deserve.
Onyango and Chondo lost on identical scores of 3-2 to Kato Kazibwe and Matovu Livingstone respectively while Juma went down 4-1 to Uganda’s African Games bronze medallist Kassim Murungi.
“Chris won I’ve no doubt about it. I spoke to him before the fight and shared our game plan. He just needed to move around sticking his jab to avoid short distance duel, using straight punches while changing positions was effective,” said the national team head coach.
Biased officiating aside, Musa praised their hosts for the warm welcome and sound organisation.
“It was a very important outing for our boxers at this stage, the show was well organised and full of value,” said Musa.
He went on: “Nairobi has great potential, the boxers have very good attitude and hunger for success. We need to work on their defence and movement, though,” he said.
“Such events are useful for the region, we should therefore organise many of them for the juniors, youth and elite boxers to gain the much needed experience especially improving their ring craft and ring generalship,” he added.
Many boxers such as Nick Okoth, Nick Abaka, Victor Onyango, Edwin Okongo, Boniface Mogunde, David Munyasia, Dick Otieno, Isaac Meja and Ethan Maina are products of these regional events that have played a big part in their organisation around East Africa Region.
YUCATECO PROMOTIONS TO SPEND $100,000 FOR WBC AMATEUR BOXING EVENT
▪️ _Eleven boxers to be selected for the WBC World Cup Amateur tournament in Mexico_
▪️ _Fifty-four boxers from six countries have registered for the WBC Lagos tourney_
The owner and CEO of Yucateco Boxing Promotions, Imonlei Yakubu Imadu, will spend a whopping $100,000 for the inaugural World Boxing Council (WBC)/Africa Boxing Union (ABU) Amateur Championships from February 6-8 at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
“I’m doing it alone it’s fully self sponsored because I want all the talented African boxers to get an opportunity to participate in the WBC Amateur Boxing World Cup in Mexico,” Imadu told boxersworld.co.ke in a telephone interview from Lagos.
“There’s no single sponsor supporting me, every penny spent is from my personal pocket.”
Imadu said the $100,000 expenditure will cater for among other things food, accommodation, transportation within Nigeria, publicity, equipment, branding, location, medical, insurance, medals, belts, boxing jerseys, license and training of referees and judges.
Imadu clarified there’s no prize money for the Lagos tournament which is an African qualifier for the WBC Amateur World Cup in Mexico later this year.
The Yucateco CEO however said the Mexico tournament will have prize money.
“In the case of the World Cup in Mexico, there’s prize money because they have international sponsors but here in Africa they’re no sponsors at all yet there’s a lot of money in our continent,” said Imadu who also sponsors the populat Yucateco League in Nigeria.
“That is why I have to make this huge sacrifice for the benefit of African boxers to be able to attend the World Cup to compete against world’s top boxers as well as get world ratings and international exposure. Personally I’m gaining nothing financially.”
Imadu is not only sponsoring the WBC/ABU Amateur tournament but he has also built the gymnasium to be used for the three-day event.
“Also worthy of note is the commissioning of a modern boxing gym built by Yucateco Boxing Promotions,” said Imadu.
“The gym will be handed over to the Lagos State Government as part of our support for boxing development in Africa starting from our immediate catchment area: Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa.”
A total of 54 boxers from six countries have registered for the WBC/ABU Amateur Boxing tournament with Nigeria entering 38 boxers.
Besides Nigeria, other participating countries are Benin, Uganda, Ghana, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire.
Uganda is the only East African country taking part in the Lagos event, represented by two female and six male boxers.
The 54 boxers who have entered the Lagos tournament:
*MEN*
52KG
FARUK OSIKOYA -NIGERIA
SAMUEL DAHUSI – NIGERIA
BENEDICT TETTEH (GHANA)
AGBOTOMEY MAHUDJRO LANDRY PRINCE (BENIN)
KIMERA MOSES (UGANDA)
GABRIEL ADDO (GHANA)
56KG
QUAM MOSEFIU – NIGERIA.
BALYEGESA BENON – UGANDA
TOLUWANI ISRAEL WILLIAMS – NIGERIA.
OKORO PETER AKALI -BENIN
OGUNREMI MICHAEL – NIGERIA
RAMANDAN ABODUNRIN – NIGERIA
GBADEYAN MAYOWA – NIGERIA
60KG
SALAWU RILWAN – NIGERIA
AJISOLA HABEEB – NIGERIA
AGBOTOMEY HOUNKPE BERNARDINO OZIAS BAGNON – BENIN
SHAKUR MUGAMBE – UGANDA
64KG
ABDULRAMON ABDULWAHAB – NIGERIA
MULEME DENIS KATABULA UGANDA
ABIODUN OLUWASEUN – NIGERIA
QUODRI ILORI – NIGERIA
69KG
ABDULSALAM ALATA – NIGERIA
SHARAFADEEN FAWAS – NIGERIA
BATTLE NUHU – UGANDA
EDOH Stéphano F. – TOGO
ALABI OLAREWAJU – NIGERIA
DANIEL AWADZI – GHANA
ADETAYO ABIODUN – NIGERIA
75KG
AKINTOLA DAVID – NIGERIA
DANIEL JOSHUA – NIGERIA
LAWAL ISMAIL – NIGERIA
ISAAC ZEBRA SSENYANGE – UGANDA
AKOUMANY Clément ENOC – TOGO
81KG
SAHEED JAMIU – NIGERIA
OBANLA OPEYEMI – NIGERIA
KONATE AHMADA HK – COTEVOIRE
WISDOM VICTORY NLEWEMCHI – NIGERIA
STEPHEN OCHOCHE – NIGERIA
*WOMEN*
51KG
AYOMIDE MAYOWA – NIGERIA
MADUWA BRENDA – UGANDA
PAULINE NOUGBOVEDO ASSOGBA – BENIN
ALIYA ADENIJI – NIGERIA
54KG
SHAKIRAT KAREEM – NIGERIA
KADIJAT AJISOLA – NIGERIA
AWAU OGUNMODEDE – NIGERIA
AINA ADEKOWINSA – NIGERIA
57KG.
AISAT GBADAMOSI – NIGERIA
SULAIMON FATIA – NIGERIA
ADESHINA AMIRAH – NIGERIA
MODINAT OLADOSU – NIGERIA
60KG.
PRECIOUS ANINE – NIGERIA –
NABIKOLO DENISE FATIMA – UGANDA
AKANNI ANUOLUWAPO – NIGERIA
ADEBAYO MUTIA – NIGERIA
*TOURNAMENT FEATURES*
DAY 1
6TH FEBRUARY – ARRIVAL- 12 noon.
TECHNICAL MEETING – 4PM
DRAWS FOR BOUTS – 6PM
DAY 2
7TH FEBRUARY – MEDICAL & WEIGHING – 7AM
1st SEMI FINAL BOUTS – 13 BOUTS – 4PM – 8.30PM.
2nd SEMI FINAL BOUTS – 13 BOUTS – 9.30PM – 2AM –
DAY 3
8TH FEBRUARY 2025
MEDICAL TEST & WEIGHING – 7AM
1st FINAL BOUTS- 7 BOUTS – 4PM – 6PM
2nd FINAL BOUTS – 6 BOUTS – 8PM – 9.20PM
PRESENTATION OF MEDALS – 9.30PM
*WEIGHT CATEGORIES*
MALE
1. 52KG
2. 56KG
3. 60KG
4. 64KG
5. 69KG
6. 75KG
7. 81KG
WOMEN
1. 51KG
2. 54KG
3. 57KG
4. 60KG
WBC/ABU AMATEUR BOXING COMPETITION IN LAGOS NIGERIA WILL BE GUIDED BY WBC AMATEUR TECHNICAL RULES
CONGOLESE MUNDANKULU MPOYI BATTLES MALAWIN LEWIS NKHATA FOR THE VACANT SUPREME INTERCONTINENTAL CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Malawin Lewis Mnkata will compete against Mundankulu Mpoyi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the Vacant Supreme Intercontinental Cruiderweight Championship.
The ensuring rumble is scheduled for March 8, 2025, in Lunumbashi, DR Congo, according to WABA Brand Director Jacqueline Fauetine.
While several other nations, including Germany, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, and now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are hosting the Supreme Intercontinental Championships, the Supreme struggle takes time.
For boxers evaluating their capacity to compete internationally, the WABA Supreme Championship has emerged as the gold standard.
The WABA Supreme Championship may have established a standard for evaluating boxers’ talents and abilities globally.
For more information on the battle in Lunumbashi, DR Congo, and other championships, follow us.
#WABAnews
#malawiboxingnews2024
CLARESSA SHIELDS BECOMES UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION
Claressa Shields outpoints Danielle Perkins to become first undisputed heavyweight champion in women’s boxing; 29-year-old only boxer, female or male, to achieve undisputed status across three different divisions in four-belt era; Shields hindered by shoulder problem and set for surgery.
Claressa Shields beat Danielle Perkins to become female boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight world champion
Claressa Shields added to her glittering CV by outpointing Danielle Perkins to become female boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight world champion.
Shields is also the first boxer, female or male, to achieve undisputed status across three different divisions in the four-belt era (heavyweight, middleweight, light-middleweight) after her win over the previously unbeaten Perkins.
Shields, boxing in her native Flint, took her unblemished record as a pro to 16-0 after flooring Perkins with a right hook in the 10th and final round, ahead of the judges scoring the fight 97-92, 99-90, and 100-89 in her favour.
The 29-year-old later revealed a shoulder problem she sustained last week meant the fight almost did not take place.
“I actually think I’m going to have to have surgery on my left arm. I tore my labrum last week, so the fight almost didn’t happen,” Shields said.
“I didn’t want to let Flint down, but I really couldn’t use my jab the way that I wanted to. I iced it, I did therapy and now I think I’m going to have a shoulder surgery.”
Shields stars on Flint homecoming
Perkins, who had been victorious in her first five fights, had a weight and height advantage but was second best throughout the contest despite against Shields despite absorbing numerous shots, notably being wobbled in round three.
Claressa Shields (right) beat Danielle Perkins (left) to become undisputed heavyweight world champion.
“Danielle was strong, she was definitely a problem but my experience and my skills got me over it,” added the 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold medallist.
“I’ve been in plenty of street fights with bigger people and I had to use some of my skills in that today, too. So, when I dropped her in the last round, it’s because she got greedy.”
Shields said the fight could have taken place at Barclays Center in New York but she was determined to bring the first undisputed heavyweight contest in female boxing history to Michigan.
She now wants a rematch with Hanna Gabriels having beaten the Costa Rican back in 2018 to capture the IBF and WBA middleweight titles.
She added: “It ain’t enough. That’s how I think. I think that I didn’t get my flowers for so many years so even though I’m getting them now, it’s like that’s not enough.
“I deserve more than that. I’m fighting for a million dollars. I’m supposed to be getting paid five. This ain’t it. So, for me, that’s where the fire comes from.”
Martin Bakole ahead of Anthony Joshua in race for Daniel Dubois’ world title fight, says promoter Ben Shalomlogo
Martin Bakole ahead of Anthony Joshua in race for Daniel Dubois’ world title fight, says promoter Ben Shalom
Courtesy of Sky Sports
NAKAWA COMBINED OVERCOME NAIROBI COUNTY
Uganda’s Nakawa Combined defeated Nairobi County 10-5 bouts in an international friendly match at Katale Primary School play ground on Sunday, February 2.
The hotly contested 15-bout encounter – fought under improvised floodlight – rekindled the fierce rivalry of yesteryears between Kenyan and Ugandan boxers.
Nakawa made their intentions known by winning the first three bouts through light-flyweight Kato Kazimbwe, flyweight Matovu Livingstone and bantamweight Kyammbade Faizo.
Nairobi fought back gamely to chalk up their first victory through international Faith Nafuna who defeated Impindi Zanah at bantamweight.
In one of the main bouts of the night, African Games featherweight bronze medallist Kassim Nakawa scored a questionable 4-1 victory over the more impressive Nairobi County’s Chris Juma who had the better of the exchanges using his height advantage effectively against the southpaw Murungi whose win saw Nakawa leading 4-1 bouts before Nairobi’s lightweight Robert Gachui gave the visitors their second win by beating Elphazi Mbazira.
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Inspired by Gachui’s 4-1 points win over Mbazira, light-welterweight Joseph Andusi outpointef Ochan Raymond and then female featherweight Emmaculate Atieno brought Nairobi back on level terms 4-4 bouts following her points win over Impindi Leilah.
Nakawa however regained the lead through welterweight Jaffar Onen and went on to dominate Nairobi County in the remaining bouts.
Any hopes Nairobi had on one of their star boxers, middleweight Lenox Francis fizzled out when Nakawa’s Ojok Alfred’s heavy body punches had the Nairobian painfully on his knee. The referee wisely waved off the fight in the first round. Lenox appeared unfit for the Kampala match.
Full results starting with Nakawa boxers:
Light-flyweight: Kato Kazibwe outpointed Silas Onyango
Flyweight: Matovu Livingstone outpointed Emmanuel Chondo
Bantamweight: Kyammbade Faizo stopped Paul Omondi in round three
Female bantamweight: Impindi Zanah lost on points to Faith Nafuna
Featherweight: Kassim Murungi outpointed Chris Juma
Lightweight: Elphazi Mbazira lost on points to Robert Gachui
Light-welterweight: Ochan Raymond lost on points to Joseph Andusi
Featherweight: Impindi Leilah lost on points to Emmaculate Atieno
Welterweight: Jaffar Onen outpointed Musa Juma
Mukwaya Edward outpointed Joshua Cliff
Light-middleweight: Mawanda Depark lost on points to Michael Oduor
Female light-welterweight: Emily Nakalema stopped Sylvia Obwamu in round three
Middleweight: Ojok Alfred stopped Lenox Francis in the first round
Light-heavyweight: Baker Malindi stopped Joseph Odhiambo in the second round
Ebongo Emmanuel beat Glenstone Agade on referee stopped contest medical in the second round
2025 KENYA NATIONAL NOVICES WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP
Men Minimum 48Kgs
🟥 *Stanley Mathenge NAIROBI 3*🥇
🟦 Tony Muoki VIHIGA
Fly 51kgs
🟥Leslly Odhiambo NAKURU RSC
🟦 *Nicholas Muuo NAIROBI*🥇
Bantam 54Kgs
🟥Jacob Mahindi NAKURU 0
🟦 *Jared Otieno NAIROBI 3*🥇
Ladies 48kgs.
🟥 *Damacline Boyani NRB*🥇
🟦Suzie Wahu NAKURU(RSC)
Ladies 54kgs.
🟥 Evelyne Nyambura NAIROBI 0
🟦 *Sheila Auma NAIROBI 3*🥇
Ladies 63kgs.
🟥 *Atieno Sonia KISUMU 3*🥇
🟦 Nasra Nyambura NAKURU 0
Feather 57kgs
🟥 Frank Omondi KISUMU 1
🟦 *Laurence Mwangi NYERI 2*🥇
Light Weight 60kg
🟥 *Samuel Mathu KAJIADO 3🥇*
🟦 Felix Kuria NAIROBI 0
L/Welter 63.5kgs
🟥 Ayub Waweru NAKURU 1
🟦 *Ramadhan Ngala 2🥇* KILIFI
Welter 67Kgs
🟥 Clement Ochieng NAKURU 0
🟦 *Geoffrey Otieno KIRINYAGA 3*🥇
L.Middle 71Kgs
🟥 John Muthiani NAIROBI 1
🟦 *Philip Derrick MOMBASA 2*🥇
Ladies 78Kgs
🟥 Cynthia Sirikwa NAKURU 1
🟦 *Eunice Muthoni NAKURU 2*🥇
Ladies 74kgs
🟥 *Sally Ajema NAIROBI*🥇
🟦 JoyBella Owano NAKURU (RSC)
Middle 75Kgs
🟥 George Opiyo KIAMBU 0
🟦 *Kennedy Omollo NAIROBI 3*🥇
Light Heavy 80kgs
🟥 *Javan James KISUMU 2* 🥇
🟦 Victor Okeke VIHIGA 1
Cruiser 86Kgs
🟥 *Clinton Mwangi NAIROBI*🥇
🟦 Charles Okendo MIGORI (RSC I)
Super Heavy 91+kgs
🟥 Joram Mwangi NAIROBI (RSC)
🟦 *Lameck Okumu KISUMU* 🥇
#NdondiMashinani
