The Tanzania Boxing Federation (BFT) has wrapped up the Open National Boxing Championships 2026 with high intensity bouts, strong performances, and clear signs of continued growth in the sport, as MMJKT and Ngome emerged among the biggest winners of the tournament.
The finals were staged on the night leading into Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Tanzania Police Academy grounds in Kurasini, Dar es Salaam, bringing together top male and female boxers from across the country in a showcase of skill, endurance, and rising technical standards.
Speaking after the conclusion of the championships, BFT Secretary General Makore Mashaga said this year’s edition had set a new benchmark in competitiveness and discipline, reflecting steady progress in boxing development nationwide.
He said the quality of fights, tactical awareness, and fitness levels displayed by the boxers were evidence that local training systems are improving and producing athletes capable of competing beyond the national stage.
According to him, the federation’s focus on talent identification is beginning to yield results, with many boxers demonstrating readiness for international assignments.
In the men’s category, MMJKT and Ngome were the standout clubs, dominating several weight divisions and collecting multiple titles through a combination of technical superiority, power, and strategic fighting.
In the 48kg category, Juma Athumani of MMJKT delivered a commanding performance, defeating Salum Awadh of Jeba Boxing by a unanimous 5-0 decision.
In the 51kg bout, Omari Saidi of Daba Boxing also impressed, securing a clean 5-0 victory over Abdallah Hasani of Man Pamba.
At 54kg, Japhet Alon of Ngome produced one of the most decisive results of the finals, stopping Muhsin Hassan of MMJKT via referee stopped contest (RSC) in the first round. In the 57kg category, Yusufu Abdurahmani of Ngome edged Bakari Omari of Jeba Boxing in a closely fought 3-2 split decision.
The 60kg division saw Jumanne Athumani of Magereza dominate Paulo Sangu of Daba Boxing with a clear 5-0 win, while in the 63.5kg category, Mwingereza Abubakari of Black Eagle defeated Modekai Swai of Ngome by 4-1 after a disciplined tactical bout.
Ngome continued to assert itself in the 67kg category, where Julius Mtembezi narrowly overcame Shamte Mwaram of MMJKT in a 3-2 split decision.
In the 71kg division, Mohamedi Juma of MMJKT recorded a strong RSC victory against Rasidi Rashidi, in an all-MMJKT encounter that highlighted the depth of talent within the club.
At 75kg, Joshua Shadrack of Kagera secured a 4-1 win over Joseph Silvester of MMJKT, while the 80kg category saw Elankunda Daniel of MMJKT narrowly defeat Enzi Kaseleleka of Magereza by 3-2.
The heavier divisions produced some of the most explosive finishes of the night. In the 86kg category, Hassani Omari of MMJKT edged Geofrey Petter of Magereza 3-2 in a tightly contested bout.
Abdallah Kassim of MMJKT then delivered a knockout win in the 92kg category against Nego Job of Magereza, while Maximilian Oloo of MMJKT sealed a dominant 92+kg victory with a knockout over Ezekiel Florian of Mara.
In the women’s category, MMJKT, Ngome, and Magereza also delivered strong performances, reflecting growing investment in female boxing development across the country.
Aisha Iddi of MMJKT was declared winner of the 50kg category after her opponent Deborah Joachim of Kibiti was unable to continue the fight (ABD).
In the 52kg division, Zulfa Macho of Ngome delivered a dominant 5-0 win over Enifa Jackson of MMJKT.
At 60kg, Konsolata Laiza of Magereza secured a 4-1 victory over Neema Ally of MMJKT, while in the 66kg category, Laila Suedi of Ngome produced a commanding 5-0 performance against Aisha Iddi of MMJKT.
Overall, BFT said the championships had demonstrated a clear rise in technical quality, competitiveness, and professionalism among Tanzanian boxers.
The federation noted that the number of fights ending in knockouts and referee stopped contests, combined with closely contested decisions, reflected a healthy and improving competitive environment.
Mashaga added that the results confirmed growing confidence in Tanzania’s boxing ecosystem, driven by better coaching structures, improved athlete preparation, and stronger club participation across regions.
The federation also expressed appreciation to all participating clubs, coaches, referees, and officials for their contribution to the success of the event.
Special recognition was given to the Tanzania Police Force for hosting and ensuring a secure and well-organised championship environment.
International officiating support also added value to the competition, with Kenya’s IBA 3-star referee Lela Said joining Tanzanian officials, including Aisha George and Logate Damian, in ensuring fairness and professionalism throughout the tournament.
BFT further thanked journalists and sports stakeholders for their continued role in promoting boxing in Tanzania, noting that media coverage remains key in inspiring young talent and expanding the sport’s popularity.
With the 2026 national championships now concluded, attention is expected to shift towards preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, where Tanzania aims to convert its strong domestic performances into success on the continental and global stage.
