Tanzanian boxer eyes last eight spot at Commonwealth Games
Korean referee Kim Jongjin declares Tanzania boxer Yusuf Lucasi Changalawe (right) the winner after his light heavyweight bout against Nigeria’s David Akintola at the ongoing Commonwealth Games at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC Centre, Hall 5) in Glasgow, Scotland. PHOTO | COURTESY
The Tanzanian produced a disciplined performance to claim a 4-1 split-decision win, earning his place in the last 16 and keeping alive his dream of reaching the podium
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's medal hopes in boxing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games rest on Yusuf Changalawe today as he takes on Kenya's Robert Okaka in the men's light heavyweight (80kg) Round of 16 at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.
Changalawe enters the bout full of confidence after an impressive opening victory over Nigeria's David Akintola.
The Tanzanian produced a disciplined performance to claim a 4-1 split-decision win, earning his place in the last 16 and keeping alive his dream of reaching the podium.
The victory highlighted Changalawe's tactical discipline and resilience against a tough opponent, with four of the five judges scoring the contest in his favour.
He now faces another stern examination against regional rival Okaka in a contest expected to be one of the standout light heavyweight clashes of the day.
Unlike Changalawe, Okaka progressed directly to the Round of 16 after receiving a first-round bye, meaning the Kenyan will enter the ring without having fought in the opening round.
His freshness could prove an advantage, although Changalawe will hope the momentum gained from his opening victory works in his favour.
The winner will advance to the quarter-finals and move a step closer to securing a Commonwealth Games medal, making today's encounter one of the most significant bouts of Tanzania's boxing campaign.
While Changalawe celebrated victory, it was disappointment for fellow Tanzanian boxer Faki Issa Faki, whose Commonwealth Games journey ended after defeat to Zambia's Mwengo Mwale.
Faki was unable to cope with Mwale's relentless pressure, prompting the referee to stop the contest one minute and 49 seconds into the second round. The referee-stopped contest (RSC) result saw the Zambian advance while Faki bowed out of the competition.
Attention will also soon shift to Tanzania's only female boxer at the Games, Zawadi Amos Kutaka, who faces one of the toughest assignments in the tournament.
Kutaka is scheduled to meet Northern Ireland's Michaela Walsh in the women's 57kg featherweight quarter-final on Wednesday, July 29, at the SEC.
Walsh is one of the most accomplished boxers in Commonwealth Games history. She arrives in Glasgow as the defending women's 57kg featherweight champion after winning gold at Birmingham 2022.
The Northern Irish star is competing in her fourth Commonwealth Games, having previously won silver medals in 2014 and 2018 before finally claiming gold four years ago.
Her experience and pedigree make her one of the favourites to retain the title.
Despite the daunting challenge, Kutaka will be aiming to produce one of the tournament's biggest upsets by defeating the reigning champion and booking a place in the semi-finals.
Tanzania is represented by three boxers at the Glasgow Games, and after Faki's elimination, the country's immediate hopes now rest with Changalawe in the light heavyweight division before Kutaka begins her quest for Commonwealth glory later this week.
