Boxing: the Léopards shine at the Africa Zone 3 Championship
Congolese boxing shone at the African Zone 3 Championship held in Libreville, Gabon, with 15 medals won—one medal for each athlete entered.
Jonathan MASIALA · Author profile ·
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The Democratic Republic of Congo dominated the African Zone 3 Boxing Championship, which took place in Libreville. The Congolese team finished at the top of the medal table with 15 awards won, including 11 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze. With 15 athletes entered, the DRC delivered a remarkable performance by securing a medal for each athlete.
This result satisfied the deputy secretary general of the Congolese Boxing Federation and head of delegation, Pierre Ambongi: “I am very satisfied with this result; it shows that we continue to make progress. Even though some usual champions are not here, the next generation is well assured,” he said.
The favorites delivered among the Women
Among the gold medalists are several reigning African champions such as Merveille Mbalayi (66 kg), Ruth Yanfu (57 kg), and Bénédicte Diyoka (50 kg). Also present are Jorbelle Malewu (81 kg) and Déborah Bisambu (54 kg).
On the Men's side, no reigning African champion was present, but former champions and other rising athletes represented the country well with 6 gold medals won. Among them are Ilunga Kabange (54 kg), Joseph Disasi (71 kg), Mabela Bofenda (51 kg), Ilunga Musuasua (67 kg), William Mbangi (92 kg), and Dieudonné Mukuasa (86 kg).
The two silver medals were won by two female athletes, namely Monique Bampala (66 kg) and Modestine Zalia (60 kg), while Manisca Bayiso (50 kg) and Othniel Muanda (75 kg) took home the two bronze medals.
Four countries took part in this African Zone 3 Boxing Championship, namely: Gabon (host country), the DRC, Congo-Brazzaville, and Cameroon.