Gilbert ‘Tonka’ Kabamba, a 25-year-old super heavyweight boxer from Dorchester, is preparing for a series of international bouts in Hungary on November 14 following a gold medal performance at the Pan American Championships in Mexico last month, WBUR News reported.
Pursuing a 2028 Olympic Roster Spot
Kabamba’s current trajectory is aimed at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. If he earns a place on the U.S. squad, he would be the first man from Massachusetts to accomplish that since 1932. He identifies the 2027 qualification cycle as the critical hurdle in his path. Kabamba skipped the first round in Mexico before winning three matches against Cuba, Brazil, and Colombia.
Transition from Football to Boxing
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kabamba spent seven years in a Ugandan refugee camp before arriving in the United States in 2013 at age 12. As a student at Everett High School, he played football under coach John DiBiaso, contributing to two Division 1 State Championships alongside current NFL players.
Following a stint at Merrimack College, Kabamba faced a period of personal instability during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to his departure from the school. In 2021, while training on Carson Beach to prepare for a move to junior college football in Kansas, a chance encounter with a stranger redirected his path. The individual urged him to visit the gym of Dorchester coach Martin Grealish. Kabamba followed the advice, eventually pivoting from football to boxing.
Developing as a Heavyweight Prospect
Head coach Mark DeLuca, who works with Kabamba at Waymaker Boxing in Dorchester, describes his athlete as an exceptional worker with significant untapped potential. DeLuca compares Kabamba’s style to that of Evander Holyfield, noting his size at 250 pounds and his proficiency as a "pocket fighter."
Since 2022, Kabamba has established a consistent record in the ring:
- 2022-2024: Won the New England Golden Gloves.
- 2024: Won the National Golden Gloves.
- 2025: Won the International USA Open, placed second in both the National Golden Gloves and the USA Boxing National Championships, and won gold at the Copa America tournament in Colombia.
Questions for the Road Ahead
While Kabamba has secured international recognition, the identity of the stranger who first directed him to the boxing gym remains unknown. He continues to train twice daily in Dorchester while managing the demands of the USA Boxing Super Elite team. Whether he can maintain this momentum through the 2027 qualifiers remains the primary question as he works toward his goal of Olympic representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gilbert Kabamba’s trainer?
He trains under head coach Mark DeLuca at Waymaker Boxing, located on Freeport Street in Dorchester.
What is the significance of the 2028 Olympics for Kabamba?
It is his primary athletic goal, representing a chance to become the first Massachusetts man to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic squad since 1932.
What was his background before boxing?
He was a standout linebacker at Everett High School, where he won two state championships, and later played football at Merrimack College before transitioning to boxing in 2021.