Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface Mogunde has withdrawn from the Kenya Open Championships scheduled for Kaloleni Social Hall in Nairobi from April 1 to 4, 2026.
Speaking on Wednesday in Nairobi, amateur national team head coach Benjamin Musa emphasized the importance of the competition, noting that a provisional national boxing team for various tournaments this year will be selected from it. However, he did not address Mogunde’s absence or whether it will affect his place in the national team.
“This is a very important event in BFK’s calendar. New boxers coming through the novice and intermediate levels get a chance to prove themselves against seasoned fighters. This is where future champions emerge,” Musa said.
Boxing Federation of Kenya Competitions Secretary John Waweru added that all is set after the draws were conducted from 10:30 a.m., alongside weigh-ins and medical check-ups.
“We are ready to go, and now it’s up to the boxers to earn their belts and titles. Our job here is done,” said Waweru.
Musa, while wishing all participants the best, reminded boxers of the importance of the four-day championship, which will feature pugilists from across the country.
Defending champions Kenya Police won the men’s 2025 title with 21 points, while Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) clinched the women’s title with seven points in a tournament that featured 126 boxers — 105 men and 21 women — from 16 teams.
Mogunde’s absence from the Kaloleni event has raised questions, with many viewing it as a major miss. However, the reason for his withdrawal remains unclear, and coach Musa has not confirmed whether the boxer’s place in the national team is still secure.
