Josefien Betist is set to make history for Sierra Leone when she competes at the 2026 World Boxing Cup Finals in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, scheduled for 26 November to 4 December 2026.
Selected by World Boxing, the international governing body for the sport, Betist will become the first Sierra Leonean boxer to compete at the World Boxing Cup Finals. She is also expected to be the only African female boxer participating in the competition, placing Sierra Leone on a prominent international boxing stage.
Betist will compete in the women’s 60kg category, where eight qualified boxers will battle for the title. She will face a competitive international field as she seeks to deliver a strong performance and establish herself among the leading athletes in her division.
Her selection marks a significant achievement for both the boxer and Sierra Leonean boxing. The competition will provide her with valuable international experience and an opportunity to improve her standing as she works towards future major championships and potential Olympic qualification.
Betist’s participation also represents an important moment for women’s boxing in Sierra Leone. Her achievement highlights the potential of female athletes and the importance of creating more opportunities for them to compete internationally, gain recognition and inspire young people to pursue sporting careers.
Beyond her individual ambitions, Betist’s appearance in Tashkent will offer Sierra Leone an opportunity to showcase its sporting talent and raise the profile of its national boxing programme. Her presence among elite international competitors demonstrates the potential for Sierra Leonean athletes to earn recognition on the global stage.
With the competition approaching, support from the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Sports, the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, corporate sponsors and the general public will be crucial to helping Betist and her coaching team prepare adequately.
Participation in international competitions involves considerable costs, including travel, accommodation, training and medical expenses. Providing the necessary support would help ensure that Betist can focus on her preparation and represent the country to the best of her ability.
The World Boxing Cup Finals therefore present an opportunity for Sierra Leoneans to rally behind Betist as she prepares to achieve this historic milestone.
As the countdown to the competition continues, attention will be on Tashkent, where Betist will carry Sierra Leone’s flag and seek to make her mark in international boxing.
World Boxing Cup Finals 2026
Venue: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Dates: 26 November – 4 December 2026
Category: Women’s 60kg