Hard-punching Mogunde bags historic gold for Kenya at African Boxing Championships

Kenyan pugilist Boniface Mogunde delivered a historic victory for Kenya at the African Boxing Championships held at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, DR Congo, securing Kenya’s first gold in seven years. This is Kenya's first gold since Nick Okoth’s lightweight triumph in 2017 in Congo Brazzaville.

Mogunde’s victory, a split points decision over Burundi’s Nestor Nduwarugira, made him crowned the light-middleweight champion in an intense East African face-off. Kenya’s boxing team, the ‘Hit Squad’, also bagged two silver medals and five bronze medals, reflecting a strong overall performance in the tournament.

Expressing his joy, Mogunde shared, "Winning gold at this African Championships fills me with great pride. I thank God and my coaches for the strategy that helped me stay mobile in the ring, avoiding a knockout and strategically landing points."

The victory marked Mogunde's second triumph over Nduwarugira, whom he defeated two years prior in the Zone 3 tournament, also held in Kinshasa.

Mogunde was full of praise for his team and supporters, stating, “This gold is for all Kenyans. The Hit Squad’s growth is evident, and I believe this is just the beginning of greater achievements in future competitions.”

However, Kenya’s captain, Elizabeth Andiego, experienced heartbreak in the light-heavyweight final. She lost on a controversial split points decision to Morocco's Hasna Larti, despite dominating the first and third rounds. Andiego, who has represented Kenya since 2010, described the loss as one of the most painful of her career.

"I was shocked and disappointed," Andiego said. "I felt I had done enough to win. Watching the fight back, I’m convinced I should have won, but I leave it all to God."

Alongside Andiego, Clinton Macharia also secured  silver after losing to Morocco’s Younes Bouhdid in the Super Heavyweight final. Meanwhile, Amina Martha, Abednego Kyalo, Shaffi Bakari, Vincent Ochieng, and Robert Okaka earned bronze medals for their semi-final finishes, rounding off a memorable championship for Kenya’s boxing team.