▪️The two promising boxers are among Kenya’s 17-member squad to take part in the second World Boxing Cup in Guiyang, China
June 12, 2026
Sensational nationsl lightweight silver medallist Ben Juma and Kenya Open bantamweight champion Dennis Muthama have officially been capped and are among the 17-member Kenya national boxing team nicknamed Hit Squad departing for China on Saturday, June 13, for the World Boxing Cup Guiyang City, China.
The tournament, scheduled for June 15-21, serves as a major boost for the squad’s Olympic qualification ambitions. t
Their participation marks a crucial step in the boxers’ preparations for other major international tournaments notably the Commonwealth Games and Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships.
KDF’s Muthama and Ben Juma – elder brother of Kenyan Open featherweight champion Chris Juma – have both been in spanking form locally displaying immense skills and determination.
Muthama won the Kenya Open in April this year by stopping Chris Musyoki in the third round at Kaloleni Social Hall, and during the first leg of the Kenya National Boxing League in Nakuru he outpointed rival and long-serving international Shaffi Bakari. In his current form, Muthama is at the peak of his career.
Ben Juma has generated waves of excitement across local boxing circles, punching his way to the finals of the Kenya Open but owing to an injury did not feature in the finals against the eventual champion, southpaw Emmanuel Omollo of Police. He also dominated the lightweight division in the national league in Nakuru scoring an upset victory over KDF’s 2022 Africa Championships silver medallist Samuel Njau. He’s an aggressive boxer with good body shots.
Juma, Omollo and Njau will set alight the second leg of the league in Mombasa from July 9-11.
Leading the 17 boxers – ten men and seven women – is captain Liz “Mkono Chuma” Andiego who has represented the national women’s team from 2010 and is so far unbeaten locally for 15 years. She’s a proud owner of eight medals, two gold, four silver and two bronze medals.
Andiego is now campaigning as a pro under Kalakoda Promotions with two victories so far.
She is deputized by Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde who is unbeaten locally for eight years.
Also in the team is African Games middleweight champion Edwin Okong’o and two-time Africa bronze medallist Robert “Man Ngori” Okaka.
Andiego is also campaigning as a pro under Kalakoda Promotions with two victories so far.
She is deputized by Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde who is unbeaten locally for eight years.
Andiego is in top shape and confident of positive results.
“I’m in shape 24-7 ready to do duty for my country once again, those who’ve been silently suggesting it’s high time I retired should mind their business. When the time comes I’ll do it at my own time,” the 38-year Andiego told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview at Mathare Police Report Gym where the Kenyans have been training under head coach Musa Benjamin who explains why they’re travelling to China.
“There’s nothing happening in Africa, so we decided to expose our boxers ahead of the Commonwealth Games and the Africa Championships,” said Musa, adding:”We need constant competition in Africa from junior, youth and elite level. We’re now in June and no single international tournament has been staged in Africa apart from boardroom politics which is not helpful to the boxers.”
The Kenyan boxers heading to China:
Women
Light-flyweight: Jane Wangare
Flyweight: Veronica “Pioneer” Mbithe, Lencer Akinyi
Bantamweight: Amina Martha Faki
Featherweight: Pauline Chege
Light-middleweight: Friza Asiko
Light-heavyweight: Liz Andiego (captain)
Men
Minimumweight: Silus Onyango
Bantamweight: Dennis Muthama
Lightweight: Ben Juma
Welterweight: Aloice Vincent
Middleweight: Edwin Okong’o
Light-heavyweight: Robert “Man Ngori” Okaka
Heavyweight: Peter “The Beast” Abuti
Super-heavyweight: Clinton Macharia
Coaches: Head coach Musa Benjamin, deputy head coach David Munuhe and trainer John Waweru
Communication Director: Duncan Kuria aka Sugar Ray
Head of delegation: Anthony Otieno aka Jamal
Physiotherapist: Sospeter Kinuthia
Doctor: Julius Ogeto
