Mogunde targets double glory as boxing season comes alive

Fresh from being crowned Best Male Boxer at the 2025 BFK National Boxing League, Kenya Police Service pugilist Boniface Mogunde has set his sights on repeating his dominance this season, vowing to defend both his personal crown and his team’s supremacy as the new campaign gathers momentum in Nairobi.

The reigning Africa Boxing Championships light-middleweight champion was instrumental in helping the Police Service’s Chafua Chafua outfit dethrone long-time rivals Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) last season. Yet, despite the accolades, Mogunde insists he is far from satisfied.

“This award is not the destination; it is confirmation that the work I have been doing is visible,” Mogunde said. “I am proud, but I am not comfortable yet. A boxer cannot relax when there are bigger battles ahead.”

Mogunde described the 2025 BFK National Boxing League as one of the most demanding seasons of his career, crediting the intense competition for sharpening his mental and physical strength.

“The league tested me in every way,” he noted. “Every bout felt like a final because everyone wanted to beat the African champion.”

As the new season unfolds, Mogunde says his focus is firmly on consistency and improvement.

“I want to be better than last year,” he said. “Not just winning fights, but winning them with authority, discipline and intelligence.”

Beyond individual honours, Mogunde believes the Kenya Police Service boxing team has the depth, unity and hunger to defend the league title they claimed last season.

“We shocked many people by beating KDF, but inside the camp we knew what we were capable of,” he said. “That title was not luck. It was preparation.”

Team chemistry, he added, remains the Police unit’s greatest strength.

“This team fights for each other. When one boxer steps into the ring, the whole camp steps in with him.”

According to Mogunde, the challenge of defending the title has only increased the team’s motivation.

“Defending a title is harder than winning it,” he admitted. “But we want to prove that last season was just the beginning.”

The BFK National Boxing League continues to serve as a crucial pathway for boxers aiming for national selection, with top performers earning places in Kenya’s Hit Squad. Mogunde believes the league plays a vital role in shaping elite fighters.

“This league is the mirror. If you want to know where you stand as a boxer, this is where the truth comes out.”

Having represented Kenya on the continental stage, Mogunde understands the responsibility that comes with wearing national colours.

“You fight not just for yourself, but for millions of Kenyans,” he said.

Mogunde attributes his rise to a strict training regime, mental discipline and the support of the Kenya Police Service sports programme.

“Talent will take you to the door, but discipline opens it. Champions are built on hard days,” he said.

While domestic success remains important, Mogunde’s ambitions stretch beyond local borders.

“My dream is to retain the African title and challenge myself globally. I want Kenyan boxing to be respected everywhere.”

As he summed it up, the journey is far from complete.

“I am still chasing greatness. As long as I can step into the ring, I will keep pushing.”