Boxing: 38 nations in Kinshasa from October 19 to November 1, 2026, a participation record

Kinshasa will host the 22nd edition of the Elite African Boxing Championships for men and women from October 19 to November 1, 2026. Thirty-eight national federations have confirmed their registration, a record participation for the competition: the previous edition in 2024 brought together twenty-five, according to the Congolese Boxing Federation (FCB). The website actualite.cd reports that 420 boxers are expected.

The Martyrs Stadium gymnasium renovated

The bouts will be held at the Martyrs Stadium twin gymnasium, which has been rehabilitated for the occasion. The number of participants is forcing organizers to split the bouts into two daily sessions. "The government is supporting us in organizing this African competition," stated General Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo, president of the FCB, during the introductory press conference.

This is also the first time that this elite championship is taking place under the direct aegis of the International Boxing Association (IBA). Basile Kalong, a member of the IBA staff, explained that the influx of delegations is forcing organizers to accelerate the pace of the bouts to keep to the schedule. The edition's slogan is "Kinshasa na Rythme ya Boxe".

Prize money announced to increase, without figures

The federation's management says it wants to increase the prize money paid to medalists. No amount has been communicated, and no organizational budget has been made public by either the federation or the Congolese government. This is a recurring gray area in the organization of sports on the continent, and the first thing the boxers themselves want to see.

Boxing remains one of the disciplines where Africa most consistently produces champions without dedicating resources comparable to those of major sporting nations. In 2025, the DRC left the African Championships with twenty medals, including twelve gold, according to Congo Quotidien. Playing at home, in front of their own crowd and in a renovated venue, puts the Boxing Leopards under as much pressure as it does in the spotlight.

The two weeks of competition will also serve as a showcase for Kinshasa, the city that hosted one of the most famous fights in sports history in 1974, between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Half a century later, the Congolese capital is once again becoming the center of gravity for African boxing for a fortnight.