Overview

Professional boxing activity in East and Central Africa continues to evolve at different speeds across the region. Using BoxRec-listed events as a benchmark, this report analyses Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania (TZ), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) based on their 2024 full-year figures and 2025 events organised so far. The numbers highlight contrasting trends—rapid growth in some countries, steady dominance in others, and noticeable slowdowns elsewhere.

Event Statistics Snapshot

• Uganda: 24 events (2024) | 9 events so far (2025)
• Kenya: 6 events (2024) | 19 events so far (2025)
• Tanzania (TZ): 73 events (2024) | 74 events so far (2025)
• DR Congo: 14 events (2024) | 19 events so far (2025)

Performance Ranking (Based on Momentum & Output)

1. Tanzania (TZ) – Regional Powerhouse

Tanzania remains the undisputed leader in professional boxing activity. With 73 events in 2024 and already 74 events in 2025, TZ has not only sustained momentum but slightly surpassed last year’s total within a shorter time frame.

Key drivers:

• Strong private promotions with consistent sponsorship
• Frequent fight nights across multiple regions
• Supportive regulatory environment and efficient sanctioning
• A large pool of active professional boxers

Outlook: Tanzania’s system is mature and scalable. The challenge ahead is quality control—ensuring matchmaking, officiating, and fighter welfare keep pace with quantity.

2. Kenya – Fastest Growth Curve

Kenya has recorded the most dramatic rise. From just 6 events in 2024 to 19 events so far in 2025, the country has tripled its output in a short period.

Reasons for the rise:

• Renewed interest from promoters and gyms
• Increased cross-border fights, especially with Uganda and Tanzania
• Improved visibility through digital media and streaming

Outlook: If consistency is maintained, Kenya could challenge Uganda and DRC in total annual output by year’s end.

3. DR Congo – Steady and Strategic Growth

DR Congo has shown measured but positive progress, moving from 14 events in 2024 to 19 events so far in 2025.

Contributing factors:

• Concentration of events in key cities
• Gradual reactivation of inactive boxers
• Growing collaboration with neighboring countries

Outlook: With better national coordination and marketing, DRC could significantly expand its footprint.

4. Uganda – A Noticeable Slowdown

Uganda organized 24 events in 2024, but has managed only 9 events so far in 2025, indicating a slowdown compared to regional peers.

Possible reasons for decline:

• Financial strain on promoters
• Overreliance on a few organizing entities
• Administrative and sanctioning delays
• Limited venues consistently hosting pro boxing

Outlook: Uganda still has strong talent and fan interest, but structural challenges are affecting output.

Comparative Analysis

While Tanzania dominates in volume and stability, Kenya is the surprise performer with rapid growth. DR Congo is building quietly, whereas Uganda—despite its rich boxing culture—is facing short-term stagnation.

Solutions & Recommendations

For Uganda:

• Diversify and empower more promoters
• Reduce administrative bottlenecks
• Encourage regional-level fight nights
• Strengthen sponsorship and broadcast partnerships

For Kenya & DR Congo:

• Invest in boxer development and safety standards
• Maintain consistent event calendars
• Improve data transparency and rankings activity

For Tanzania:

• Balance quantity with quality
• Invest in elite-level events and international exposure

Writer’s Opinion

The numbers clearly show that activity follows structure and investment. Tanzania’s dominance is no accident—it is the product of consistency and confidence in the system. Kenya’s rise proves that growth is possible within a year when intent meets opportunity. Uganda’s slowdown should be treated as a warning, not a failure; the ingredients for revival are already present. In the long run, regional collaboration and healthy competition will be the key to lifting East and Central African boxing onto the global stage.