Kenya’s boxing team, famously known as the “Hit Squad,” is ready to step into the spotlight at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with Amina Martha set to make history as the first Kenyan boxer to compete at the event.
Amina Martha will open Kenya’s boxing campaign in the women’s bantamweight division, where she is scheduled to face England’s Lauren Mackie on Friday, July 24. The highly anticipated bout marks the country’s first fight of the Games and sets the tone for the team’s medal ambitions.
Beyond the ring, Amina is also a journalist and digital strategist, showcasing her versatility. She heads into the competition with an impressive record, having been crowned the 2025 AFBC Zone Three bantamweight champion and securing a bronze medal at the 2024 African Games. Her achievement in Accra was particularly historic, as she became the first Kenyan woman to win a boxing medal at the African Games.
Favourable Draws for Team Kenya
Several members of Kenya’s squad have received promising draws, boosting hopes for podium finishes:
- Women’s 60kg Division: Rosemarion Otieno has advanced directly to the quarter-finals after receiving a first-round bye. She is set to face Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh on July 28, with a semi-final spot up for grabs.
- Men’s 70kg Division: Team captain Boniface Mogunde will begin his campaign in the Round of 16 after a bye. He is scheduled to face Scotland’s Sony Kerr on July 27.
- Men’s 80kg Division: Robert Okaka has also progressed to the Round of 16. He will take on the winner between Nigeria’s David Akintola and Tanzania’s Yusuf Changalawe.
With a mix of experienced fighters and emerging talent, Kenya’s Hit Squad is optimistic about delivering strong performances in Glasgow. The favourable draws and Amina’s early bout present a solid opportunity for the team to build momentum as the competition unfolds. All eyes will be on the opening fight as Kenya begins its quest for boxing glory on the Commonwealth stage.
