Kenya’s performance at the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships ended unfavorably with Elizabeth Andiego’s controversial loss in the quarterfinals. This defeat concluded a dismal campaign with all seven other Kenyan fighters also exiting without a victory. Andiego will receive prize money despite the loss, prompting reflections within the boxing community as they prepare for the next championships in 2027.
Kenya’s participation in the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships concluded disappointingly when veteran boxer Elizabeth Andiego faced a controversial referee stoppage in her quarterfinal match against China’s Wang Xiaomeng. This defeat not only marked the end of Andiego’s journey but also highlighted Kenya’s winless campaign throughout the tournament in Nis, Serbia, leaving the boxing community with significant reflections for the future.
In her quarterfinal bout, 38-year-old Andiego battled against 23-year-old Wang in the lightweight category. After advancing through a bye, Andiego started energetically, delivering powerful punches early on; however, despite her initial success, Wang recovered to win the first round unanimously with all five judges scoring in her favor.
The second round proved challenging for Andiego, who faced a penalty for holding her opponent. Although she fought valiantly, matching Wang blow-for-blow, the Estonian referee ultimately halted the match with three seconds remaining, claiming Andiego was unable to continue. This decision incited protests from her coaching team, who firmly believed she was fit to proceed with the contest.
Despite the controversial ending, Andiego earned $10,000 (approximately Sh 1.3 million) as prize money for her efforts, thanks to the organizers waiving a rule mandating a win for payout eligibility. However, her elimination culminated a bleak championship for Kenya, where all other seven fighting representatives also exited without a non-walkover victory.
Veronica Mbithe suffered a loss to Kazakhstan’s Alua Balkibekova, while four other Kenyans including Amina Martha Faki and Cynthia Mwai faced defeats in quick succession against competitors from Russia and Serbia. The pace of failure continued with Lencer Akinyi and Pauline Chege bowing out against their respective adversaries.
Consequently, Christine Ongare remains the sole Kenyan to have secured a non-walkover win in this global arena, reflecting on her success in 2023. As the boxing community contemplates the outcomes of this championship, preparations for the next event in 2027 are necessitated, with the location yet to be decided.
In summary, Kenya’s participation in the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships was marked by a series of unfortunate eliminations, culminating in Elizabeth Andiego’s controversial quarterfinal defeat. While the nation’s athletes faced significant challenges and an overall winless outcome, reflections on this experience may bolster preparations for upcoming competitions, particularly the next championships in 2027. The boxing fraternity stands at a critical juncture, needing to reassess strategies to elevate future performances on the global stage.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
