A historic setting and a programme to follow
Dakar 2026 is the first Olympic sporting event held on African soil. World Boxing announces competition at the Dakar Expo Centre from 7 to 12 November, with five men’s and five women’s weight categories.
The French Olympic team’s calendar schedules preliminaries on 7 and 8 November, quarter-finals on 9 and 10, semi-finals on 11 and finals on 12. All ten titles are due to be decided on that last day. Check the official calendar for detailed timings.
Franco Leeroy Zialor: three years to reach a new stage
Seychelles’ Franco Leeroy Zialor, 17, discovered boxing in 2023. Three years later, he is set to compete at 60 kg in Dakar. Along the way he won gold at the 2025 CJSOI Games.
World Boxing describes a preparation built on travel and training camps, including a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina in October. His journey shows the work behind a selection: learning away from home, meeting different styles and preparing for the next opportunity.
Garcia and Castillo: a first for Venezuela
Grenyelis Garcia at 51 kg and Yenireé Castillo at 54 kg are set to become Venezuela’s first female boxers at the Youth Olympic Games. Both were introduced to the sport through their families.
Garcia arrives with a South American Youth Games title and bronze from the U19 World Championships in Budva. Castillo also boxed in Budva, reaching the quarter-finals. Those experiences offer context for their preparation; the Dakar tournament is still ahead.
Where to follow the boxing
The French Olympic team’s calendar lists the boxing programme, with times displayed in French time. It will also provide results as the competition progresses.
The Olympic Federation of Ireland has announced streams on its website for sessions involving its boxer Kristian Jubani. Its programme notes that exact bout times depend on the progress of a session: check the updated draws and calendar.
Our view: follow the journeys
These Games offer a chance to watch boxing before the major professional bills. They are also an opportunity to discover styles, boxing traditions and athletes whose stories are beginning to reach an international audience. Favourites still have to win in the ring; for spectators, the first date is 7 November.