The International Boxing Association (IBA) has officially recognized Zambia National Service Staff Sergeant Patrick Chinyemba as the world’s number one ranked amateur boxer in the flyweight division (48–51kg).
Ssgt Chinyemba is currently in Miami, United States, where he is participating in a professional boxing training camp as he continues to sharpen his skills on the international stage.
The achievement marks one of the greatest milestones in the history of Zambian boxing, placing Ssgt Chinyemba among the world’s elite amateur fighters while further strengthening Zambia’s growing reputation in international boxing.
Popularly known as “Baddo,” Ssgt Chinyemba has steadily risen through the ranks over the past several years through discipline, determination, and consistent performances at major international tournaments. He represented Zambia at both the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games, becoming one of the country’s most accomplished amateur boxers.
According to IBA rankings, Ssgt Chinyemba accumulated crucial points after winning the African championship and producing impressive performances at the World Boxing Championships.
One of the defining moments of his career came in Addis Ababa when he captured the IBA African Flyweight title after defeating Ghana’s Theophilus Allotey by fourth-round technical knockout during the IBA Champions Night event. The victory highlighted his aggressive fighting style, exceptional speed, and devastating body punches, qualities that have established him as one of the most dangerous fighters in the flyweight division.
Securing the number one global ranking is a remarkable accomplishment, particularly in a division historically dominated by boxing powerhouses such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Cuba, and Russia. Ssgt Chinyemba’s rise to the top therefore stands as a major achievement not only for Zambia, but for Africa at large.
ZNS