November 13, 2025—Cape Verde’s Olympic flyweight bronze medalist David Pina is leaving nothing to chance as he targets Africa’s first medal in eight years at the 2025 Men’s World Boxing Championships set for Dubai from December 2–13.
The continent last celebrated a podium finish in 2017, when Cameroon’s Arsene Fokou Fosso won bronze in Hamburg, Germany. Since then, African boxers have missed out on medals in the 2019, 2021, and 2023 editions.
Fosso, who captured Africa’s elite super-heavyweight gold the same year in Brazzaville, later switched allegiance to Australia, where he now fights professionally. His 2017 bronze remains Africa’s most recent success on the world stage — a statistic that deeply motivates Pina.
“Eight years is such a long time. I must end this in Dubai,” says Pina. “It hurts to see Africa go so long without a medal.”
Based in Lisbon, Portugal, with his wife Cindy and children Hellen and Miller, Pina has been training intensively under his long-time coach Bruno Carvalho. The partnership produced Cape Verde’s first-ever Olympic medal — a bronze at the Paris 2024 Games.
“It’s an achievement I’ll cherish forever, but it also pushes me to go for more,” says Pina. “I believe solid preparation is the key to success.”
Pina’s camp includes a psychologist, nutritionist, doctor, physiotherapist, and a range of sparring partners. His training covers every style — from southpaws and heavy hitters to speedy counter-punchers and taller opponents.
“A psychologist plays a vital role in my preparation,” he explains. “You can be fit physically, but if you’re not mentally ready, it’s hard to win.”
Pina had hoped to use the postponed Africa Elite Championships as part of his buildup but remains optimistic about his current form.
“Training is going well. I’m focusing on physical, technical, and tactical work,” he says. “If my budget allows, I might head to Brazil or Cuba for additional sparring.”
He credits Coach Carvalho as his “master strategist” and appreciates the Cape Verde government for fully funding his training and participation.
“I’m grateful for their support,” he says. “It’s a big motivation knowing my country stands behind me.”
Pina’s second appearance at the World Championships follows his 2023 debut in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he lost in the round of 64. That tournament saw African boxers come close, with Zambia’s Patrick “Baddo” Chinyemba and Andrew Chilata, along with Ghana’s Amadu Mohammed, all reaching the quarter-finals.
Now, all eyes turn to Pina — the man carrying Africa’s boxing hopes.
(Story courtesy; Boxersworld.co.ke).
