Kenya’s performance at the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships deteriorated with the elimination of boxers Pauline Chege and Lencer Akinyi in the Round of 16, leaving team captain Liz Andiego as the nation’s last competitor. Both fighters lost through referee stoppages, marking an unfortunate series of exits for Kenya. Andiego, participating in her fifth Championships, hopes to secure a victory in her upcoming quarterfinal match against China’s Wang Xiaomeng.
Kenya’s representation in the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships has taken a significant blow following the eliminations of boxers Pauline Chege and Lencer Akinyi during the Round of 16 in Serbia. With only team captain Liz Andiego left in the competition, the nation’s hopes hinge on her performance in the upcoming quarterfinals.
Chege suffered a loss against Mijgona Samadova, a noted 2022 Asian Games bronze medalist, as the bout was stopped by the referee 66 seconds into the second round due to her inability to respond effectively after being dominated. The judges scored the match heavily in favor of Samadova.
Akinyi, on her World Championships debut, faced an even quicker defeat. She was overwhelmed by Serbian fighter Dragana Jovanovic, leading to a stoppage by the referee just 102 seconds into the first round. Both athletes advanced to this stage by way of walkovers in their earlier matches.
Following the exits of Chege and Akinyi, Kenya’s elimination tally has climbed, including earlier departures of boxers such as Amina Martha Faki and Cynthia Mwai, among others. Hence, only Andiego remains to represent Kenya, competing in her fifth World Championships.
Having secured a bye into the light-heavyweight quarterfinals, Andiego is set to face Wang Xiaomeng of China. A victory is crucial not only for national pride but also guarantees her a significant monetary reward. The competition’s prize pool totals $2.88 million, with various monetary incentives for different stages of the tournament.
Kenya is historically making its fifth appearance at these championships, striving to build on its legacy. The Kenyan delegation includes David Muhuhe, Musa Benjamin, and Gathoni Kinyua, and the event will conclude on March 16, 2025.
The recent eliminations of Pauline Chege and Lencer Akinyi at the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships highlight Kenya’s struggles in this competitive arena. With only Liz Andiego remaining, the focus now shifts to her upcoming bout which not only presents a chance for national representation but also significant financial opportunities. This tournament marks Kenya’s fifth participation, retaining hope for future successes in women’s boxing.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
