Boxers from the Kenya Defence Forces Amateur Boxing Association(DEFABA) delivered an impressive performance at the four-day National Open Boxing Championship at Kaloleni Social Hall in Nairobi, with sixteen fighters progressing to the semi-finals after impressive victories in their respective bouts. The semi-finals will be held on Friday 3rd April 2026 and the Finals on Saturday 4th April 2026.
Lightweight National Champion Corporal Washington Wandera knocked out Churchill Kalla of Team Sombea from Nakuru in the first round with a powerful right-hand punch. Flyweight Sapper Kelvin Karuga also triumphed on points over Sapper Benson Kyalo in an all-Defaba contest.
Light welterweight Lance Corporal Pius Macharia secured a unanimous points victory against Abdalla Juma of Team Mombasa, while Zone 3 silver medallist Sapper Alvin Odour forced the referee to stop his bout against Paul Andai of Team Dallas in the second round. Bantamweight and 2024 African Games gold medallist Sapper Dennis Muthama also registered a convincing second-round stoppage.
Among the standout performers is middleweight Sergeant Edwin Okong’o, a 2024 African Games and All Africa Military Games champion, who remains one of the key contenders as the championship progresses. Featherweight Corporal Joseph Gatambo and light welterweight Sapper Warren Onyango also advanced to the semi-finals after dominant stoppage victories.
The tournament has attracted 134 boxers from 18 teams including National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and Nairobi City County Government, with the Defence Forces Amateur Boxing Association (DEFABA) fielding 17 fighters.
The impressive results underscore the continued strength and competitiveness of KDF boxers on the national stage.
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