▪️Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde withdraws from the Kenya Open Championships
▪️Draws to be conducted from 10.30 am today after weigh-in and medical check-up
April 1, 2026
A provisional national boxing team to take part in various tournaments this year will be selected during the National Kenya Open Championships starting today, April 1, 2026, at the Kaloleni Social Hall in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi from 2pm.
Kenya’s national team head coach Musa Benjamin, in wishing all the participants the best of luck, has reminded the boxers on the importance of this four-day championships to feature pugilists from all over the country.
“This is a very important event in BFK’s calendar. New boxers, who have come through novices and intermediate, get a chance to prove themselves against the seasoned boxers, this is where future champions emerge,” Musa told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.
“It’s now time for the boxers to show what they are made of, technical and tactical ability, heart and resilience.
“It’s not just a fight for the title but personal growth and pride. We will get our provisional team from this Open Championship that will represent the country in various international competitions this year.”
Among the international tournaments lined up for the national team, nicknamed Hit Squad, is Africa Zone 3, Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships, two world championships and the Commonwealth Games.
Commenting on the reduction of weight classes to seven in the Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland, Musa expressed his big disappointment.
“Very unfortunate, the reduction denies boxers who don’t fall in those weight categories a chance to compete in the Games,” said Musa.
Meanwhile, Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface Mogunde of the defending champions, Kenya Police, will be unavailable for the Kenya Open owing to pressing family commitments.
“Mogunde will be excused since he has valid reasons to miss the Open, so we’re sure BFK will consider him when they pick the national team,” said Police coach James Wasao.
The medical and weigh-in will be conducted from 8am today followed by the technical meeting and the draws. Action starts at 2pm.
Photo by Duncan Kuria
