Boniface “The Hummer” Mugunde/HANDOUT
Kenya’s light middleweight sensation Boniface “The Hummer” Mugunde isn’t slowing down. Fresh from his explosive triumph at the Africa Zone III Championships, the Hit Squad captain already has his eyes on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Mugunde thrilled fans at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani Indoor Arena, pummelling his way to gold with a display that fused menace, discipline, and artistry.
“It was a big day for me and my country,” said Mugunde. “Every punch I threw, every move I made was for Kenya. We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time and I’m proud that I could end the drought.”
The defining moment came in the semi-final against Burundi’s Nestor Nduwarugira. The Burundian charged aggressively, but Mugunde’s composure proved decisive.
A feint, a half-step — then a thunderous right hook sent Nduwarugira to the canvas. The referee waved it off as the Kasarani crowd erupted.
“I knew he wanted to go for the knockout early,” Mugunde recalled. “That was his mistake. I just stayed patient and waited for the opening. The moment I saw it, I took it.”
In the final, Mugunde faced his compatriot Alvin Oduor in a bout defined by mutual respect and relentless competition.
Mugunde dominated from the start, controlling distance and landing crisp combinations. The judges’ unanimous 5–0 decision confirmed his gold.
“It was tough fighting a brother, but in the ring, we’re both soldiers,” he said. “Alvin gave me a real fight, and that made the victory even more special.”
The win ended Kenya’s seven-year wait for an African boxing gold — the last coming from Nick Okoth in 2017. Mugunde credits Okoth as a major influence.
“Nick was a mentor to many of us,” he said. “He showed us that Kenyan boxers can dominate at the top level. To follow in his footsteps means everything.”
Now, as team captain, Mugunde is focused on transforming regional success into global achievement.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “We’ve shown Africa what we can do. Now we want to show the world. My dream is to carry the Kenyan flag into the Los Angeles Olympics and bring home that medal.”
National coach Musa Benjamin praised Mugunde’s unique blend of power and precision.
“He studies his opponents like a scientist but fights like a predator,” Benjamin said. “That mix of intelligence and aggression is rare.”
From the dusty gyms of Nairobi’s Eastlands to continental glory, Mugunde’s journey mirrors the revival of Kenyan boxing. Alongside rising stars like Alvin Oduor, Steve Oduor, and Brian Okoth, he’s leading a new generation determined to restore Kenya’s boxing legacy.
“The hunger is back,” Mugunde said. “We’re not just fighting opponents anymore — we’re fighting doubt, history, and the idea that Kenya can’t produce champions. That’s what drives us.”
After his victory, Mugunde glanced at the gold medal resting on the bench beside him.
“This is for Kenya,” he whispered. “But the next one — the next one will be for the world.”
