The first bouts of the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup have taken place, with some of the top contenders progressing to the final four at the International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa.

African Games champion from 2019, Khouloud Hlimi from Tunisia made quick work of Puleng Rapoeea of Lesotho by referee’s stoppage in the first round of their women’s 60kg fight. Her next opponent is Egypt’s Rahma Mahfouz who won in the same fashion against Zimbabwe’s Nomathemba Ncube.

It was a successful day for boxers from Mauritius who booked semi-final spots in respective weight categories. The most notable of these was Richarno Colin, the silver medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. He defeated Eswatini’s Phelindaba Gamedze within three minutes in the men’s 63.5kg tournament.

His teammates Marquis Amene (men’s 75kg), Merven Clair (men’s 71kg) and Fabrice Valerie (men’s 51kg) continue their runs following victories over South Africa’s Vuyo Angelo Mnguni, Mayibongwe Mdluli of Eswatini and Lusizi Lubabalo of South Africa respectively.

 Botswana’s Rajab Mahommed, who was a flag bearer for his home country at Tokyo 2020, defeated Ethiopia’s Fitwi Tumay Nigus in the men’s 51kg, while African Games bronze medallist John Paul Masamba from South Africa progresses in the men’s 63.5kg following victory over Kabo Seitshiro from Botswana.

The Democratic Republic of Congo will have the most boxers in the semi-finals with 17 athletes.

Watch Mandela African Boxing Cup live on the IBA YouTube channel.

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