Unbeaten Kenyan Boxer Juma Fights for First WBA Africa Gold Title in Nairobi
Nairobi, 3 April 2026
John Juma’s perfect seven-fight record faces its ultimate test as he battles Tanzania’s Charles Chilala for the inaugural WBA Africa Gold super lightweight title at SportPesa Boxing Night. This historic bout marks the first time a WBA Africa Gold Belt will be contested in Nairobi, headlining a spectacular evening featuring five championship titles across ten fights. The winner receives backing for a global title shot this season, whilst pre-fight tensions escalated with Juma promising his opponent will ‘leave on a stretcher’ and Chilala questioning whether Kenya’s rising star is ‘ready to lose’. The event transforms Good Friday into Kenya’s biggest boxing spectacle.
A Night of Champions and Rising Stars
The Edge Convention Centre becomes the epicentre of East African boxing excellence tonight, hosting ten electrifying fights that showcase the region’s finest talent [1]. Beyond the headline bout, the evening features Fatuma Zarika, former WBC women’s Super-Bantamweight champion, returning to face Tanzania’s Flora Machela in an eight-round super featherweight rematch [1][3]. Zarika, who won their previous encounter, approaches the fight with measured confidence: ‘I won’t be complacent. I have prepared well and worked under a new coach, so I expect a better performance’ [1]. Her opponent remains equally determined, with Machela stating: ‘Boxing is all about preparation. She is a tough opponent, but there is nothing to worry about. This is my day job’ [1].
Championship Stakes Across Multiple Divisions
The championship action extends well beyond the main event, with Javan Buyu facing Tanzania’s Athuman Nassoro for the PST lightweight title in a ten-round contest [1][3]. Buyu brings characteristic confidence to the bout, declaring: ‘I want to congratulate my opponent for the six wins he has—it ends there’ [1]. Nassoro responds with diplomatic resolve: ‘We are here to entertain, but ultimately I am here for the belt’ [1]. Additional title fights include Rael Asubwe versus Leila Yazidu for the PST women’s Super-featherweight title, Richard Okoth against David Oluoch for the national welterweight title, and Michael Oduor facing Stanley Mukholo for the national super welterweight title [1][3]. The depth of talent on display reflects Kenya’s growing boxing infrastructure, with promoter Maurice Odera of UFS Boxing orchestrating this ambitious card [3].
Industry Support and Future Ambitions
The event demonstrates significant institutional backing from both private sponsors and regulatory bodies, positioning Kenyan boxing for sustained growth [1][3]. Kenya Professional Boxing Commission chairman Ruben Ndolo emphasises the collaborative effort: ‘The sponsors and promoter are helping us create opportunities for our boxers’ [1]. SportPesa’s commitment extends beyond tonight’s event, with Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia outlining ambitious plans: ‘Our intentions are to have multiple belts held by Kenyan boxers. This is just the start. Maurice has a lot in his hands as he keeps on raising the bar’ [1]. The winner of the Juma-Chilala bout receives immediate support for a global title campaign this season, representing a significant career opportunity [3]. This strategic approach reflects a broader vision for elevating Kenyan boxing onto the international stage.
The Historic Venue and Fan Experience
Tonight’s event marks a significant milestone as the first WBA Africa Gold Belt contested in Nairobi, transforming the Edge Convention Centre into boxing history [2]. The venue promises comprehensive entertainment beyond the fights, featuring food, drinks, and live music throughout the evening, with the first bout scheduled for 6PM [2]. Ticket pricing reflects efforts to make the event accessible, with general seating available for KES 1,000 and ringside positions for KES 3,500, though organisers emphasised that no tickets would be sold at the gate, with sales closing on 2nd April [2]. The promotional description captures the magnitude: ‘We’re bringing the biggest boxing night Nairobi has ever seen’ [2]. This careful attention to the complete fan experience demonstrates the organisers’ commitment to establishing boxing as a premier entertainment offering in Kenya’s capital city.