John Juma Wba Africa Gold Triumph

Fresh from conquering the continent, Kenya’s John Juma is already looking beyond Africa, declaring his intent to chase bigger titles on the global stage after claiming the WBA Africa gold super lightweight crown emphatically.

The 30-year-old stopped Tanzania’s Charles Chalala via a fourth-round technical knockout at the Edge Convention Centre, extending his unbeaten run to 12 and announcing himself as a fighter ready for sterner tests beyond the region.

“I feel happy winning this title in Kenya. I know it’s very hard for people to get one of these, so I feel blessed,” said Juma, before signalling his hunger for greater challenges ahead.

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Juma’s performance carried the authority of a man outgrowing his current stage. From the opening bell, he controlled the tempo, cutting off the ring and landing with precision. By the fourth round, Chalala was reduced to survival, prompting the referee to step in as the Nairobi crowd roared in approval.

The night had already caught fire moments earlier when veteran Fatuma Zarika rolled back the years with a devastating eighth-round knockout of Tanzania’s Flora Machela. At 41, Zarika showed no signs of slowing down, breaking her opponent with relentless body shots before finishing with a sharp, decisive flurry to secure her 36th career victory.

Kenya’s Javan Buyu added a deeply emotional chapter to the evening, claiming the PST lightweight title after Tanzania’s Nassoro Athumani retired in the third round. Fighting through personal loss, Buyu dedicated the victory to his late father.

“I realised his body was weak, and the coach advised me to focus on that, and the first shot I landed on his body in the third round made all the difference,” Buyu said. “I dedicate the title to my dad, who passed away last Saturday while I was in camp. It was tough, but here I am — the PST champion.”

Elsewhere, Tanzania’s Leila Yazidu claimed the PST women’s super featherweight title with a victory over Kenya’s Rael Asubwe, while Richard Okoth was awarded the Kenya national welterweight title after a seventh-round stoppage against David Oluoch, with judges favouring Okoth despite a shoulder injury.

Promoter Maurice Odera described the event as a defining moment for Kenyan boxing. “This has been one of the best nights in Kenya’s boxing history, and we thank everyone who made it possible, notably our sponsors SportPesa, the boxers who trained hard and the fans who have supported us throughout,” he said.

SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri said the spectacle demonstrated the sport’s growing stature. “What we saw tonight is proof that Kenyan boxing has the talent, the passion, and the audience to stand proudly on the continental and global stage. We are proud to support platforms like this that allow our fighters to compete for titles, grow their careers, and inspire the next generation.”

As the lights dimmed and the echoes of celebration lingered, one message stood clear — Juma’s journey is only just beginning, and the world may soon be forced to take notice.