Musa picks nine rookies for IBA World Championships in Dubai

KDF's Fred Omondi in action against Wiseman Kivondo of Police in the welter weight final of the fifth leg of the National Boxing League in Kisumu/KBF

Hit Squad head coach Benjamin Musa has named nine rookies in his 13-man squad for the 23rd IBA World Championships in Dubai, set to run from 2 to 13 December. 

The squad, which includes seasoned campaigners like Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde, will feature a strong mix of experience and youthful ambition as Kenya aims to make an impact on the world stage.

Musa made the call-up after the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) national league finale in Kisumu, finalising his team with Mogunde as captain.

While Mogunde leads the team into his third World Championship, the rookies will get their first taste of international competition. 

The nine newcomers are Silas Onyango (minimum weight), Kelvin “Young” Maina (flyweight), Dennis Muthama (bantamweight), Paul Omondi (featherweight), Washington Wandera (lightweight), Caleb Wandera (light-welterweight), Wiseman Kavondo (welterweight), Chrispin Ochanda (cruiserweight) and Clinton Macharia (super-heavyweight).

Musa’s decision to call up so many first-timers reflects his belief in the importance of experience at the highest level.

“We wanted the young guys to feel what it’s like out there,” Musa said. “Experience isn’t taught in the gym—it’s earned in the ring. Dubai will give them that chance to learn what it really takes to compete at the top.”

The veterans on the team, including Mogunde, Edwin Okong’o (middleweight), Robert Okaka (light-heavyweight) and Peter “The Beast” Abuti (heavyweight), will play a crucial role in mentoring the rookies.

“The old heads will school the new ones. They’ve been through wars in the ring. That’s priceless for these young guys,” Musa explained.

With a total prize pool of $8.32 million on the line, the competition in Dubai will be fierce. However, Musa is clear-eyed about what the rookies can expect. “Dubai is a reality check. It’s tough, but it makes fighters better,” he said. 

“These guys might not win every fight, but the experience they get will be invaluable. We’ve put them in the deep end and they’ll learn and grow from it.”

Mogunde, who has been unbeaten locally for seven years and was named Best Boxer at the 2025 National League, will lead by example. “Boniface just gets it,” Musa said.

“Calm, steady. The guys look at him and know how to behave. He sets the tone.” 

For Mogunde, this World Championship is an opportunity to show the world what he’s made of.

“I’m ready. I’ve been through the fights; now it’s time to show what I’m made of on the global level,” said the captain.

The team has been supported by the Ministry of Sports, which Musa credits for their preparations.

“We couldn’t pull this off without the Ministry of Sports. They’ve been solid behind us, and it shows,” he said. “I’m not promising gold. But I expect fire in the ring, heart in the chest and pride for Kenya.”

Squad

Silas Onyango (minimumweight), Kelvin Maina (flyweight), Dennis Muthama (bantamweight), Paul Omondi (featherweight), Washington Wandera (lightweight), Caleb Wandera (light-welterweight), Wiseman Kavondo (welterweight), Boniface Mogunde (light-middleweight, captain), Edwin Okong’o (middleweight), Robert Okaka (light-heavyweight), Chrispin Ochanda (cruiserweight), Peter Abuti (heavyweight), and Clinton Macharia (super-heavyweight).

Reserves: Emmanuel Chondo, Mwinyi Kombo, John Oyugi and Humphrey Ochieng.

Technical bench: Musa Benjamin (head coach), David Munuhe (deputy), John Waweru (trainer), Anthony Otieno Ombok (head of delegation) and Duncan Kuria (communications).