African boxing will take centre stage on November 16, 2025, when Zimbabwe’s Ndabezinhle ‘Shumba’ Phiri squares off against South Africa’s Jackson ‘M3’ Chauke for the WBC Africa Flyweight Championship in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The clash forms part of the WBC’s ‘Year of Africa’ campaign – a landmark initiative celebrating the continent’s boxing heritage while spotlighting emerging stars and uniting federations under one banner of excellence. From Lagos to Lusaka, Accra to Johannesburg, the project aims to amplify African voices in the global boxing conversation, invest in grassroots talent, and bring major events back to African soil.
For Phiri, 24, the bout represents the biggest night of his fast-rising career. Known for his relentless pace and fearless style, the young Zimbabwean has carved a name for himself as one of Southern Africa’s most exciting prospects. A victory here would not only earn him a continental crown but also mark his arrival on the world stage.
Across the ring stands Jackson Chauke, a 40-year-old veteran and former Olympian whose name commands respect throughout African boxing. With a polished technical approach, sharp counterpunching, and the calm assurance of experience, Chauke seeks to remind fans that ring intelligence and composure can still neutralise youth and aggression.
The matchup is more than a championship bout – it’s a battle between generations, a contest of ambition versus legacy. Phiri fights for the future; Chauke fights for history.
Fans can expect a compelling mix of speed, precision, and heart when the bell rings in Johannesburg. And beyond the ropes, the WBC’s Year of Africa continues to prove that the continent’s boxing story is not just being told – it’s being rewritten, one fight at a time.
