CINDY NGAMBA has been forced to withdraw from her professional debut on Friday night at the Royal Albert Hall.
The historic venue plays host to a strong Boxxer all-female card, consisting of two world title contests, a European title clash and a bout to crown a first female British featherweight champion.
There was also plenty of interest in Ngamba’s debut after she became the first person to win a medal for the Refugee Olympic Team last summer. Sadly, it was revealed earlier today (Thursday) that the Cameroonian-born talent cannot compete after a ‘pre-fight medical examination revealed an issue that required further investigation’
Ngamba had been poised for a tough debut, preparing to take on two-time and reigning EBU European welterweight champion, Kirtsie Bavington, 9-5-2 (2 KOs) – a testament to the regard in which Ngamba is held by promoter Ben Shalom who jumped at the chance to sign her and bring her to Boxxer, who continue to champion all-female boxing bills.
Bavington posted her reaction to the news on Instagram saying, “Absolutely devastated with the news. Hopefully, we can roll it back soon. Wishing Cindy a speedy recovery.”
Born in Douala, Ngamba moved to the United Kingdom aged 11 and is currently unable to return to her birthland after she came out as a lesbian, with homosexuality being illegal in Cameroon.
Yet, whilst her homeland is not so welcoming of Ngamba, the now 26-year-old found a new home in the United Kingdom and excelled as an amateur boxer, despite being unable to represent Great Britain as she does not have a British passport.
Ngamba became a three-weight national amateur champion and went on to instead represent the Refugee Olympic Team at Paris 2024, making history when she picked up the bronze medal in the 75kg division.
