Fighters from across Africa, including Nigeria, Algeria, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Gabon, and more, have arrived in Rwanda, with many experiencing the country for the first time. Their reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Kigali as a welcoming, well-organized, and beautiful destination for training and competition.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Lamrani Abderrazeek, the Algerian cruiserweight, shared his excitement about his first visit to Rwanda. Having passed through Dubai before arriving in Kigali.
“This is my first time in Rwanda, and I really like it. The people here are nice. Everything is easy. Everything is straight. The weather is amazing. It’s the best place to visit. It’s the best place to do your camp, and it’s the best place to fight.”
Abderrazeek’s words reflect the sentiments of many international athletes who have praised Rwanda’s clean environment, modern gyms, and friendly atmosphere.
Nene Joy Ojo, the Nigerian female boxer making waves on the card, also called on her fellow Nigerians and supporters to show up in force:
“If you’re here, come support your girl. Get your ticket from KCC Roundabout on the 28th of this month.”
Ojo’s message highlights the growing visibility of women’s boxing at Kigali Fight Night, which will feature several high-profile female matchups.
The excitement is shared by matchmaker Khaled, who hails from both Uganda and Dubai. He sees Kigali Fight Night as a landmark moment for African boxing.
“I’m excited to be in Rwanda simply because it’s a beautiful country, first of all, and yeah, it is a fresh market for boxing, especially pro boxing… Silverback says it is redefining African boxing. So we’re doing a great job, like putting fighters together and stuff like that.”
He added that the matchmaking for the event is strong, with international fighters on the card, and urged fans, “Definitely everybody has to come and watch.”
One fighter expressed pure confidence ahead of the main card:
“Fight night is on the 28th of this month. I’m ready. I’m ready to conquer. My opponent will have to be ready for me.”
Returning as the official ring announcer and MC, Rocky Try shared her pride in the event’s growth:
“Honestly, I was also the ring speaker last year, and being there is just electric. You can see the fighters’ real sportsmanship, their talent, and their hunger. This time, it’s going to be even bigger.”
Rocky emphasized the cultural significance of bringing professional boxing to Rwanda, especially with strong female participation both in the ring and behind the scenes:
“My pride for the Kigali Fight Night is the fact that we’re bringing the boxing culture to Rwanda… We have female athletes, we have male athletes, we have the young ones… Having something so new in Rwanda is exciting.”
To women still hesitant about boxing, she offered powerful encouragement:
“Do you know what? Let me speak to you. I started boxing at a time in my life when I had a lot of anger. But as I trained, it wasn’t about the anger anymore; it became about discipline. So, just do it. It’s like free therapy, you just pay a little more than a therapist.”
Kigali Fight Night 2026 promises to be a major milestone in Rwanda’s boxing culture, shining a spotlight on the continent’s rising boxing talent and highlighting Rwanda’s growing significance as a host for major sporting events.
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