This archive report was first published on 27 October 2021.
At the AIBA Men's World Championship in Belgrade, Kenya's boxers continued their losing trend, with several athletes exiting the competition in the preliminary rounds.
On October 26, all four Kenyan boxers in action were eliminated, including Boniface Mugunde, who lost to Albanian boxer Brqiri Alban in the Round of 64. Mugunde expressed his disappointment, stating, "I played well today and lost my match. I honestly don't understand how I lost it because I knew that I was way ahead in Round One and despite a slow start in round two and I played very well in the third round."
Another Kenyan boxer, Hezron Maganga Sabat, lost his cruiserweight preliminary bout against Alhindawi Odai of Jordan on points. Maganga was among 10 African boxers in action during the session.
Heavyweight Joshua Wasike was also eliminated, losing 5-0 to Belarus boxer Uladzislau Smiahlikau. The five judges from Argentina, Netherlands, Ireland, Algeria, and Egypt unanimously gave the fight to the Belarus boxer.
The losses have sparked controversy over officiating, with some experts questioning the scoring in certain matches. The Kenyan boxers will look to regroup and improve their performance in future competitions.
