Boniface Mogunde
(3rd R) with coach
Benjamin Musa (2nd L)
and the rest of the Hit
Squad/HANDOUT
In the heat of Nairobi’s Mathare Depot training hall, Boniface Mugunde, captain of Kenya’s Hit Squad, sharpens his jabs, slips punches and dances along the canvas with laser focus.
Every hook, uppercut and feint tells the story of a fighter chasing what has long slipped through his gloves: gold at the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championship, set for October 15-25.
“I’ve fought my way to silver and bronze, but gold has always danced just out of reach,” Mugunde says, bouncing on his toes. “This year, in front of my home crowd, I plan to clinch it. I’ll hit, I’ll slip, I’ll weave— every punch counts.”
Mugunde’s journey is more than wins and losses—it’s a battle of grit, stamina, and ring IQ. “Boxing isn’t just about throwing punches,” he explains. “It’s footwork, timing, angles, and mental toughness. I study my opponents like chess. Every round is a round in life, and I intend to own it.”
The Hit Squad captain knows history is on his side. Kenya last hosted the championship in 2005, and fans have been waiting for nearly two decades to see a homegrown champion hoist the gold.
“To lift that medal here in Nairobi, with the flag waving and fans screaming—it would be electric. It would be more than a win; it would be a statement,” he adds.
At Police Depot in Mathare, Mugunde’s regime is relentless. Early morning roadwork builds his engine, sparring sharpens reflexes, and bag work refines punching power. Shadowboxing keeps his rhythm tight, while defensive drills hone his slips, ducks, and counters.
“We hit the mitts every day. Every combination, every jab, every uppercut is dialled in,” Mugunde says. “I visualise my opponents’ punches before they land. I anticipate, I read, I react. That’s how you dominate in the ring. Speed, power, endurance— it’s all in the prep.”
His dedication is mirrored by the Hit Squad team. “Boxing is individual in the ring, but it takes a village outside it. Coaches, teammates, and everyone in the gym sharpen each other. Gold is the result of collective sweat and sacrifice,” he adds.
The championship features 13 countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, Burundi, Ethiopia, Somalia, Gabon, Congo Brazzaville, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon.
“DR Congo is tough—they throw heavy shots, they fight dirty, but we’ve studied their patterns. My plan is simple: control the tempo, hit clean, slip their counters, and finish strong,” he says.
“Every opponent brings a different style. Some brawl, some box smart. You have to adapt quickly—head movement, counter hooks, body shots. You fight their strategy, but you impose yours. That’s the game.” The roar of Nairobi fans provides an intangible boost. “When I hear the flag-waving crowd chanting, my knees bend and my punches sharpen. It’s adrenaline on tap,” Mugunde says.
“Fighting at home is motivation and pressure rolled into one. Every round matters; every punch has a purpose.” He said the Africa Zone 3 Championship is more than a regional title—it’s preparation for global contention.
“Dubai’s Elite World Men’s
Boxing Championship is next. Every
round here is a simulation of worldclass fights. Every counter, every
combination is training for the bigger
stage,” Mugunde explains.
