Kenya’s dismal performance at the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships concluded with Elizabeth Andiego’s controversial loss in the quarterfinals, resulting in no victories for the entire team. This situation reveals significant challenges for the Kenyan boxing community as they prepare for future championships scheduled for 2027.
Kenya’s participation in the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships concluded unfavorably following Elizabeth Andiego’s controversial quarterfinal loss to China’s Wang Xiaomeng. The defeat marked the end of a disappointing campaign for Kenya in Nis, Serbia, highlighting significant challenges within the boxing discipline ahead of future events.
In the quarterfinals, veteran boxer Elizabeth Andiego, aged 38, faced 23-year-old Wang Xiaomeng in the lightweight category. Despite a strong start and impactful punches landed early in the fight, Andiego lost the bout after the Estonian referee stopped the match, citing her inability to continue, a decision that incited protests from her coaching team, insisting she was fit to fight.
Andiego’s elimination resulted in a complete winless campaign for the Kenyan team, as all other fighters also exited without securing a victory. Alongside her, Veronica Mbithe faced defeat against Kazakhstan’s Alua Balkibekova, while four additional losses were recorded by Amina Martha Faki, Cynthia Mwai, Emily Juma, and Friza Anyango against opponents from Russia and Serbia in subsequent rounds.
The final departures included Lencer Akinyi and Pauline Chege, both of whom lost their bouts against Serbian and Tajikistani competitors, respectively. Christine Ongare remains the only Kenyan boxer to have secured a victory at the global level, achieving this milestone in 2023. Now, the Kenyan boxing community must contemplate the profound implications of their performance as preparations commence for the next championships scheduled for 2027, with the host city yet to be decided.
In summary, Elizabeth Andiego’s controversial exit from the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships signifies the end of Kenya’s dismal run, with all athletes exiting without a victory. This outcome emphasizes a pressing need for reflection and strategizing within the boxing fraternity as they look ahead to the next international competition in 2027. With only one fighter attaining a non-walkover win previously, the urgency for improvement is undeniable.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
