Sole Kenyan boxer ready to rumble at inaugural World Grand Prix in Riyadh
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 18.04.25. | 12:34
The 24-year-old last fought in October, knocking out Ugandan opponent Sharif Ngobi
Kenyan boxer Denzel Onyango will rewrite history as he makes his debut at the inaugural Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
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Onyango, 24, will be the only Kenyan taking part in the brand-new competition aiming to “highlight emerging boxing talent, while providing a crucial platform for athletes to gain exposure worldwide.”
The Nairobi-based fighter will feature in the heavyweight category, which consists of 32 participants from every corner of the world.
Onyango travelled to Riyadh with his coach Julius Odhiambo on Wednesday, and will be part of Saturday’s weigh-in, which will pair him with his opponent for Sunday’s fight.
Other Africans in his category include: Morocco’s Youness Baalla, Keaton Gomes of South Africa, and the Congolese pair of Jose Kadima and Apanu Reagan.
Onyango, who has a perfect pro-record of 5-0, last fought in October, knocking out Sharif Ngobi from Uganda in a cruiserweight fight in Nairobi.
The first stage of the tournament will be held at the BLVD City Global Theatre, including 64 fights of six rounds each, spread across the four days of the tournament.
The following stages will take place in June, August, and October, with the Grand Final in December.
“I’m thrilled to participate in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix,” Onyango said of his high-profile participation. “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 showcasing my skills alongside some of the best in the world.”
Sunday’s Round of 32 bouts will be six rounds each, while the tournament final will be an eight-round contest.
The WBC Boxing Grand Prix 🥊
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 28, 2025
• April 17 to 20 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Over 40 Countries Represented
• 32 boxers per division
• Single Elimination
• A little over $200,000 for the winners#BoxingGrandPrix | April 17-20 | Live Exclusively on DAZN pic.twitter.com/J8B4eqHH0A
To ensure fairness, all fighters have been 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.
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