Robert Wangila (17 February 1967 – 2 March 1994) was a Kenyan professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight division. He is best known for becoming the first African boxer to win a world heavyweight title when he captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight championship in 1985.
Early life and amateur career
Wangila was born in Nairobi, Kenya. He began boxing at a young age and represented Kenya at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he earned a bronze medal in the heavyweight category. This achievement marked one of Kenya’s most notable Olympic boxing performances.
Professional career
Wangila turned professional in 1985 under the promotion of the American boxing manager and promoter Don King. On 30 November 1985, he fought the reigning WBA heavyweight champion Michael Dokes in New Orleans, Louisiana. Wangila won the bout by ninth‑round technical knockout (TKO), securing the WBA title. The victory made him the first African to hold a major heavyweight world title.
Wangila defended the title once, successfully stopping South African fighter Gerrie Coetzee on 2 May 1986 via a seventh‑round TKO. He lost the championship in his next bout, a split‑decision defeat to Tony Tubbs on 2 February 1987 in Detroit, Michigan.
His professional record stands at 26 wins (22 by knockout), 4 losses, and 1 draw.
Later life and death
After losing the title, Wangila continued to fight but struggled to regain champion status. On 2 March 1994, while traveling in the United Kingdom, he was involved in a fatal incident. Wangila died from injuries sustained during a police shooting in Liverpool after being pursued for alleged involvement in a drug‑related dispute. The circumstances of his death were investigated by British authorities, and the incident remains a point of discussion regarding police use of force in the UK.
Legacy
Wangila’s 1985 victory is regarded as a historic milestone for African boxing, inspiring subsequent generations of African heavyweight boxers. He is remembered for his powerful punching ability, aggressive fighting style, and his role in expanding the global visibility of African athletes in professional boxing.
Professional boxing record (selected)
- 1 Nov 1985 – Michael Dokes – WBA heavyweight champion (TKO, 9th round)
- 2 May 1986 – Gerrie Coetzee – Title defense (TKO, 7th round)
- 2 Feb 1987 – Tony Tubbs – Loss of title (split decision)
Note: The above record is not exhaustive.