Boxing: Kigali Fight Night returns with thrilling bouts and rising talent

For the second time, Rwanda successfully hosted the “Kigali Fight Night,” delivering an electrifying evening of professional boxing marked by roaring crowds, high-intensity bouts, and spectacular knockouts.

The event took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Kigali Convention Centre, transforming the venue into a vibrant arena of sport and entertainment.

Following its inaugural edition in November, the event was organized by Silverback Sports in partnership with the Rwanda Boxing Federation (RBF).

It attracted a strong lineup of professional fighters from across Africa, including Rwanda, Uganda, Cameroon, Gabon, Tanzania, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi, among others.

The evening drew a large and enthusiastic audience, including the Minister of State for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe.

Fans were also treated to lively musical performances by popular Rwandan artists Riderman and Bulldog, adding to the festive atmosphere between bouts.

However, the highlight of the night was the much-anticipated clash between Cameroon’s Merlin Tamba and Tanzania’s Kivu Karume.

Tamba, 24, who trains in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, once again demonstrated his superior class by securing a decisive victory.

Mirroring his performance in the previous edition, Tamba ended the fight early, delivering a powerful body punch that forced Karume to the canvas in the opening round.

Karume was unable to recover, handing Tamba his second consecutive win at Kigali Fight Night.

The professional fight card featured nine bouts, including two involving Rwandan boxers, both of whom emerged victorious to the delight of the home crowd.

Aimable Hagenimana, making his professional debut, impressed with a win over Congo’s Muhindo Bahati Vianney.

Meanwhile, Frank Kazungu continued his winning streak with a knockout victory over Uganda’s Rogers Kamulegeya.

Elsewhere, Augustin Wisomba Mugunge of DR Congo defeated compatriot Shetebo Bienfait, while Gabon’s Odilon Hans Kassa Kingbo overcame Uganda’s Saidi Chako.

Algeria’s Abderrezzak Lamrani secured victory against Malawi’s Simion Tchetha, and DR Congo’s Jerry Katamba triumphed over Tanzania’s Ali Mkojani.

In the women’s division, Daniela Muleketsi Nsii of DR Congo defeated Uganda’s Martha Akinyi, while Nigeria’s Nene Joy Ojo claimed victory against Tanzania’s Zawadi Kutaka.

The event also featured eight amateur bouts ahead of the professional card, highlighting Rwanda’s commitment to developing future boxing talent.

With growing international participation and strong local support, Kigali Fight Night continues to establish itself as a premier boxing event in the region, showcasing Africa’s rising stars and reinforcing Rwanda’s position as an emerging hub for global sporting events.