Carlos Takam Launches Boxing Academy in Kigali, Partners with Rwanda to Develop Young Talent

Veteran Cameroonian-French boxer Carlos Takam met with President Paul Kagame on Sunday following the launch of his new boxing academy in Kigali, a move aimed at nurturing young talent and promoting the sport across Africa.

The academy, established last week under the Carlos Takam Foundation, seeks to provide aspiring boxers with professional training and opportunities to compete at the highest levels. As a gesture of goodwill, Takam presented President Kagame with an original WBC World Champion belt, honoring Rwanda and the Foundation’s mission in the country.

Takam, 44, is celebrated for his aggressive style and powerful punching ability. Over a career spanning 48 fights, he has won 40 bouts, lost seven, and recorded one split-decision result. He has also contended for multiple prestigious titles, including the WBC Silver Heavyweight, WBO African Heavyweight, and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles.

The initiative in Rwanda formalizes Takam’s long-standing vision to expand boxing across Africa. In 2024, he expressed interest in developing the sport on the continent, and Rwanda was chosen as the host nation for his academy.
Earlier this week, the Carlos Takam Foundation signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Rwanda Boxing Federation, establishing a framework to implement Takam’s ambitious vision.

Ntoudi Mouyelo, Council Member of the Carlos Takam Foundation, emphasized the academy’s dual mission of sports development and education.
“Takam has a vision for Africa, and he chose Rwanda as the home for that vision,” Ntoudi said. “Through our partnership with the Rwanda Boxing Federation, we aim to promote boxing while also supporting the education of young athletes. We want them to excel both in the ring and in school, preparing them for a brighter future.”

Rwanda Boxing Federation President Vick Kalisa praised the partnership for its potential impact on local athletes.
“This collaboration will give our young boxers more competitive opportunities, helping them refine their skills and improve performance,” Kalisa said. “The Foundation will also sponsor school fees for athletes selected to the academy, which is a major boost for boxing in Rwanda.”
The academy is positioned as a cornerstone of Takam’s vision for African boxing, with aspirations to develop elite talent capable of achieving success on the international stage, including the Olympics.