The "Iron Lady" of Kenyan boxing is taking off the headgear. Liz Andiego, the most decorated female amateur boxer in East African history, has officially turned professional, setting the stage for a blockbuster regional showdown in Nairobi later this month.

For over a decade, Elizabeth Andiego has been the face of Kenyan female boxing. She was the first Kenyan woman to box at the Olympics (London 2012), a silver medalist at the African Games, and a captain who steered the "Hit Squad" through turbulent waters. Now, at 37, she is embarking on a new chapter. The Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) has sanctioned her move to the paid ranks, a transition that promises to breathe new life into the local professional circuit.

Andiego's professional debut is scheduled for February 27, 2026, at the Mass House on Ngong Road. She will face Tanzania’s Chiku Iddi in a four-round Super Middleweight contest. This is not just a fight; it is a coronation of a veteran who has paid her dues in the amateur ring and is now ready to cash in on her legacy.

Why Now? The hunger for Competition

The decision to turn pro was driven by a practical reality: Liz Andiego ran out of opponents. In the amateur ranks locally, she has been untouchable, often winning bouts via walkover or mismatch. "If I go on like this, I’ll suffer from ring rust," Andiego admitted. The professional scene offers her a wider pool of challengers and the opportunity to earn a living from her craft—something the amateur structure often struggles to provide consistently.

BFK Secretary-General David Munuhe confirmed the federation's support, noting a shift in policy that allows boxers to balance pro aspirations while remaining available for national duties if selected. This hybrid model is a game-changer for Kenyan boxers who previously had to choose between the flag and the paycheck.

The Opponent: A "Battle of East Africa"

Her opponent, Chiku Iddi, is no pushover. Tanzanian boxers are known for their grit and aggressive style. The Kenya vs. Tanzania rivalry is legendary in sporting circles, and this bout promises fireworks. Promoter Greg Cox of Kalakoda Promotions, the outfit staging the event, expressed confidence that Andiego's technical superiority would shine through, but warned that the transition to pro boxing—with smaller gloves and no headgear—is always perilous.

Legacy and Future

Andiego's move is inspirational for the next generation of female pugilists. She has proven that boxing is not just a short-term gig but a viable career path for women. By stepping into the pro ring, she is paving the way for younger talents like Aurelia Ixoya to dream of world titles.

The "Mass House" venue is expected to be packed to the rafters. Nairobi fight fans, hungry for a homegrown hero to cheer for, will be eager to see if the Olympian can translate her amateur pedigree into professional power. Come February 27, the bell will ring, and Liz Andiego will stand alone—no vest, no headguard, just her fists and her legacy.