Cameroon Retains 5th Place at African Boxing Championship

The Cameroonian boxing team returned home on October 29, 2024, after taking the 5th place in the 21st African Boxing Championships, held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, from October 18 to 27.

Despite fielding only nine boxers out of a possible 25, the team delivered commendable performances, finishing 5th overall in a competition involving 25 countries.

Morocco dominated the competition with 21 medals, including 10 gold, followed closely by the host nation, DRC, which also secured 21 medals, nine of them gold.

Kenya took third place with eight medals, including one gold.

Cameroon came fifth, bringing home a total of five medals: one gold, two silver, and two bronze.

Martial Wouang won the gold in the -49 kg category.

Underlying Challenges

National boxing coach Justin Tchuem expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments, especially given the challenges they faced.

“With more boxers, we would have achieved better results,” said Tchuem, noting that the ongoing crisis in the Cameroonian Boxing Federation limited their resources.

Despite this, the Provisional Management Committee (CPG) managed to prepare the team to compete.

Tchuem hopes for a quick resolution to the federation’s issues, enabling the formation of a fully operational federal bureau that can support the team’s future competitions.

Looking ahead, the Cameroonian team will compete in the Zone 3 championships in early 2025, followed by the 22nd African Boxing Championships, which will be held in Morocco later that year

In addition to the sporting achievements, the championships saw significant developments within the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC).

The AFBC congress, held on October 24, addressed ongoing turmoil in the organisation.

Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo from Congo took on the role of interim president, stepping in for Ethiopian Eyassu Wossen. Wossen and several other board members faced suspension over allegations of misconduct, which included administrative incompetence and financial mismanagement.

Cameroon experienced a key moment during the congress when André Basile Kalong regained his position as Secretary General of the AFBC.

Wossen unjustly suspended Kalong for a year. In 2022, he earned election to the position and gained high regard for his effective file management, strong communication skills, and deep understanding of the boxing world.

His reinstatement marks a positive step towards restoring order and stability within the AFBC.

Despite internal challenges within both the Cameroonian Boxing Federation and the AFBC, Cameroon’s athletes displayed resilience and skill.

This earned them recognition and raised hopes for improved support and success in future competitions.