DR Congo rules Africa with 17 gold medals in Kinshasa
The Democratic Republic of Congo left its mark on the 22nd edition of the African Elite Boxing Championships. In front of their home crowd in Kinshasa, the Congolese team dominated, finishing top of the overall standings with 24 medals, 17 of them gold. The performance underlines the supremacy of Congolese boxers in a competition staged from 19 to 31 October 2026.
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DR Congo shone in both the men's and women's draws. In the men's competition, the Congolese boxers won eight gold medals and four bronze. Latour Bofenda, Dovidro Ilunga, Gloire Kolongo, Béni Ndjibu, Joseph Disashi, David Tshama and Peter Pita are among the champions crowned in their respective weight categories.
The women's team was just as impressive, with nine gold medals, one silver and two bronze. Bénédicte Diyoka, Lusele Nyembo, Deborah Boisambu, Ruth Yamfu, Modestine Munga, Merveille Mbalayi, Monique Bampala, Jorbelle Malewu and Sulamite Tshimwanga all won gold. It was a remarkable haul that shows how much women's boxing contributed to the Congolese delegation's success.
In all, 24 of the 25 boxers fielded by the host nation made the podium. Only Badibanga went out in the first round without a medal.
Cameroon and the Republic of Congo complete the podium
Behind the untouchable DR Congo, Cameroon took second place with 14 medals, including three gold, four silver and seven bronze.
The Republic of Congo completes the podium. The boxing Red Devils collected 11 medals, split between one gold, five silver and five bronze. Third place puts the country among the best-performing nations of this continental edition.
In the overall standings, 14 countries won medals out of the 29 nations that took part. The total haul comes to 89 medals, including 25 gold, 25 silver and 39 bronze.
Kinshasa delivers a successful continental showpiece
Held at the sports hall adjoining the Stade des Martyrs, under the theme "Kinshasa na Rythme ya Boxe", this 22nd edition was a major event for the sport on the continent. It was also the first to be staged under the aegis of IBA Africa, led by Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo.
By winning 17 continental titles in front of their own fans, DR Congo ended the competition on a particularly high note. It was a team display that puts Kinshasa at the heart of African boxing.