Kenya’s national boxing team, Hit Squad, claimed the inaugural World Boxing African Championships overall title after collecting 14 medals at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.
The hosts finished top of the standings with five gold, three silver and six bronze medals, narrowly edging Algeria, who also secured five gold and three silver medals but managed only three bronze medals. Uganda finished third in the competition, which attracted 15 nations and more than 150 boxers from across the continent.
Minimumweight Grace Atieno and lightweight Rosemarion Otieno were among Kenya’s standout performers, leading the home charge with impressive victories in the women’s finals.
Atieno secured gold in the 46–48kg category after an emphatic performance against Tanzania’s Veronica Thomas Mapunda, forcing the referee to stop the contest in the third round, sealing victory before the final bell.
Otieno also delivered a commanding display against Algeria’s Ichrak Chaib in the lightweight division. The Kenyan won by unanimous points’ decision after controlling the contest across all three rounds, earning praise for her technical superiority. Her outstanding performance also earned her the overall Best Female Boxer award.
Juliet Opondo added another gold medal to Kenya’s tally in the women’s heavyweight category, stopping Tanzania’s Rachel Msengi in the opening round to underline the hosts’ dominance.
Friza Asiko also impressed in the women’s light middleweight category, overcoming Egypt’s Hamza Tia on points in a strong performance that showcased her speed, precision and tactical discipline.
Elizabeth Akinyi added to Kenya’s successful campaign in the women’s light heavyweight division with a powerful display against Nigeria’s Blessing Orakyue. Akinyi demonstrated strength and accuracy, flooring her opponent in an impressive contest.
Kenya’s Veronica Mbithe, meanwhile, settled for silver in the women’s flyweight division after losing 4–1 to Algeria’s Fatiha Mansouri. Despite mounting a late comeback, Mbithe could not overturn the deficit after Mansouri had taken control in the earlier rounds.
In the men’s competition, Kelvin Maina emerged as the Best Male Boxer after an accomplished performance in the flyweight division. Maina defeated Angola’s Martinho Loureiro Ferreira through intelligent movement, sharp counterattacks and disciplined defence that allowed him to control the pace of the bout.
However, Kenya’s super heavyweight Clinton “Abu” Macharia missed out on gold after losing to Algeria’s Sid Ahmed Moussaoui in the men’s over-90kg category.
The championship victory marks a significant achievement for Kenyan boxing, with the Hit Squad taking advantage of home support to finish ahead of Algeria in a closely fought contest and establish Kenya as the inaugural African champions under World Boxing.