Kenya is well known for its boxing prowess, with a long history of producing some of the best boxers in the world. From the first African heavyweight champion, Dick Tiger, to the current world champions, Kenya has had a major influence on the sport.
There are many top-level boxers from the country, and today we will be looking at some of the best. We’ll be taking a look at the current champions, past champions, and some of the most promising up-and-coming boxers in the country.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best boxing players in Kenya.
1. Robert Wangila
Robert Napunyi Wangila was a remarkable Kenyan athlete. He is best known for winning a welterweight gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. This achievement makes him the only Kenyan to ever win an Olympic gold medal outside of athletics – an incredible feat.
What makes it even more impressive is that Wangila is also the only boxer from Sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa to have ever won an Olympic gold medal. This victory was a milestone for Kenya and the entire Sub-Saharan region.
It was a testament to the strength and potential of African athletes, and it inspired many other young athletes to strive for greatness. Wangila’s success was also a symbol of hope for the people of Kenya, who had suffered through a period of civil unrest and economic hardship.
Wangila’s legacy is still felt today. His accomplishments helped to elevate Kenyan boxing to the world stage, and he is remembered as a hero by many in his home country. He is an example of what can be achieved when hard work, dedication, and passion are put into something.
His Olympic gold medal is a reminder that dreams can come true, no matter where one is from.
2. Rayton Okwiri
Rayton Nduku Okwiri is a Kenyan boxer who has been making a name for himself in the boxing world. He first came to prominence in 2016 when he qualified to compete at the Summer Olympics, which were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that year.
Since then, he has gone on to become a successful boxer, holding the African Boxing Union middleweight title since June 2019. This title has cemented Okwiri’s status as a champion, as well as making him a symbol of hope for people in Kenya who wish to pursue a career in boxing.
Okwiri has also become a role model for aspiring boxers in Kenya, showing them that it is possible to reach the top in the sport. His success has also encouraged other Kenyans to take up boxing as a sport, providing a platform for them to reach their potential.
3. Suleiman Bilali
Suleiman Wanjau Bilali is a Kenyan professional light flyweight boxer who has been representing his country in numerous international boxing competitions for many years. He had a very successful career, culminating in his participation in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
During the Olympics, Bilali fought against Rafael Lozano, a Spanish boxer who eventually finished as the runner-up. Unfortunately, Bilali was not able to gain the victory, losing to Lozano by a score of 10-11 in the quarterfinals.
Although he was unsuccessful in his Olympic bid, Bilali still remains a respected figure in the Kenyan boxing community, with his many years of experience and devotion to the sport.
4. Nick Okoth
Nicholas Okongo Okoth is a Kenyan amateur boxer who gained international recognition for his participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Okoth earned his spot in the Olympics by winning the 2nd AIBA African 2008 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, making him the first Kenyan boxer to qualify for the Olympics since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
At the Beijing Olympics, Okoth had his debut against Arturo Santos Reyes, but unfortunately lost the match. Okoth grew up in the Mathare slums of Nairobi, and his upbringing was far from easy.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Okoth was able to find strength and inspiration in the boxing career of his three brothers. His brothers also became boxers, and Okoth attributes much of his success to the support of his family.
5. Philip Waruinge
Philip Waruinge was a professional boxer from Kenya. He competed in the featherweight division, which is the lightest weight class in boxing. During his time as an amateur, he was a highly accomplished boxer, competing in numerous tournaments and bouts.
He was known for his lightning speed and agility, using his superior reflexes to outwit and outmaneuver his opponents. His unique style of fighting was admired by boxing fans and critics alike.
Waruinge was able to have a successful career as an amateur due to his dedication and hard work. He trained hard and developed a solid technique that enabled him to compete against some of the best boxers in the world.
He also had a great amount of mental toughness, which allowed him to stay focused and motivated even when he was up against tough opponents. Waruinge had a natural talent for boxing and was able to make the most of it.
He was a true champion and an inspiration to aspiring boxers all over the world.
6. Christine Ongare
Christine Ongare is an inspiring Kenyan athlete who competes in the featherweight division of boxing. She had the opportunity to represent her country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia and was successful in her efforts.
Her performance earned her a bronze medal, making her the first Kenyan woman to ever win a medal in boxing at the Commonwealth Games. Her accomplishment is a testament to her dedication and hard work, as well as her skill within the sport.
She has broken down barriers and set an example for other Kenyan female boxers to follow in her footsteps. Her success is an important milestone for Kenya’s boxing program and for the country’s athletes in general.
The bronze medal that Christine Ongare won is a true testament to her dedication to the sport and her commitment to representing her country. Her accomplishment is a sign of progress for Kenya and a reminder that hard work and dedication can yield amazing results.
Christine Ongare stands as an example of perseverance and determination to all female boxers and athletes alike.
7. Sylvanus Okello
Sylvanus Okello is a boxer from Kenya. He has made a name for himself by competing in the 1984 Summer Olympics in the men’s light heavyweight category.
Okello was one of the few Kenyan athletes to participate in the Olympics that year, and he was able to make a mark on the international stage. He faced tough competition from other boxers from around the world, but he was able to hold his own and put up a good fight.
His participation in the Olympics was a testament to his skill and determination as a boxer, and it gave him the recognition he deserved. He is still remembered today for his Olympic success, and he is an inspiration to young athletes in Kenya and around the world.
8. Joshua Onyango
Joshua “Poison” Onyango is a Kenyan professional boxer who has been active in the sport since the 1990s. He is known for competing in the welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight classes.
Throughout his career, Joshua has had sensational success and has been the recipient of several prestigious awards. In particular, he won the Kenya welterweight title in the 2000s and was also the recipient of the East & Central African Professional Boxing accolade in the 2010s.
This accomplishment solidified his place as one of the greatest Kenyan boxers of all time. Joshua is known for his strong focus and dedication to boxing.
Throughout his career, he trained diligently to hone his boxing skills and was known to be a hardworking professional who never gave up. He was also known for his ability to stay calm under pressure and his ability to stay motivated even in the toughest of situations.
Joshua is also an inspiration to many aspiring boxers. He has been an example of how determination and hard work can lead to success. He has shown that even the most difficult challenges can be overcome with a strong will and dedication.
In conclusion, Joshua “Poison” Onyango is a Kenyan professional boxer who has had a long and successful career. He is known for his impressive accomplishments, hard work, and dedication to the sport.
He is an inspirational figure to many aspiring boxers and a true testament to the power of determination and hard work.
9. Ibrahim Bilali
Ibrahim Bilali is a retired flyweight boxer from Kenya with an impressive Olympic record. He was able to bring home a bronze medal in the flyweight division from the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.
Unfortunately, he was unable to make it to the finals due to a loss to Redzep Redzepovski of Yugoslavia in the semifinals. Redzepovski went on to win the silver medal, making Bilali’s loss even more heartbreaking.
Despite not being able to make it to the finals, Bilali’s career as a flyweight boxer is still heralded by many today. He was able to achieve one of the highest honors in Olympic boxing, and his legacy continues to live on.
10. Elizabeth Akinyi
Elizabeth Akinyi is an inspiring Kenyan amateur boxer. She has achieved great success in the sport, becoming the Kenyan national welterweight champion. Her journey in boxing began in March 2016, when she made her professional debut.
Unfortunately, she was defeated in her first fight by Goramane Rady. Despite the loss, Akinyi’s determination and ambition pushed her to continue her boxing career.
She has since gone on to become the Kenyan national welterweight champion and is seen as a role model to many aspiring boxers in her home country. Her story serves as an example of how hard work, dedication and perseverance can pay off in the long run.
She has shown that, despite setbacks, it is still possible to reach one’s goals with enough determination and motivation.
11. Joseph Akhasamba
Joseph Mukuku Akhasamba is a retired professional boxer from Kenya. He was a successful boxer during his career, having won the African heavyweight title between 1998 and 1999.
In addition, he was also a successful amateur boxer, representing Kenya at two consecutive Summer Olympics; the first in 1988 and the second some time after. He was a highly talented boxer and developed a reputation for his strong physique and technical ability in the ring.
His boxing career saw him compete in numerous local and international events, including the African heavyweight championship, which he won in 1998. He held the title until 1999 when he retired from professional boxing.
Throughout his career, he was widely praised for his dedication to the sport of boxing and his commitment to representing his native country.
His achievements in the amateur boxing arena were also highly praised, with many of his opponents praising his skill and technical ability. Joseph Mukuku Akhasamba is a prime example of a successful boxer and athlete.
His career was a testament to his dedication to the sport and his love for his country. He is a true inspiration for aspiring boxers and athletes around the world.
12. Richard Murunga
Richard Murunga was an accomplished boxer from Kenya. He had a successful career as a professional boxer, having won both the Kenyan and East African flyweight championships.
He was also known for his quick reflexes and strong punches, making him a popular fighter in his native country. Murunga began his boxing career at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks.
He made his professional debut in 1999 and went on to win his first national title in 2001. This win propelled him to the East African flyweight championship in 2003, which he held for the next two years.
This win also landed him a spot on the Kenyan Olympic boxing team in 2004. Despite his success in the ring, Murunga was also known for his charitable work.
He often used his fame and platform to raise money for his local community, working to improve the lives of those around him.
He was an active supporter of the Kenyan Red Cross and was instrumental in setting up a number of programs to help young people in his hometown of Kisumu. Murunga’s legacy lives on today, as he is remembered as one of the greatest boxers to come out of Kenya.
He will always be remembered for his skill in the ring, as well as his dedication to helping those in need. Richard Murunga was a true inspiration to those around him, both inside and outside of the boxing world.
13. Evans Ashira
Evans Ashira is a former professional boxer from Kenya who had a successful career in the sport. He was known as a multi-weight world title challenger, which means he challenged for a variety of different weight classes over the course of his career.
He is best known for his loss to Joe Calzaghe in 2005, a fight which was held for the WBO World Super Middleweight Title. In 2004, Ashira also unsuccessfully challenged Maselino Masoe for the WBA World Middleweight Title.
Although Ashira didn’t win either of these fights, he still had a successful career and is remembered for his willingness to challenge some of the best boxers in the world.
14. Chris Sande
Christopher Joseph Sande is a former professional boxer from Kenya. He was an accomplished amateur boxer, having won the bronze medal in the Middleweight division at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
This placed him in a prestigious group of medalists, alongside Pakistani boxer Hussain Shah Syed. Sande’s Olympic success was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, and his achievements will be remembered for generations to come.
Sande was no stranger to hard work and dedication, having started boxing as a young man to provide for his family. He worked hard to hone his skills and eventually competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
His performance at the Olympics earned him the bronze medal, a great accomplishment in the world of boxing. Sande’s success at the Olympics helped to put Kenya on the boxing map, and he was celebrated back home.
His hard work and commitment to the sport were an inspiration to many in his home country. Sande’s legacy is one of hard work and dedication, and his accomplishments will be remembered for many years to come.
15. David Kamau
David Nganga Kamau is a prominent name in the boxing world. He was a former Kenyan professional boxer in the Light Middleweight division, a weight class that ranges from 154 to 160 pounds. He was a highly successful professional boxer, losing only four times in 34 fights.
Kamau’s impressive record showcased his skills in the ring, as he was able to outlast opponents with his agility and strength. Kamau was a formidable opponent for those in the Light Middleweight division.
His impressive record of 30 wins and 4 losses in the 34 fights he competed in speaks to his success in the ring. He was able to outmaneuver his opponents with his speed and agility, and his strength was enough to overpower them.
His impressive boxing career is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Kamau’s impressive record and success in the Light Middleweight division made him a respected and feared competitor, and he is still remembered by many in the boxing world today.
His legacy is one that will be remembered for many years to come, and his record stands as an example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
16. David Munyasia
David Munyasia was a Kenyan boxer who made history during the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. He was the first athlete to be found in violation of the International Olympic Committee’s anti-doping rules.
On 10 August 2004, the IOC announced that Munyasia had tested positive for cathine on 6 August. Cathine is a stimulant known to increase the body’s energy output, which is prohibited in Olympic competition.
Munyasia had been competing in the bantamweight category and had already fought two matches before the positive result was determined. He had won both matches but would be disqualified from the Olympics and stripped of his medals as a result.
This was a historic moment for the Olympics, as it was the first time an athlete had been found in violation of the anti-doping regulations. The IOC took a hard stance against Munyasia, and the Kenyan boxer was banned from the Olympics for two years.
This was a stark reminder to all athletes that violations of the anti-doping regulations would not be tolerated. Even though Munyasia was the first athlete to be found in violation of the anti-doping regulations, he certainly wasn’t the last.
To this day, Olympic athletes continue to be tested for banned substances and those found in violation of the regulations are subject to severe consequences.
17. Conjestina Achieng
Conjestina Achieng was born on 20 October 1977 in Umiru village, Yala division, Siaya District. She is the fifth of ten children born to her parents Clement Adalo and Gertrude Auma.
Her elder brother, Joseph Kusimba, is a retired boxer who now runs a boxing club in Mathare, Nairobi. Conjestina’s father Clement Adalo is a retired medical officer, having worked in the medical field for many years.
Her mother Gertrude Auma is a homemaker who devoted her life to caring for her family. Joseph Kusimba, Conjestina’s elder brother, is an ex-boxer who has used his knowledge of the sport to open a boxing club in Mathare, Nairobi.
The club provides training and support for aspiring boxers from the area and serves as a place of strength and growth for the local community. Conjestina Achieng is a testament to the power of family and hard work.
She was born in a large family in a rural area, but through the support of her parents and her brother’s drive, she has been able to make a name for herself and build a successful career.
Her story is one of determination, resilience, and strength, and she serves as an example to others of how far dedication and ambition can take you.
18. Benson Gicharu Njangiru
Benson Gicharu Njangiru is a highly accomplished Kenyan amateur boxer. He holds a number of impressive records in his sport, including a silver medal from the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and a bronze medal from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
He also qualified for the 2012 Olympics. In addition to his successful athletic career, Njangiru is also a police officer. In the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Njangiru achieved a great victory against Oteng Oteng.
However, his success was short-lived, as he was defeated by local Suranjoy Mayengbam in the final, thus earning the silver medal. Despite this loss, Njangiru’s accomplishments are still highly impressive, and he should be looked up to as an example of dedication and hard work.
19. James Wanene
James Wanene is a Kenyan boxer who achieved international recognition when he competed in the men’s light flyweight event at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Wanene was born and raised in Kenya and took up boxing at an early age, quickly becoming one of the top boxers in his country.
At the 1992 Olympics, Wanene represented Kenya in the men’s light flyweight division, where he faced off against some of the world’s best competitors. He made it to the quarter-finals, but was ultimately eliminated from the tournament.
Despite the disappointing result, Wanene’s Olympic appearance was a great accomplishment, and it earned him recognition as one of the top boxers in Kenya.
He continues to compete in boxing tournaments around the world and is considered a role model for aspiring boxers in his home country.
20. Samuel Mbugua
Samuel Mbugua was a boxing champion from Kenya who achieved great success in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. He was a lightweight boxer and was able to win the bronze medal in the competition.
In the semifinals, he was unfortunately defeated by Jan Szczepański, who went on to win the gold medal for Poland. Mbugua’s success at the Olympics was a great accomplishment for him and for Kenya, and he is remembered fondly by the country and its sports fans.
21. Aziz Ali
Aziz Ali is a Kenyan amateur boxer who achieved a great feat at the 2nd AIBA African 2008 Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Despite being knocked out by Bastie Samir in the last fight of the tournament, he still managed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.
At the Olympics, he participated in the light-heavyweight category and his first bout was against Turkey’s Bahram Muzaffer. Unfortunately, Ali lost this bout with a score of 3:8.
This was a disappointing outcome for Ali, but it cannot take away from the great accomplishment he achieved in the qualifying tournament.
22. Bernard Ngumba Irungu
Bernard Ngumba Irungu is an amateur boxer from Kenya who had the opportunity to compete at the 2008 Olympics. He was able to qualify for the Olympics at the 2nd AIBA African 2008 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where he finished second behind Cassius Chiyanika.
In Beijing for the Olympics, he faced off against Tulashboy Doniyorov in his first fight but unfortunately was unable to secure a win. This was a huge accomplishment for Irungu, as it is a great honor to be selected to compete in the Olympics.
Although he was unable to win his first match, it was still an amazing experience for Irungu to compete at the highest level of his sport.
23. Peter Odhiambo
Peter Opiyo Odhiambo, also known as Peter Odhiambo, is a retired Kenyan boxer renowned for his success in the ring. In 1996, he represented Kenya in the Men’s Light Heavyweight division at the Summer Olympics.
This was just one of the many accomplishments he achieved in his career, as he had previously won a gold medal at the 1995 All-Africa Games in Harare, Zimbabwe. Odhiambo’s success in the ring was immense.
His strength and agility enabled him to outwit his opponents and eventually give him the edge in the fights. He was known as a formidable boxer, and his confidence and skill in the ring was evident.
This showed in his success at the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 1995 All-Africa Games. The 1995 All-Africa Games in Harare, Zimbabwe, was a particularly significant event for Odhiambo.
This was the first major international competition where he participated and it was here that he won his first gold medal. This success was a major milestone in his career, and it showed the world just how talented and determined he was.
Peter Odhiambo was a remarkable boxer who achieved great success in the ring. His accomplishments at the 1996 Summer Olympics and 1995 All-Africa Games cemented his legacy as a world-class boxer.
His strength, agility, and determination are a testament to his talent and hard work. He will always be remembered as a true champion of the sport.
24. Omar Ahmed
Omar Ahmed Abdelkader is an amateur boxer from Kenya, who is widely known by a variety of names. He is commonly referred to as Omar Ahmed, Ahmed Abdelkader, or Ahmed Rajab Omari.
Abdelkader is most famous for his impressive athletic accomplishments, particularly his gold medal win in the men’s heavyweight division at the 1995 All-Africa Games in Harare, Zimbabwe.
This impressive achievement has solidified his status as a legendary amateur boxer in the country of Kenya. Abdelkader is a highly skilled athlete and a born competitor. His dedication to the sport of boxing has earned him the respect of many fans and fellow boxers alike.
His talent and commitment to the sport have made him a hero in his home country. Abdelkader continues to be a source of inspiration for many aspiring amateur boxers, as they strive to reach the same level of success as he has.
25. Raymond Ochieng
Raymond Andrew Ochieng is a Kenyan athlete who has made a name for himself in the boxing world. He hails from the East African nation of Kenya and has competed in professional boxing for many years.
In addition to his native country, he has fought in multiple international bouts, including in the United States, United Kingdom, and Mexico. Ochieng is a well-known figure in the professional boxing community and is especially respected for his dedication and success in the ring.
He is best known for his wins against fighters from all over the world, from Mexico to the United States. He is also known for his style of boxing, which is both defensive and aggressive. Ochieng’s dedication to boxing does not end in the ring.
He is also heavily involved in the promotion of the sport in his native country. He has organized boxing tournaments, taught boxing classes, given seminars, and even written books on the subject.
Ochieng is not only a professional boxer but also a mentor and promoter of the sport. Raymond Andrew Ochieng is a true example of what it means to be a professional athlete.
His dedication to the sport has made him a respected figure in the professional boxing community and a true inspiration to young boxers around the world.
26. Anthony Napunyi
Anthony Napunyi is a Kenyan professional boxer who competes in the Featherweight division. Featherweight is a class of professional boxing where competitors weigh no more than 126 pounds and is one of the lowest weight classes in the sport.
Napunyi began his professional career in 2013 and has since gone on to become a successful boxer, winning several bouts in the Featherweight division. He has fought in many different countries across the world and is known for his athleticism and determination in the ring.
Napunyi is also a champion in the African Boxing Union, having won the African Featherweight title in 2016. He is a determined and passionate athlete who continues to strive for success in the sport of boxing.
27. Peter Mungai Warui
Peter Mungai Warui is an accomplished Kenyan boxer who has made his mark in the international boxing scene. He competed in the men’s light flyweight event at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he put up a remarkable performance.
Unfortunately, his journey at the 2016 Summer Olympics came to an end in the quarter-finals, but his performance at the event showcased his immense talent and potential.
His skills and techniques in the ring have earned him a lot of respect from boxing enthusiasts around the world. Apart from his Olympic appearances, Peter Mungai Warui has also competed in several other international boxing tournaments and championships.
He has won numerous medals and titles at these events, which has further added to his growing reputation as an outstanding boxer.
His dedication and commitment to the sport of boxing is something that is truly commendable and is an inspiration to aspiring boxers from his home country of Kenya. Peter Mungai Warui is a living testament to the potential of Kenyan boxers to compete on the international stage.
His story of success and determination is something that will surely serve as an inspiration to many aspiring boxers and athletes from Kenya and beyond.
28. Modesty Napunyi
Modesty Napunyi was an incredible boxer born in the Kenyan city of Nairobi. He was an amateur featherweight boxer during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and he made his international amateur debut during this time.
He was a successful super bantam, feather, and super featherweight boxer. He won several local and international tournaments in his career and was highly respected in the boxing community. He was known for his humility and his graceful style in the ring.
He was a true champion and his legacy lives on to this day. He was one of the most successful Kenyan boxers of his time and will always be remembered for his accomplishments.
29. Stephen Muchoki
Stephen Muchoki is a retired light-flyweight boxer from Kenya. He had a remarkable career as an amateur boxer and achieved several impressive accolades. In 1974, Muchoki won the silver medal at the inaugural World Amateur Boxing Championships held in Havana, Cuba.
He also won the title at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, held in Christchurch, New Zealand. This success in two prestigious tournaments in one year demonstrates the immense talent of this boxer.
His success in the sport has established him as a significant figure in the history of Kenyan boxing.
30. Erick Ochieng
Erick Ochieng is a professional boxer from Britain who competes in the Welterweight division. He is a former champion of the British Boxing Board of Control’s English Super-Welterweight division. Ochieng was born in Kaloleni, Nairobi, Kenya.
He was raised by his grandmother until she passed away. After her death, he moved to London when he was eleven years old to be with his parents, who had already relocated to the city. Ochieng’s move to London marked an important turning point in his life.
It was a fresh start for him, and he was able to pursue his dream of becoming a professional boxer. He started training and eventually achieved his goal of becoming a champion in the British Boxing Board of Control’s English Super-Welterweight division.
Ochieng’s story is an inspiring one of resilience and determination, and it serves as an example of what can be achieved when you put your mind to it.
Conclusion
The best boxing players in Kenya have displayed exceptional talent and skill in the sport. They have contributed to the development of the sport in Kenya and have become some of the best boxing players in the world.
Their accomplishments and successes are a testament to the dedication and passion of these boxers. These fighters have become shining examples of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and passion for the sport.
