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MAKABU WINS WBC AFRICA TITLE

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MAKABU WINS WBC AFRICA TITLE

DR Congo’s most decorated pro boxer Junior Makabu Ilunga returned to action with a third round knock out win over Egypt’s Wagdy Attia to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Africa cruiserweight title at the Stade de Martyrs in Kinshasa on December 21.

The 37-year-old southpaw Makabu, elder brother to Martin Bakole (21-1-0), had no time to waste with the Egyptian whom he flattened in the third round to redeem his career after two consecutive defeats last year.

The Kinshasa fight was promoted by the Congolese Boxing Federation President Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo and supervised by WBC vice-president Houcine Houichi who’s also the Africa Boxing Union President.

With that victory, Makabu improved his ring record to 30-4-0, 25 KOs while Attia dropped to 11-2-0.

It was an inspiring win for the South Africa-based Makabu whose last fight was in November, 2023, against Armenian-German Norair Mikaelian who defeated Makabu via a third round TKO to win the vacant WBC cruiserweight title.

Makabu was aiming to regain his title after losing to Sweden’s Badou Jack. He stopped Makabu in the 12th round at Miami Jai-Alai in Florida. Jack later vacated the title and moved up to bridgerweight category, paving way for mandatory challenger Mikaelian face Makabu.

The DR Congo boxer won WBC cruiserweight title in 2020 when he outpointed Poland’s Michael Cieslak in a 12-round encounter at the Temporary Park Arena in Kinshasa.

In his first defence of the titie, Makabu KO’d Nigeria’s Africa cruiserweight champion, Olanrewaju Durodola, in the seventh round at the Studio Mama Angebi in Kinshasa.

Makabu made the second successful defence of his title by outpointing South Africa’s Thabiso Mchunu via a split points decision at the Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio.

Inspired by his victory over Mchunu, Makabu called out undisputed super middleweight champion Saul Canelo Alvarez.

“My next fight is against Canelo Alvarez, I’ll knock you out,” roared Makabu, the DRC lion.

IS THIS THE MAN TO DETHRONE USYK? HE WOULD KNOCK HIM OUT!

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IS THIS THE MAN TO DETHRONE USYK? HE WOULD KNOCK HIM OUT!

Trainer Billy Nelson believes Martin Bakole poses a greater threat to unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk than Daniel Dubois, who demanded a rematch with the Ukrainian following Saturday’s victory over Tyson Fury.

Can Martin Bakole stop Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight dominance?

Martin Bakole poses the most dangerous threat to Oleksandr Usyk and would knock out the unified world heavyweight champion, says trainer Billy Nelson.

Usyk retained his WBO, WBA and WBC belts with another masterful performance to beat Tyson Fury via unanimous decision in the pair’s tense rematch in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

Bakole (21-1) is meanwhile coming off his biggest statement display yet after flooring Jared Anderson three times on the way to a fifth-round knockout victory back in August.

“I thought Usyk’s performance against Fury wasn’t quite as good or sharp as the first fight. I personally scored the fight a draw, it was very close,” Bakole’s trainer Nelson told Sky Sports.

Usyk used his scintillating boxing skills to beat Fury on the judges’ scorecards and retain his heavyweight world titles

“Giving either of the fighters four rounds on the scorecards was an injustice to the other boxer. I do believe Martin has got the skills and ability to dethrone Usyk.

“More importantly, I think Usyk and his team think Martin has got the ability to do it. They have shared a ring on quite a few occasions, namely in Ukraine and Dubai.

“The attributes Martin has got is unlike others; he will close the gap down against Usyk very quickly and set traps. I haven’t seen traps being set in his two fights against Tyson.”

Bakole was recently ordered to face Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba in order to determine the mandatory challenger to the IBF heavyweight title, currently held by Daniel Dubois.

Dubois, who knocked out Anthony Joshua in September, interrupted Usyk’s post-fight interview in the ring on Saturday night to demand a rematch against the Ukrainian after his ninth-round knockout defeat in August 2023.

Usyk has vowed to take a break in order to spend time with his family after his rematch victory over Fury, but seemingly has zero intention of walking away just yet despite cementing his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights in history.

“You can rest assured that Usyk knows Martin is very dangerous, probably the most dangerous, guy out there,” said Nelson.

“I know Daniel has also said he wants to have the Usyk rematch; I don’t think anybody wants to see that because that was a domination.

“I believe Usyk won every single round against Dubois, even given that low blow, which was a low blow, the referee immediately said it was, so we don’t need to go there. He got beat, he got dropped twice and basically quit at the end of the fight.

“The best challenger out there for Oleksandr Usyk, who is a phenomenal fighter, would be Martin Bakole. I believe, and more importantly, Martin believes, he would knock him out.”

Courtesy Sky Sports

 

WBC DECISION BIG BOOST FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S SILVER BELT CHAMP SIYAKHOLWA KUSE

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WBC DECISION BIG BOOST FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S SILVER BELT CHAMP SIYAKHOLWA KUSE

A decision by the World Boxing Council (WBC) to allow Filipino world minimumweight champion Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem to defend his minimumweight title against any top-15 ranked boxer has boosted the chances of South Africa’s Siyakholwa “One Way” Kuse getting a world title shot.

At the recently-concluded WBC convention in Hamburg, Germany, it was decided that former WBC minimumweight title holder, Japan’s Yudai Shigeoka meets Thailand’s Thammanoon Niyomtrong in a title eliminator with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger.

“We’re very happy with the latest development it gives us hope we can get a shot at the world title,” Kuse’s elated manager Mlandeli Tengimfene told boxersworld.co.ke.

“I have a co-promotion arrangement with Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves he will push we get this chance,” said Tengimfene, adding:” What gives us more hope is that our boxer is currently ranked third.”

Contacted, Berman said plans are underway to table an official bid for Jerusalem’s WBC minimumweight world title.

“Our priority is to reach out to Jerusalem’s team next year and entice them come to South Africa for a title defence against Kuse,” said Berman who ruled out the possibility of a rematch between Kuse and South Africa-based Zimbabwean Beaven “The One” Sibanda whom Kuse beat early this month to win the WBC minimumweight silver belt at the Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.

It was a closely contested fight but the southpaw Kuse prevailed after doing the donkey work for the better part of the fight that Sibanda’s late rally failed to tilt the pendulum in his favour.

In addition to the third ranking in WBC’s latest minimumweight ratings, Kuse’s victory over Sibanda has further boosted the morale of his manager Tengimfene. He is confident Kuse can silence Jerusalem whom he however respects as a two-time world champion.

“Like any other boxer Jerusalem is beatable and I would love to have him with Kuse in the ring sooner than later,” said a confident Tengimfene who played a leading role to assist Kuse stop abusing drugs in 2022.

It was a difficult task but eventually we managed to save Kuse’s boxing career from being messed up by drugs.” He explains the steps he took to stop Kuse abusing drugs.

“He came to me after having heard I assisted one of the boxers from his area who was also his friend called Sinethekna Kotana,” said Tengimfene.

“Kuse came to me and asked for two things, that I assist him to beat the addiction and also assist him regain his South African mini flyweight title he lost during his addiction, we achieved that and went on to win Africa Boxing Union title too.

“Kuse is a living example that the drug habit is beatable with a strong mind and positive support. It was not an easy journey I must confess. Had it not been for the support from us in our gym, trainers and his family particularly his father, this fight could have taken longer than it has. Today I’m proud Kuse has quit the habit and become a regular church goer.”

Kuse himself explains why he became a drug addict. “I was dealing with a lot of problems at home and boxing stuff, having no one to support me,” said Kuse, and went on:”I cannot say I used drugs for a long time because it was on and off but it became serious that’s why I decided to stop, I was taking weed and tik. I’m very grateful to Mr Mlandeli for his support.”

Kuse is optimistic of success if he gets a shot at Jerusalem’s world title. “I can beat him even if there are no build-up fights,” said Kuse and took us back to his hard-fought win over Sibanda to clinch the WBC minimumweight silver title.

“As a southpaw my strategy was to use my jab and feinting attack before throwing any punch and move side to side not infront of him.” Kuse’s manager Tengimfene is happy his boxer can now manage his own life.

“He stays in Mdantsane Township in an informal settlement known as Ngidi named after a liberation stalwart from that vicinity, he now lives on his own.”

On why most African professional boxers are engaged in side jobs, Tengimfene said:”As you know African pro boxers don’t earn a lot of money in the ring that’s why most of them engage in side jobs to supplement their income but Kuse is concentrating fully on his career as a pro boxer without other jobs. He wants to make a lot of money now while still strong and build his future with his earnings from pro boxing.”

Tengimfene was a good amateur boxer albeit briefly during his youth but his father did not support him. Eventually he switched to pro boxing management.

“I was an amateur boxer during the mid to late 70s. It didn’t take me long before my late father (Ta Ben) who was an educationist took me out and directed me to school and soccer as he saw boxing a dangerous sport.

“I first ventured into pro boxing management in 2012 with Zolani Tete and his brother Makazole Tete becoming my first boxers. I made Zolani a two-time world champion and Makazole a multiple champion (SA and International Champion) and the rest is history.

“I further established a promotional company in 2015 to further the careers of other boxers in the camp. In my stable currently I have Azinga Fuzile, Ngxaka Mthokozisi and other up and coming stars.”

🥊NENEZ BOXING ARCHIVE: THE DAY DIBLO WON, CELEBRATED BUT IN THE DRESSING ROOM HE FORGOT HE WAS THE WINNER

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🥊NENEZ BOXING ARCHIVE:

The day Diblo won, celebrated, but in the dressing room he forgot he was the winner.

On April 20, 1997, Kenya’s Absalom Okinyi aka Diblo was in a world of his own following his hard-fought points victory over Uganda’s big punching welterweight Robert Kamya at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Kampala.

Making his international debut, Diblo was paired against Kamya, then one of the top Ugandan boxers.

A cracking left hook to the jaw saw the Kenyan boxer making a compulsory trip to the canvas. He pulled himself up for an eight count.

“It was such a strong punch, I had never been hit so hard but I regained my composure to win the fight on points,” recalls Diblo on his baptism of fire.

Surprisingly, Diblo celebrated when his arm was lifted by the referee at the packed Lugogo Indoor Stadium but sub-consciously he was not aware he had won.

“It was my friend and teammate George Oduor who told me in the dressing room I was the winner. I didn’t know that at all. He even told me I celebrated but I couldn’t remember that. I was just in a different world mentally. That’s boxing, fans cheer us without knowing what we go through in the ring. You see a boxer leaving the ring after a bout thinking he’s listening to fans cheering him, at times he’s not himself and doesn’t know what’s going on outside there. Boxing is a tough sport. Any boxer stepping in the ring to fight or even does sparring deserves a lot of respect.”

Kenya defeated Uganda 7-5 bouts in the first leg of the Brunner Urafiki Cup in Kampala.

Other Kenyan winners included skipper Evans Ashira Oure who outpointed the highly regarded James Lubwama at light-middle, George”Kidi” Oduor knocked out Ronald Sebyala in the first round of their middleweight bout, light-fly Suleiman Bilali outpointed Sande Kizito and flyweight Joseph Waweru stopped Jackson Asiku in round two.

Among the five Ugandan winners were bantamweight Adam Kassim who outpointed Nick Otieno, featherweight Meddie Mwanje pts winner over David Kiilu and lightweight Ouma Kassim outpointed Sammy Imbaya.

In the return leg match at Makuti Park Hotel in Nairobi South B, Kenya again beat Uganda 7-5 bouts with Diblo outpointing Kamya for the second time.

“He knocked me down again in the first riund, I got up and beat him proper. He congratulated me after the fight and told me I was a very good boxer. He came to Nairobi promising to destroy me but I was mentally prepared for him.”

The following year Diblo, together with Moses Kinywa, won silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Diblo boxed for Kenya in several other international competitions, his last international outing being at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia where he was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

He stepped out of the ring in 2008, and currently concentrates on his job at Kenya Police. He’s attached to the DCI.

He is also an IBA 1-Star boxing coach.

IBA PRESIDENT UMAR KREMLEV END OF THE YEAR MESSAGE

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IBA PRESIDENT UMAR KREMLEV END OF THE YEAR MESSAGE

As we close out the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible achievements we had as an organization in 2024. This year has been nothing short of inspiring, filled with milestones that showcase our collective passion, determination, and unity. We have continued to progress and develop, investing in the current and next generations of boxers and providing opportunities for our athletes to succeed.

The IBA Youth Men’s and Women’s World Championships 2024 in Budva, Montenegro exemplified a forward-thinking vision for the sport of boxing, with unprecedented opportunities provided, as the IBA covered accommodation costs for all athletes and coaches. With a substantial prize money fund for the younger generation of athletes, the IBA has not only encouraged a higher level of engagement, but also recognized the dedication and hard work that our boxers invest in the sport.

The IBA’s commitments to the teams and National Federations underscore our dedication to ensuring that logistical barriers do not hinder participation. This strategic approach is essential for allowing boxers to focus on their training and performance rather than on the challenges posed by financial constraints. We are here to serve our athletes and create conditions for them, and our actions always support our words.

In alignment with the prestigious IBA World Boxing Championships, the IBA has also extended its assistance to organize seven Continental Championships this year, each aimed at promoting the sport at various age levels and facilitating a stepping stone for athletes aspiring to compete with the best within their continents and provide for their families.

I am equally pleased to highlight the achievements of our new flagship professional events, IBA Champions’ Night, a series that have successfully established a significant presence across four continents. This year, we have proudly hosted 20 events, each contributing to the overarching mission of IBA to elevate the sport of boxing.

Not only do these events offer a chance for athletes to compete at a professional level, but they also create pathways for sustainable income. The financial opportunities afforded by our Champions’ Nights have positively impacted the lives of many athletes, empowering them to pursue their passion for boxing while ensuring economic stability for them and their families.

Another exciting development in 2024 is the introduction of the IBA Kunlun Fight World Cup in China, a groundbreaking tournament that merges the worlds of professional boxing and kickboxing. By uniting these two prestigious combat sports, IBA has not only amplified the global appeal of its events, but also strengthened appreciation for the diversity within martial arts.

To further enhance the support for its activities across the globe, IBA has allocated $1,110,000 to the Financial Support Program, enabling National Federations to better address the unique challenges. This investment reiterates the IBA’s recognition of National Federations and Continental Confederations as key stakeholders vital for the growth and development of boxing globally.

Apart from this, IBA has organized a total of 45 educational courses for its technical officials, which include coaches, referees and judges and ITOs, who play a crucial role in the successful execution of each boxing event. The comprehensive training programs provided by the IBA are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of these technical officials, contributing to the overall integrity and professionalism of the sport.

A brand-new IBA and ISDE Sports Management course in cooperation with the leading university became another milestone with continuous professional development for our Boxing Family members aspiring to take part in the competition’s organization at local and international levels.

In the year 2024, IBA has also witnessed significant growth in the realms of marketing opportunities, media coverage, social media outreach and broadcasting, thus innovating its approach to brand promotion and delivering timely and relevant content to its audience.

As we move forward to 2025, I am excited to announce that our flagship events – the IBA Women’s and Men’s World Championships – will take center stage in 2025, along with the IBA Junior World Boxing Championships and newly established Schoolboys & Schoolgirls World Championships. With a prize money fund of up to $10 million for Elite World Championships and up to $1 million for the continental events, these tournaments will be the premier competitions for boxers of all ages from around the globe.

We will continue to expand our IBA Champions’ Night events to each continent, providing even more opportunities for boxers to compete professionally and earn a living. IBA is also set to celebrate another successful year for our boxing family with the crowning of new Continental champions and the new editions of the IBA Kunlun Fight World Cup.

Moreover, the rebranded World Series of Boxing (WSB) will be a major highlight in 2025. The WSB has undergone a transformation, adopting a new name and identity, but at its core, the series stays true to its original concept: a unique blend of amateur and professional boxing in a team-based format. By rebranding and refreshing the WSB, the IBA aims to bring the sport to new heights, ensuring that boxing remains dynamic and engaging for fans and participants alike.

Of course, IBA keeps providing ongoing support to its National Federations through its Financial Support Program, which is designed to assist them in various aspects of their operations and development, as well as implement projects and give boxers a chance to participate in the competitions.

As the only boxing governing body with the expertise to manage events and its stakeholders, IBA is uniquely positioned to provide the successful and a fair future of our athletes. Being a true Home of Boxing, we will carry on working tirelessly to promote our beloved sport as a symbol of peace and unity, free from the influence of politics. We will keep fighting for our boxers so they can proudly represent their countries with the respective flags and anthems, no matter what.

As President of the International Boxing Association, I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication throughout this year. From our athletes to our coaches and officials, from our National Federations and Confederations to our staff members, every single one of you plays an essential role in the success of our organization. I am proud to be given a trust to lead this organization, and I am excited for what the future holds.

In closing, I would like to remind you one of the wise words of Muhammad Ali: “Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision”. Let us continue to chase our dreams and to work towards inspiring and uplifting people from all corners of the globe.

Wishing you a great festive season and looking forward to our new milestones in 2025!

With best wishes,

Umar Kremlev

President of International Boxing Association (IBA)

🥊NENEZ BOXING ARCHIVE: Focus on the epic 1981 Kenya National Boxing League match between Prisons and Police

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🥊NENEZ BOXING ARCHIVE

Focus on the epic 1981 Kenya National Boxing League match between Prisons and Police.

The introduction of the Kenya National Boxing League in 1981ushered in stiff club competition.

One of the closely contested 1981 league match then was between Police and Prisons – both teams were unbeaten – at the PSTC Gym opposite Wilson Airport.

In the week leading to this eagerly awaited clash, there was tension between the two sides.

Others looked at it as a battle between coaches Jairo “Wamzee” Omuholo and Prisons’ head coach Peter Mwarangu who was also in charge of the national team.

Mwarangu’s team included among others Uganda’s 1970 Commonwealth Games light-flyweight gold medallist James Odwori who was back home, featherweight Napunyi “Nappu” Oduori, lightweight Titus Omondi, hard-hitting light-welterweight Nicholas Tingu, welterweight Kamau “Pipino” Wanyoike, middleweight Thomas Okoth and heavyweight Fred “Sachi” Sabat who had joined Prisons after briefly representing Breweries.

Among the top boxers in Police were light-flyweight John “Poison” Kamau, flyweight Sande Odanga, bantamweight David “Harish” Ouma, light-welterweight Ali “Ojukwu” Athumani, light- middleweight Steve “Vedo” Okumu, and light-heavyweight Raphael “Koko” Mundire.

They fought on Friday in what was a keenly contested league match.

Police won the opening three bouts with light-flyweight John “Poison” Kamau beating Ibrahim Muthee, flyweight Sande Odanga outpointing James Odwori and David Ouma defeating Philip Kiogora who was disqualified by referee Harrison Kilonzo in the third round for persistently holding the dominant Ouma.

Stylish featherweight Napunyi Oduori was in a class of his own, stopping Dishon Odanga in the third round for Prisons’ first victory followed by the second one from lightweight Titus Omondi’s points victory over P. Mutuku who made one trip to the canvas in the first round.

At light-welterweight, Ali “Ojukwu” Athumani survived a first round knockdown by Nicholas Tingu to score a deserved points victory.

Then came the welterweight bout in which Kamau Wanyoike outpointed Francis Odongo to give Prisons’ their third win.

Steve “Vedo” Okumu brought back Police on the winning trail, beating Alfred Bwire at light-middleweight with middleweight Thomas Okoth chalking up Prisons’ fourth victory.

Police led by 5-4 bouts heading to the decisive light-heavyweight bout pitting Prisons’ Alex Oundo and Raphael Mundire.

It’s a bout Police had to win at all costs because it was obvious three-time Fescaaba heavyweight champion Fred Sabat would defeat discuss thrower Eliud Wangila in the last heavyweight bout of the day.

The cops had the last laugh with Mundire scoring a split points win over Alex Oundo.

At this stage coach Wamzee was laughing from ear to ear with six wins he knew Police had carried the day. Little wonder Wamzee threw in the towel in the first round for Sabat to give Prisons’ their fifth victory.

Police won 6-5 bouts to shatter the four-match unbeaten run of Prisons.

It turned out to be Napunyi’s last amateur fight in Kenya. He graduated to the paid ranks in Japan a few weeks after the Prisons’ vs Police league match.

CEO YAKUBU IMADU PROMISES A CARNIVAL NIGHT ON DEC 30

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CEO YAKUBU IMADU PROMISES A CARNIVAL NIGHT ON DEC 30

The Chief Executive Officer of Yucateco Boxing Promotions and initiator of the Yucateco boxing league, Omonlei Yakubu Imadu, has said the final event of 2024 will hold in a carnival-like atmosphere on Monday, December 30.

“Those who attended our last event in 2023 already know what to expect on Monday the 30th of this month, aside the action in the squared ropes we have a list of top Nigerian musicians that will be performing on the night”

“We are staging a carnival night with the best of boxing action ‘so, boxing fans should expect the best blend of music entertainment, dance, and sports, our venue remains the Yucateco Arena in Ikorodu”.

The grand finale of the Yucateco Boxing League Season 2 has been slated for February 2025. The season which got underway in August has thus far completed a total of 438 bouts.

Twelve accredited boxing clubs are vying for the grand prize of N50 Million naira in season 2 of the Yucateco league. The most valuable boxers in each weight category will also receive the sum of 2 million naira each.

Meanwhile with less than six weeks to the close of Season 2 of the Yucateco Boxing League, participating clubs and their respective pugilists have continued to shore up points as they eye the ultimate prize.

Hostilities resume on Friday night, December 27, at the Yucateco Boxing Arena in Lagos for week 17 contests. The opening bouts was a show of class for Faruk Abijuwon of Tizimi boxing club as he decimated Afeez Olamide of AGB Splendid BC 4-1 in their male 51kg contest. The 57kg class also came alive with an entertaining fight that saw Robiu Abdullahi score a split decision victory over Michael Ogunremi of ESPITA boxing club.

The king of the 63.5kg class and the Most Valuable Boxer (MVB) of YBL season 1, Abdulwahab Abdulrahmon of Eespitas Boxing Club showed he was miles ahead of his opponent as he recorded a 4-1 triumph over Oluwaseun Abiodun of AY Rano Boxing Club. It was however a one-sided affair in the 71kg as Daniel Joshua of Ogbas Families Boxing Club made a soft work of Jato Ibrahim of OWAN boxing club in his dominant 5-0 victory.

Visit yucatecoboxing.com for more details on the week-17 bouts and other information on the Yucateco Boxing League.

USYK REIGNS SUPREME: DEFEATS FURY IN THRILLING REMATCH

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USYK REIGNS SUPREME: DEFEATS FURY IN THRILLING REMATCH

Ukrainian sensation Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his World Boxing Council, WBO, and WBA heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight, a centerpiece of #RiyadhSeason, showcased a captivating display of boxing skills and strategy.

Usyk, had previously dethroned the undefeated Fury via split decision in a thrilling encounter earlier this year. While the rematch lacked the same level of intensity, it was a tactical chess match from start to finish. Fury employed a cautious approach, aiming to counterpunch and frustrate Usyk, while the Ukrainian relentlessly pressed forward, seeking to land his devastating left hand.

Fury enjoyed early success, landing effective body shots and utilizing his jab to keep Usyk at bay. However, Usyk began to assert his dominance from the fourth round onwards, finding success with his powerful left and maintaining a relentless offensive pressure.

Fury, displaying remarkable mobility, responded with flashes of brilliance, cornering Usyk and unleashing powerful combinations. Yet, Usyk’s consistent aggression and impactful punches ultimately swayed the judges, who all scored the fight 116-112 in favor of the Ukrainian.

“I respect Tyson a lot,” Usyk acknowledged post-fight. “He’s a very tough fighter. Tyson makes me stronger. He’s a great opponent, a big man, and a good man. He talks a lot, but it’s just show. I’m grateful for the 24 incredible rounds he’s given me in my career.”

While acknowledging Fury as his toughest opponent, Usyk admitted that this rematch proved to be less challenging than their initial encounter.

courtesy of wbcboxing.com

BOTTOMS UP KDF AS BFK ACHIEVE A MILESTONE LIVE TRANSMISSION

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🇰🇪 Kenya National Boxing League Finals Round-up 2024

BOTTOMS UP KDF AS BFK ACHIEVE A MILESTONE LIVE TRANSMISSION.

 

It was song and dance for jovial and excited Kenya Defence Forces team led by their vice-chairman Colonel Paul Mungori at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, about 420km south-west of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi.

Clad in light yellow Tshirts emblazoned with the words “We are the Champions 2024”, the dancing KDF boxers and officials signified the joy of winning in sports.

“This win means a lot to us. We’re so happy and as soldiers we cherish the feeling of conquest in any battle,” said a smiling Mungori as he danced with his boxers at the Raila Odinga Stadium with the VIP stand packed to capacity.

What an inspiring spectacle watching African Military Games silver medallist Veronica Mbithe play the role of cheerleader adding more flavour and spice to what was a colourful and pleasant finish to the 2024 Kenya National Boxing League.

 

Encouragingly, former international boxers, Nick Okoth aka Commander, CEO Nick Abaka, Tabu Orieyo, Sammy Magima, Simon Mulinge and Black Moses Mathenge were not left out of the party either. They contributed a great deal to the success of KDF as coaches.

As KDF revelled in their deserved league victory, Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) were over the moon by successfully midwifing the first-ever live transmission of the Kenya National Boxing League since its inception in 1981.

It’s a significant milestone for BFK that has elevated them to a new level in the digital era and a further testament to their committed and concerted efforts to improve Kenya’s boxing standards under their humble president Anthony “Jamal” Otieno who said this is the beginning of a new era in Kenya boxing.

“We will maintain the live transmissions in next season’s national league matches and international contests because we know what it means to expose our boxers in such live broadcasts as well building our fan base, DRC are also coming to Nairobi to meet our national team,” said Jamal who is confident sponsors will come on board to support them revamp boxing which is Kenya’s most successful sport at the Olympics together with athletics.

 

“Next year we plan to introduce several new tournaments in our calendar chief among them Kenya Champions’ Night to be run in a similar format like IBA Champions’ Night, we will select specific deserving boxers and match them per weight to produce a grand night of boxing with prize money at stake,” said Jamal who was mobbed by Homa Bay fans after the finals and Kisumu boxers all eager to take a selfie with the BFK leader, a man of the people. He was flanked by secretary-general David Munuhe, treasurer Musa Benjamin and competitions secretary John Waweru who presided over the organisation of the three-day final leg of the national league and did a marvelous job in marshalling his team made up of top referees and judges among them Nelson Otieno aka Jaluo Jeuri, Joseph Odhiambo “OJ”, Rebecca Wambui, David Ouma, Chege Njenga, Mercy Musila, Kibunja Nderu, David Opiyo, Leila Said and Stephen Ndung’u. Kudos to you all RJs you’ve played a big role in the success of the league and take note without your contribution, no boxing competition can take place.

The finals were superb with hundreds of cheering Homa Bay fans adding more impetus to a well organised event.

 

KDF’s international featherweight Pauline Chege suffered an upset points defeat to Siaya’s Emmaculate Atieno. The Siaya boxer overpowered Pauline with her more authoritative punches and aggression. Atieno is a product of Top Rank coach Joseph Ochieng aka D4 who has groomed good boxers such as former Kenyan international Dennis Okoth”Billabong”, now fighting as a pro in the USA with a record of 4-6-1, 2 KOs.

The other impressive boxer from Siaya was middleweight Nivael Otieno who surprisingly lost to KDF’s Steve Onyango despite subjecting the soldier to two standing counts.

Siaya is indeed the home of boxing in Western Kenya Region. Among the top boxers from Siaya County are James “Demosh” Omondi, Charles “Dixie Kidi” Oduori and brother Ojow Mamba, Raymond Juma and Remjus Oketch who is one of the pioneer boxers in Nairobi’s Kaloleni Estatem. Uganda’s former internationals Alex Odhiambo, Mathias Ouma and James Odwori are also from Siaya.

KDF’s Mbotela Estate-bred Alvin Oduor maintained his scintillating show by stopping Prisons’ Andrew Odhiambo in the second round of the light-middleweight class with Homa Bay’s school teacher at Loita Junior Secondary in Narok, Junior Ochieng, finding the going rough against Siaya’s relentless puncher Samuel Owuor who stopped Ochieng in the third round.

It was a walk in the park for KDF internationals, light-heavyweight Robert Okaka, cruiserweight Chris Ochanda and heavyweight Hezron Maganga all of them winning their fights inside the distance. Okaka, a bronze medallist in the Africa Championships, stopped Prisons’ Steve Otengo in round one, Ochanda KO’d Homa Bay’s Kassim Abdi and Maganga stopped Vihiga’s Steve Okoyo in the first round.

Siaya, Homa Bay, Vihiga and Kisumu boxers showed admirable courage, determination and raw power. The introduction of training camps and regular competitions will further sharpen their boxing and give them more confidence.

Coach Jacob Omune has done a commendable job in Homa Bay. Like most grassroots coaches, lack of equipment is his most pressing problem.

“We need sparring gloves, speedballs, skipping ropes and pads to make my job easier coaching youngsters here,” Omune told boxersworld.co.ke

Transfix coach Samson Mtoni returns to Mombasa satisfied by the impressive performance of his three boxers whose trip to Homa Bay was sponsored by Mombasa Maize Millers boss Ali Islam.

“I’m very grateful to Islam for supporting my boys, without his sponsorship we would not have travelled because it’s very expensive during the festive season, it cost us four thousand shillings each plus accommodation,” said Mtoni whose bantamweight Shaban Mohamed won his final bout against Kisumu’s Samson Odhiambo.

Financial constraints also affected defending champions Police, Nairobi County and Kibra .They all failed to make it to Homa Bay.

*Full results of Kenya National Boxing League 5th leg finals in Homa Bay*

Flyweight

Mwinyi Omar (KDF) outpointed Moses Kilavuka (Prisons)

Bantamweight

Shaban Mohamed (Mombasa) outpointed Samson Odhiambo (Kisumu)

Featherweight

Mwinyi Kombo (Prisons) got a walkover against KDF’s Michael Otieno

Pauline Chege (KDF) lost on points to Siaya’s Emmaculate Atieno

Lightweight

Nelson Ouma (Siaya) lost on points to Francis Mwema (KDF)

Light-welterweight

Anthony Maina (Prisons) outpointed Gatambo Irungu (KDF)

Welterweight

Samuel Owuor (Siaya) stopped Junior Ochieng (Homa Bay) round three

Light-middleweight

Andrew Odhiambo (Prisons) lost to Alvin Oduor (KDF) RSC round two

Middleweight

Steve Onyango (KDF) outpointed Nivael Otieno (Siaya)

Light-heavyweight

Steve Otengo (Prisons) lost to Robert Okaka (KDF) RSC round one

Cruiserweight

Kassim Abdi (Homa Bay) lost to Chris Ochanda (KDF) KO round two

Heavyweight

Steve Okoyo (Vihiga) lost to Hezron Maganga (KDF) RSC round one

Super-heavyweight

Jasper Shagali (Prisons) stopped John Otieno (Kisumu) round two

MAKABU, ATTIA TO VIE FOR WBC AFRICA CROWN IN KINSHASA

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Former DR Congo’s world cruiserweight champion Junior Ilunga Makabu and Egypt’s Wagdy Attia will fight for the WBC Africa cruiserweight title today, December 21, in Kinshasa, DR Congo.

The event is promoted by Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo of Luyoyo Promotions and will take place at the Gymnase Jumele Stade de Martyrs.

The official weigh-in took place on December 20 with both warriors showing that they are in excellent condition. The supervisor of the fight will be the Vice President of the WBC, Houcine Houichi who is also the President of the Africa Boxing Union (ABU).

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