Nairobi set to host inaugural World Boxing Africa Elite Championships
Team Kenya's Hit Squad Captain Boniface Mogunde has defeated Hield Carl Leviticus of Bahamas on unanimous points decision in their light middleweight round of 64. (PHOTO/Courtesy)
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More continental giants are en route to the Kenyan capital, including African Games champions Nigeria, Uganda, and Rwanda, with the latter expected to touch down this evening aboard RwandAir.
Rwanda's traveling contingent features six boxers and three coaches, led by Gatorano Jean Claude, Hussein Barabanya, and Niyigena Olivier, together with team manager Gakunzi Theoneste.
Head of Delegation and Rwanda Boxing Federation Vice President Asman Emma, alongside Federation President Bashir Ntwari, will link up with the squad on Saturday.
Spearheading the Rwandan charge is prominent welterweight Pacifique Niyonzima, who is not a stranger in Nairobi, having competed here at the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships and also made history as the first Rwandan to win a bout at the 2025 IBA Men’s World Championships in Dubai.
The roster blends experience with fresh talent, introducing three newcomers: flyweight Jean Claude, lightweight Umunyehirwe Kenny, and middleweight Kalisa Olivier Hakizimana.
Rounding out the squad are light-middleweight Kazungu Frank and bantamweight Ntabanganyimana Valentin, who was at the 2023 World Junior Championships in Armenia and the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships in Kenya, finished eighth overall with two bronze medals from bantamweight Aime Iranezeza and lightweight Hassan Murenzi.
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