Josefien Angel Betist, Sierra Leone’s featherweight boxing champion, won a stunning victory at the AFBC Solidarity and Fraternity Boxing Gala in Tunis, Tunisia, on January 24, 2025. 

Betist defeated Tunisian champion, Amal Mathloifi, to claim the gold medal and championship belt, bringing immense pride and joy to her nation Sierra Leone. 

An Irish-Sierra Leonean, Josefien has deep family roots in Sierra Leone with her mother and grandfather born in the country. Despite her white ethnicity, Josefien holds Sierra Leonean citizenship, making her  eligible to compete for the nation. 

Her participation and victory has brought immense pride and joy to Sierra Leone. 

Betist’s Dedication and National Pride

Following her victory, Betist expressed her deepest sense of national pride. 

“This victory is for my country,” she said in a video posted on the official Facebook page of the National Sports Authority. “This is a very proud moment for me and Sierra Leone, for winning the belt here in Tunisia. Thank you to everyone but especially the secretary general.”  

Her triumph serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication, hard work, and resilience.

Sport writer on X,, Sahr Morris Jr  stated, “The #Sierra Leonean anthem resonates powerfully in the boxing ring as female boxer #JosefienBetist triumphs over Tunisia’s #AmalMathlouthi by a split decision in the women’s 57kg bout, claiming the prestigious #AFBCSolidarity and Fraternity Boxing Gala Night belt.”

Magdalene S. Konneh, an X user, also posted, ‘‘Featherweight boxer, Josefien Angel Betist, has won the prestigious AFBC Solidarity and Fraternity Boxing Gala✨ In a nail-biting bout, she defeated the host fighter, Tunisian champion Amal Mathloifi.” 

Betist now joins the ranks of other Sierra Leonean athletes who have brought continental laurels to the nation. Her victory adds to the growing list of Sierra Leone’s sporting achievements, showcasing the country’s emerging talent and potential on the global sporting stage.

Support from Sporting Authorities

Betist’s success also highlights the crucial role played by Sierra Leone’s sporting authorities in fostering athletic talent. 

The unwavering support provided by the Ministry of Sports, the National Sports Authority (NSA), and the National Olympic Committee to the Sierra Leone Boxing Association, both domestically and internationally, has been instrumental in creating an environment where athletes like Betist can thrive.

In a Facebook post, the National Sports Authority congratulated Betist for her winning, stating the win is an inspiration for other female athletes in different sporting disciplines.

Betist’s success story serves as a reminder that with dedication, hard work, and the right support, Sierra Leonean athletes can compete and excel at the highest levels of international sport.