Kenyan boxer sensation Denzel Onyango has earned an opportunity to fight on the global stage after being selected by the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) to represent the country at the WBC Grand Prix 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in April.
The heavyweight fighter, who recently clinched the Roar in the Ring 2024 championship in Nairobi, will step into the ring alongside elite prospects from around the world in a tournament designed to shape the future of Kenya’s boxing.
Onyango, whose selection marks a significant milestone for Kenyan boxing, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the chance to compete at the highest level.
“I’m thrilled to participate in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix,” he said. “It’s an incredible honour to represent Kenya on such a global stage and be part of this prestigious event. Boxing is more than a sport – it’s a test of resilience, discipline, and determination. I look forward to stepping into the ring and showcase my skills alongside some of the best in the world.”
Onyango’s participation in the WBC Grand Prix positions him among the brightest up-and-coming fighters in the world, as the tournament strictly features boxers under the age of 26 with no more than ten professional bouts.
Organised by the World Boxing Council (WBC) under the leadership of Mauricio Sulaimán, the WBC Grand Prix is a newly introduced tournament aimed at giving young fighters a structured pathway to stardom.
The event, which will take place entirely in Saudi Arabia, will feature 128 fighters across four divisions: featherweight, junior welterweight, middleweight, and heavyweight. Each weight class will have 32 fighters, with the eventual winner receiving the Jose Sulaimán Trophy, named after the late WBC president.
The Round of 32 bouts will be six rounds each, while the tournament final will be an eight-round contest. To ensure fairness, all fighters will be subjected to random drug testing under the WBC’s Clean Boxing programme and Riyadh Season’s VADA testing protocols. The tournament will also incorporate open scoring, instant replay, and an overtime round if fights end in a draw.
Additionally, each participating fighter will be rewarded financially, with increased earnings for those who progress further in the tournament.
