Welcome to the world of Zambian boxing! This is a country with a long and rich tradition in the sport of boxing, and it has produced some of the best boxers in the world.
From the late great Marvelous Marvin Hagler to the current heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, Zambia is a powerhouse in the boxing world. However, there are many boxers from Zambia who have achieved greatness in the ring and are well worth noting.
We will be taking a look at some of the best Zambian boxers of all time. We will explore their backgrounds, their achievements, and their influence on the sport. So, without further ado, let us take a look at the best Zambian boxers of all time.
1. Lottie Mwale
Lottie Mwale was an extraordinary boxer from Zambia. He was a Light Heavyweight-class boxer and held two major titles for six years. He was the Commonwealth and African Boxing Union champion, making him Zambia’s greatest boxer of all time.
Furthermore, he achieved great success when he won the World Boxing Council International title in December 1990 after defeating Ray Acquaye of Ghana in eight rounds in Lusaka. His remarkable achievements served as an inspiration to many boxers in Zambia and around the world.
Mwale’s legacy and impact on boxing will never be forgotten. He was not only a successful boxer, but also a role model for many aspiring boxers. He will always be remembered as one of Zambia’s greatest sporting heroes.
2. Chisanda Mutti
Chisanda “Kent Green” Mutti was an extraordinary boxer who achieved a great deal in his career.
Born in Zambia in the 1970s and 1980s, Mutti won the Zambia middleweight title, Zambia light heavyweight title, and Commonwealth cruiserweight title, and was highly respected in the boxing world.
He was a formidable force in the ring, renowned for his agility and technical skill. Mutti’s strong work ethic and dedication to his craft was evident from the start of his career. He trained hard and worked diligently to hone his technique and perfect his boxing style.
He never gave up and always fought with the utmost passion and determination. His commitment to his craft paid off, as he was able to capture three major titles in Zambia and the Commonwealth. Mutti was held in high regard by his peers and trainers.
He was renowned for his humility and respect for the sport and was admired for his unwavering dedication to training and his relentless pursuit of excellence. His achievements are a testament to his hard work, determination, and sheer talent.
He was an inspiration to many and will always be remembered for his outstanding accomplishments.
3. Catherine Phiri
Catherine Phiri is a professional boxer hailing from Zambia. She has held a number of titles, most notably the WBC female bantamweight title, which she held from 2016 to 2017.
In addition, she has twice challenged for the WBC female super-bantamweight title, once in 2017 and again in 2019. As of May 2022, she is ranked as the world’s tenth best active female super-bantamweight by BoxRec, a professional boxing organization.
This ranking is a testament to her skill and determination, having competed in the sport for many years. In addition to her success in the ring, she has also been an inspiration to many, particularly in her home country of Zambia.
She is an example of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work and has become an important figure in the Zambian boxing community.
4. John Sichula
John “Big Joe” Sichula was a Zambian professional and amateur boxer who made a name for himself during the 1970s and 1980s. He was active in the featherweight, super feather/light/light welterweight divisions as an amateur and professional.
In 1976, he qualified for the Boxing at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada, representing Zambia.
He also participated in several other international tournaments, including the All-Africa Games. Throughout his career, Big Joe was a tenacious fighter who demonstrated a lot of heart and determination. He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to the sport.
He was well-respected by his peers and fans alike for his skill and dedication. Big Joe’s commitment to the sport also made him a role model for young aspiring boxers in Zambia.
He set a high standard for others to follow. Big Joe was an incredibly talented boxer who achieved a lot in his career. He was a beloved figure in the Zambian boxing community and will be remembered for his skill and dedication to the sport.
5. Benny Muziyo
Benny Sichuundu Muziyo is a professional Zambian boxer who achieved success at both the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2016 Summer Olympics. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Muziyo won a bronze medal in the men’s middleweight event.
At the 2016 Summer Olympics, Muziyo was invited to compete in the men’s middleweight event by the Tripartite Commission, which is an international governing body comprised of representatives from the International Olympic Committee, the Association of National Olympic Committees, and the International Sports Federations.
Muziyo’s Olympic invitation was a great honor, as it is not a common occurrence for athletes to receive invitations to compete in the Olympic Games.
Despite not winning any medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Muziyo was proud to have been able to represent his country on such a large scale. Overall, Benny Sichuundu Muziyo is a talented Zambian boxer who has achieved success in the international sports arena.
His accomplishments at both the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2016 Summer Olympics are certainly commendable.
6. Stephen Zimba
Stephen Zimba is a professional boxer from Zambia. He is well known in the boxing world for achieving great success in the welterweight division. At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Stephen Zimba competed in the men’s welterweight event.
This was a defining moment in his career, as he was representing his country on the world’s biggest stage. He was able to show the world his skill and determination to succeed. Despite the odds against him, Stephen Zimba was able to prove that he was a force to be reckoned with.
He put on a show for the world, showing that even in the toughest of circumstances, he was capable of achieving greatness. His performance at the 2020 Summer Olympics will be remembered for years to come and will serve as an inspiration to upcoming boxers around the world.
7. Precious Makina
Precious Makina was a Zambian amateur boxer who had the opportunity to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. He was competing in the welterweight category, which is a weight class that has boxers with a maximum weight of 147 pounds.
Unfortunately, he was defeated by the Chinese boxer named Kanat Islam in this event. Makina is an experienced boxer, and he had previously won a bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.
He is a two-time African amateur boxing champion and has also won several other titles, including the All-Africa Games and the African Amateur Championships. Makina’s loss to Kanat Islam at the 2008 Summer Olympics was a disappointment for both the boxer and his country.
It was an opportunity for him to bring pride and honor to his nation, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be. Despite his loss, Makina’s accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of boxing.
8. Julius Luipa
Julius Luipa was a remarkable Zambian boxer who achieved great success in his field. He represented his native country at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games and won two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games.
This is a remarkable accomplishment, as it is no small feat to make it to the Olympics, let alone win medals. Luipa’s career is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of boxing.
He pushed himself to the limit in order to achieve his dream of representing Zambia and competing in the Olympics.
His two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games are a testament to his skill and determination. Luipa’s accomplishments are even more remarkable when one considers the context of the times.
Zambia was a newly independent nation in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the country was still in the process of establishing its identity.
Luipa’s performance in the Olympics and at the Commonwealth Games was a source of national pride and showed the world that Zambia was a country capable of achieving greatness.In conclusion, Julius Luipa was a remarkable Zambian boxer who achieved great success in his field.
His accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication and serve as an example of the potential of Zambia. He will forever be remembered as a great athlete and a source of national pride.
9. Patrick Chinyemba
Patrick Chinyemba is a talented Zambian boxer who recently competed in the men’s flyweight event at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
He proved his skills by making it to the Olympics, and now he has been selected to represent Team Zambia at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in the flyweight boxing category.
This is a great opportunity for Patrick to demonstrate his abilities on the international stage and to gain more recognition and respect in the boxing world. He has worked hard to achieve this and is now determined to make the most of this opportunity.
With his dedication and passion for the sport, he is sure to make Zambia proud.
10. Hastings Bwalya
Hastings Bwalya is a Zambian boxer who achieved success at a young age. He won the 2007 All-Africa Games in the junior welterweight division, showing his remarkable talent and skill.
Impressed by his performance, Bwalya was chosen to represent his country in the 2008 Summer Olympics. He competed against the world’s best boxers, and although he did not win a medal in the games, it was an honor for him to be part of the Olympics.
His success in the 2007 All-Africa Games was a testament to his hard work and determination, and he remains a respected figure in the boxing community.
11. Felix Bwalya
Felix Bwalya was a Zambian boxer of remarkable talent and skill. He made his mark in the boxing world by winning a gold medal at the 1991 All-Africa Games and then following this up by competing at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
As a professional boxer, Felix became African Champion and went 12–1 in his bouts, ultimately winning the Commonwealth belt. Such a feat is a testament to his hard work and dedication in the ring.
He was a great example of perseverance and determination, as he never gave up on his dreams and was rewarded in the end. Felix Bwalya was a proud Zambian boxer and will be remembered for his achievements in the sport.
12. Kennedy Kanyanta
Kennedy Kanyanta is a Zambian boxer who achieved a great deal of success during his amateur career. In 2002, he won the gold medal in the men’s flyweight division at the Commonwealth Games.
This impressive accomplishment was followed by a bronze medal at the 2007 AllAfrica Games. His success at these games highlights the talent and dedication of Kennedy Kanyanta as a boxer and his commitment to representing his country in international competitions.
His impressive amateur career is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Zambian athletes in the sporting world, and his success is something that Zambians can be proud of.
13. Esther Phiri
Esther Phiri is a former world female boxing champion from Zambia. She was the first Zambian female boxer to gain international recognition and acclaim for her skills. Her career highlight came in 2002 when she defeated Belinda Laracuente to become the world champion.
Unfortunately, she was stripped of her title after her retirement. Esther Phiri was born and raised in Zambia and had an ambition to become a successful boxer from an early age.
Her hard work and dedication paid off when she became the first female Zambian boxer to gain international recognition.
She went on to win numerous titles in her homeland and soon her name was known across the world. In 2002, Esther achieved her career highlight when she defeated Belinda Laracuente to become the world champion.
She was celebrated both in Zambia and internationally for her achievement. However, her reign as the world champion was short-lived, as she was stripped of her title after her retirement.
Despite this, Esther Phiri will always be remembered for her pioneering role in female boxing and for being the first Zambian female boxer to gain international recognition and acclaim.
14. Webbyego Mwangu
Webbyego Mwangu is a Zambian boxer who is best known for competing in the men’s flyweight event at the 1980 Summer Olympics.
He is a celebrated athlete in his home country of Zambia, and he has been an inspiration to the younger generation of Zambian boxers. At the 1980 Summer Olympics, Webbyego Mwangu competed in the men’s flyweight event, which is a weight class that is for fighters weighing between 112 and 119 pounds.
He was the first Zambian boxer to ever compete in the Olympics, and he gave a strong showing at the games. Unfortunately, he was not able to medal, but he was proud to represent his country and has since become a source of national pride for his nation.
In Zambia, Webbyego Mwangu is a hero and an inspiration to the younger generation of Zambian boxers. His story is an example of how dedication and hard work can lead to amazing accomplishments, regardless of where one is from.
He is a reminder that anything is possible if you are willing to put in the work. He is also a shining example of how Zambia can produce great athletes.
15. Cassius Chiyanika
Cassius Chiyanika is a Zambian boxer who has gained recognition in the boxing arena. He is an amateur boxer and competed at the 2008 Olympics in the flyweight category.
In 2006, he participated in the Commonwealth Games in the junior flyweight category, but unfortunately, he lost his first bout. Despite this, he has continued to pursue his dreams in the boxing world and has continued to hone his skills in the sport.
He is a great inspiration to others and has proved that it is possible to achieve success despite the obstacles that come your way.
16. Lucky Mutale
Lucky Mutale is a retired Zambian boxer who represented his country at the 1980 Summer Olympics in the Men’s Bantamweight category. He had an impressive record, standing at 5 ft 3.5 in and weighing 106 lb.
Mutale’s career highlights include a gold medal at the 1978 All-Africa Games in the Men’s Flyweight division. This was an especially impressive feat, as Mutale was able to win despite the competitive nature of the event.
Mutale is an inspirational figure for many Zambian athletes, as he has exemplified the power of hard work and dedication. He is a reminder that with the right mindset and commitment, anything is possible.
17. Timothy Feruka
Timothy Feruka was a professional Zambian boxer and coach, known as “Tim the Tiger” in his home country. He was a small yet formidable fighter, standing at only 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing in at 106 lbs when he competed at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.
Representing Zambia in the Men’s Light-Flyweight 48 kg category, Feruka was unfortunately defeated in the first round by Ethiopian boxer Chanyalev Haile.
Despite his defeat, Feruka is still regarded as a legend in his home country of Zambia – a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of boxing.
18. David Nata
David Nata was a Zambian boxer who had a chance to compete at the 1968 Summer Olympics in the men’s light flyweight event. He had high hopes of achieving a victory at the Olympics, however, it was not to be as he was defeated by Tahar Aziz of Morocco.
His loss was a disappointment, but he nonetheless proved that he was a capable boxer who could compete on the world stage. Nata was a talented boxer who represented his country proudly at the Olympics. He trained hard and was determined to make Zambia proud.
Unfortunately, his hard work did not lead to a victory at the Olympics, but it is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. The 1968 Summer Olympics were a unique event as it was the first time that Zambia had ever been represented at the Games.
Nata was the sole representative from his country and he was determined to make his mark.
Despite his loss, his presence at the Olympics was a powerful symbol of the strength of the Zambian people and their commitment to excellence. David Nata’s participation in the 1968 Summer Olympics was an inspiration to many people in Zambia.
His performance, though ultimately unsuccessful, showed that Zambians could compete on the world stage and that they were capable of achieving excellence. His efforts are still remembered today, and his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of the Zambian people.
19. Charm Chiteule
Charm Shuffle Chiteule was an accomplished Zambian boxer who made his mark during the 1970s and 1980s. He was born in Kabwe, Zambia and made a name for himself in the featherweight and super featherweight divisions.
He was notable for becoming the Zambia featherweight champion and Commonwealth featherweight champion. Charm Chiteule was a well-respected fighter who was known for his lightning-fast reflexes and precision counter-punching.
He was undefeated in his career, with a total of 28 wins and no losses. He was especially renowned for his remarkable endurance which was unmatched by any of his competitors.
Charm Chiteule’s most notable bouts came against renowned fighters such as Davey Armstrong, Eusebio Pedroza, and Wilfredo Gomez. He was able to defeat them all and cement his legacy as one of Zambia’s greatest boxers.
He was also able to defend his championship titles multiple times, proving that he was a true champion. Charm Chiteule’s career was unfortunately cut short in 1984 due to a shoulder injury which he suffered in a sparring match.
This ended his professional career and put an end to his illustrious boxing career. Nevertheless, he will always be remembered as one of Zambia’s greatest boxers of all time.
20. Kudakwashe Chiwandire
Kudakwashe Chiwandire is an impressive and inspiring Zimbabwean professional boxer. She has been boxing since she was a teenager and has made a name for herself in the boxing world.
Chiwandire first made headlines in February 2022 when she won the WBC female interim super-bantamweight title. This title is a prestigious accomplishment that has been held by some of the greatest female boxers of all time.
Her victory has been a source of pride for Zimbabweans and has helped to further showcase the talent that the country has in the sport of boxing.
Chiwandire’s determination, skill, and hard work have earned her the respect of her peers and she is now seen as one of the top female boxers in the world. Despite the challenges she has faced in her career, she continues to fight and strive for success.
Her story is a great example of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work.
21. Lolita Muzeya
Lolita Muzeya is an accomplished Zambian professional boxer who has made a name for herself in the boxing world.
Born in Zambia, Muzeya began her boxing career at an early age, and in 2016, she achieved a major milestone in her career by winning the WBC Silver Female Welterweight title.
The title is a prestigious honor awarded to the best female welterweight boxers in the world, and Muzeya was the first Zambian to achieve this feat. Her achievement made her a national hero in her home country, and she is revered as one of the top female boxers in the world.
Muzeya has since defended her title several times, and her success is a major source of inspiration not only for aspiring boxers in Zambia but for young girls around the world.
22. Patrick Mambwe
Patrick Mambwe was a Zambian professional boxer who fought in the 1960s and 70s. He had a versatile fighting style, competing in flyweight, super flyweight, bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight divisions.
He achieved considerable success in his career, most notably winning the Zambian bantamweight title as well as the Commonwealth flyweight title.
His professional fighting weight varied drastically from 111 pounds in the flyweight division to 125 pounds in the featherweight division. This shows Mambwe’s incredible ability to adjust his weight and fighting style to compete at different levels of competition.
He was a truly remarkable boxer who achieved a great deal of success in his career.
23. Gilbert Choombe
Gilbert Choombe is a Zambian amateur boxer who has had a distinguished career in the sport. He first competed at the 2010 Youth World Championships, where he faced stiff competition from some of the best boxers in the world.
Following this event he competed at the 2011 All-Africa Games, where he again faced strong opponents. His greatest success came in 2012 when he competed in the Men’s light welterweight event at the Summer Olympics.
Unfortunately, he was defeated by Jeff Horn in the first round of the event. Despite this setback, Gilbert continued to pursue his boxing career and competed at the 2013 World Championships.
His dedication and hard work has earned him recognition as one of Zambia’s most talented boxers.
24. Everisto Mulenga
Everisto Mulenga is an impressive amateur boxer from Zambia. He achieved great success in 2019 by winning a bronze medal at the African Games.
His success at the African Games led him to qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics, as he went on to win the African Qualification Tournament at the featherweight division. This victory made him the first Zambian boxer ever to qualify for the Olympics.
His determination and hard work have paid off, and Mulenga is now an inspiration to many aspiring athletes around the world. He is an example of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work. He is sure to make Zambia proud in the upcoming Olympics and beyond.
Conclusion
The best boxing players in Zambia are a talented and dedicated group of individuals who have worked hard to become champions in their respective weight divisions.
They represent the best of the Zambian boxing community, and their accomplishments are a testament to the strength and determination of Zambian boxers. These boxers have earned their place at the top and are a source of pride for the nation.
