Sold-Out at Stadttheater

Packed stands, echoing rap entrance music, roaring fans, and the crack of gloves – on Good Friday, something truly special takes place at the Bern Theatre. Once again this year, Swiss Pro Boxing staged one of Switzerland’s biggest and most extraordinary boxing eventswith “Boxing Instead of Theatre”, held on the Friday before Easter. While Angelo Peña surprisingly did not step into the ring this time, the evening’s spotlight shone on Zurich’s Alfred Kqira and Geneva’s Bryan Fanga, who both delivered impressive performances.

Drama at the Weigh-In

The drama began even before fight night. On the day prior to the event, Angelo Peña’s Mexican opponent Edgar Vargasarrived at the official weigh-in 8 kilograms over the limit. The shock was immense, but the Swiss Boxing Federation’s decision was clear: the bout would not be allowed to take place.

“I’m looking ahead, and I know my time will come. If God decided I wasn’t meant to fight tonight, then He has something greater planned for me,” said Peña, already showing optimism shortly afterward.

A Title Fight and Two Knockouts

Despite the setback, Good Friday still delivered thrilling boxing action. Organized by Swiss Pro Boxing, the leading boxing promoter in Switzerland, the event offered not only a unique venue but also an exciting undercard featuring young amateur fighters and a professional bout by Laura Wollenman of Colombia, who trains in Bern. The two main fights, broadcast live on blue ZOOM, provided high drama. Alfred Kqira, cheered on by a large group of fans from Zurich, surprised the physically imposing Dutch champion Steve Suppan with relentless offensive power. From the opening bell, Kqira pressed forward aggressively and decisively. With two knockdowns – first to the head, then to the body – the Swiss boxer of Kosovar heritage scored a first-round knockout victory. Christopher Mouafo from Biel, meanwhile, delivered an equally powerful but less fortunate performance. In only his sixth professional bout, he challenged Bryan Fanga from Geneva for the Swiss Super Lightweight Title. After a spectacular ring walk, Mouafo dominated early with his punching power. But in the second round, the well-prepared Fanga turned the tide – using his experience and technical skill to apply increasing pressure and ultimately knocking Mouafo out in Round 2. In their post-fight interviews, both men displayed remarkable sportsmanship. Their careers will certainly be ones to watch in the coming years.

Voice and Vibe

“I’d like to thank all the spectators – and especially my entire team, without whom this event would not have been possible,” said organizer Leander Strupler, expressing his satisfaction with the night’s success. Beyond the boxing itself and the stunning setting of the Bern Theatre, the atmosphere was lifted even further by the addition of renowned ring announcer Roman Röll. The Munich native’s powerful voice gave each fighter’s entrance extra drama, perfectly rounding off the experience for the more than 700 guests in attendance.