Kenya’s Disappointing Exit at 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships
Elizabeth Andiego’s controversial exit from the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships concluded Kenya’s unsuccessful campaign, with all fighters exiting without wins. Andiego lost by referee stoppage in her quarterfinal bout, prompting protests from her team. This performance calls for serious reflection as the boxing community prepares for future competitions.
Kenya’s participation in the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships ended disappointingly after veteran boxer Elizabeth Andiego faced a controversial referee stoppage in her quarterfinal match against China’s Wang Xiaomeng. This outcome confirmed Kenya’s winless status at the competition, prompting reflection within the boxing community in anticipation of future international events.
Andiego, aged 38, was eliminated in the lightweight category by 23-year-old Wang Xiaomeng. Despite an aggressive start that showcased powerful punches, Wang adjusted and secured the first round with unanimous support from all five judges. The second round, however, proved challenging for Andiego, who received a penalty for holding her opponent.
In a dramatic conclusion, the Estonian referee stopped the match with just three seconds remaining, as Andiego was unable to meet the count. This decision ignited protests from the Kenyan team, who asserted that Andiego was in a suitable condition to continue the bout. Despite the defeat, Andiego will receive $10,000 in prize money after event organizers waived a winning requirement related to prize qualification.
Kenya’s boxing efforts culminated in an overall poor performance, with all seven other boxers failing to secure a victory. Notably, Veronica Mbithe lost her light-flyweight bout against Alua Balkibekova from Kazakhstan, followed by further exits from Amina Martha Faki, Cynthia Mwai, Emily Juma, and Friza Anyango, who faced defeats against competitors from Russia and Serbia.
Additionally, Lencer Akinyi and Pauline Chege were eliminated after losses to fighters from their respective nations. Currently, Christine Ongare is the only Kenyan who has achieved a victory at this global event, having secured a non-walkover win in 2023. The boxing community now faces a significant period of introspection as they look towards the next championships slated for 2027, with the hosting city yet to be announced.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Andiego’s controversial quarterfinal exit has marked the end of Kenya’s disappointing journey in the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, where the nation was unable to secure any victories. As the boxing community reflects on this performance, there is a pressing need for improvement and strategic preparation ahead of the upcoming championships in 2027. The solitary success of Christine Ongare provides a glimmer of hope for the future.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
