Elizabeth Andiego faced a controversial loss in the quarterfinals of the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, leading to a dismal, winless performance for Kenya. All other Kenyan fighters were eliminated without winning a bout, culminating in a need for serious reflection as the boxing community prepares for the next championship in 2027.
Kenya’s participation in the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships concluded unfavorably when veteran boxer Elizabeth Andiego faced a contentious referee stoppage in her quarterfinal bout against China’s Wang Xiaomeng. This loss epitomized a disappointing performance for Kenyan athletes in Nis, Serbia, as they left without any victories, prompting a critical introspection for future events.
Elizabeth Andiego, at 38 years of age, suffered a disheartening defeat to the 23-year-old Wang Xiaomeng on a Thursday afternoon. Despite her aggressive start and impressive early punches, she ultimately lost the bout in the lightweight category due to a referee’s decision made in the last moments of the second round.
The match began with Andiego exhibiting confidence and skill, landing substantial strikes while Wang struggled initially. However, Wang secured the first round as all judges scored in her favor. In the subsequent round, Andiego faced penalties for holding, which compounded her challenges despite landing equivalent blows against her opponent.
With only three seconds remaining in the bout, the Estonian referee stopped the fight after determining Andiego could not continue, leading to protests from Andiego’s corner regarding her ability to engage further. Despite the controversy, Andiego, who has competed in five world championships, will receive $10,000 as prize money after the event organizers waived the typical rule requiring at least one victory for payout eligibility.
Andiego’s exit marked the conclusion of a disappointing campaign for the Kenyan boxing team, which did not secure any victories throughout the tournament. Other competitors suffered similar fates, with Veronica Mbithe, Amina Martha Faki, Cynthia Mwai, Emily Juma, Friza Anyango, Lencer Akinyi, and Pauline Chege all losing their respective matches, thereby completing a winless record for the nation.
Christine Ongare remains the only Kenyan to have achieved a non-walkover victory at this global event, having done so in 2023. As Kenya’s boxing community reflects on this lackluster performance, efforts must now focus on preparing for the next championships scheduled in 2027, with the host city yet to be announced.
In summary, Elizabeth Andiego’s controversial exit from the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships underscores a challenging period for Kenyan boxing. With no victories recorded and widespread discontent regarding officiating, this chapter calls for reflection and improvement as preparations begin for future competitions in 2027. Immediate changes are needed to equip Kenyan boxers to meet the global standards and focus on achieving a better campaign in the next championship.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
