Shaffi sets sights on historic podium at IBA Worlds in Dubai

This is after starting off strongly,  winning his preliminary bantamweight bout against Dawd Zekerya Kedir of Ethiopia 5:0

The 31-year-old is spearheading Kenya’s challenge at the record-breaking tournament running from December 2–13, the richest event ever staged in amateur boxing, where prestige meets life-changing financial rewards.

A veteran of the global circuit, Bakari has represented Kenya at the 2017 World Championships in Hamburg, the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2019 African Games in Rabat, where he became the first Kenyan in 12 years to reach a final. Those experiences, he says, have forged the belief he now carries into Dubai.

“My target is to stand on the podium,” Bakari said. “I want to show that Kenyan boxers can compete and win at this level. I trust my power, movement and discipline. I feel sharper than ever.”

The championships boast an unprecedented US$8.32 million prize pool across 13 divisions. Gold medallists will pocket Sh38.7 million (US$300,000), silver Sh19.3 million (US$150,000) and bronze Sh9.7 million (US$75,000), with even early-round winners assured of sizeable payouts — raising both the stakes and intensity in Dubai’s unforgiving ring.