The Leopards Boxing shone brightly at the opening of the 21st African Boxing Championships this Saturday, October 19, 2024, which are taking place at home, at the twin gymnasium of the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. This continental competition, preceded by an opening ceremony that exhibited all 25 participating nations, saw the Congolese boxers make their mark from the first day with three resounding victories.

After an opening ceremony in the presence of the Minister of Sports Didier Budimbu in particular, the competition really got underway with a series of fights in different categories. The public made the trip to the stands and gave their voices. Ten fights were scheduled for this first day, three of which saw Tulembekwa Zola, Boniface Zengela and Reagan Anyisha win brilliantly.

In the under 48 kg category, Zola from Tulembekwa won on points against Faustin NDJEMBI from Gabon. An intense fight, where ZOLA was able to impose his rhythm and technique, dominating the three rounds to offer his country the first victory of the competition.

The second Congolese triumph came from Boniface ZENGALA in the under 63 kg category. In a fratricidal duel against Excellent MBOLO from Congo Brazzaville, ZENGALA was able to impose himself on points, in a solid and technical performance. This fight, marked by a palpable intensity, was decided until the end.

Finally, in the heavyweights (+92 kg), Reagan Anyisha closed the evening in style for the Congolese camp, beating Senegalese Balde Diaga on points. With this victory in a category where power and endurance are paramount, Anyisha chained together a flurry of blows from the first round.

In addition to the Congolese performances, the day was rich in disputed fights. Here are the results of the other clashes:

    • -48kg: HAMZA ESSAADI (Morocco) beat Silus ONYANGO (Kenya) on points.
    • -48kg: Martial WOUANG (Cameroon) got the better of Lucas MANENGULA (Mozambique) on points.
    • -54kg: Paulo BANGUINE (Mozambique) won a victory over MAAROUF AMINE (Morocco).
    • -57kg: Morning NDEVELO (Namibia) triumphed against BILONDA MASSALA (Congo) on points.
    • -63kg: MASAMBA John Paul (South Africa) beat Sébastien ALLELA (Gabon) by KO in the 2nd round.
    • -67kg: NADIR Abdel (Morocco) dominated Arthur LENDOYE (Gabon) on points.
    • -75kg: Junior MENDY (Senegal) got the better of OYO NOWANI (Congo) on points.