Himra steps into the ring: the Ivorian rapper is set to face an Italian boxing champion!

It’s only a small step from the mic to the boxing gloves. And Himra is about to take it! The Ivorian rap phenomenon has just confirmed an unexpected yet ambitious challenge: facing a genuine boxing champion in a professional ring. On December 5, 2026, the artist his fans call “Chetté” will take on Michele Paolicelli, Italy’s U19 champion, at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan. The event is part of the build-up to his next concert at Stade Olympique d’Ébimpé, scheduled for December 26. And clearly, Himra has no intention of doing things by halves.

Himra had given us a heads-up: he wanted a real boxing match

It all began on October 12, 2026. On social media, Himra surprised his followers by publicly announcing his intention to take part in a real boxing match. Not just a celebrity exhibition, but a showdown with an experienced boxer.

“I want a professional boxing match with a boxer. I’m ready to fight.”

The statement did not go unnoticed. The rapper reached out in particular to Jhimmy Traoré, president of the Ivorian Boxing Federation, as well as the country’s sports authorities, to try to make this especially bold project a reality.

The goal? Take on a new challenge, but above all build excitement around his next concert at Stade Olympique d’Ébimpé, one of the most important events of his career.

And contrary to what some might have thought, this was no mere publicity stunt. A few weeks later, the project became very real. Himra’s participation in the seventh edition of the international boxing gala “Choc des Titans” was made official, before his opponent’s name was announced.

Himra vs Michele Paolicelli: an Italian champion as his opponent

On November 11, 2026, the matchup took shape: Himra will face Michele Paolicelli, a 19-year-old Italian boxer and national U19 champion in the under-90 kg category.

His opponent already has amateur competition experience and is set to make his professional debut in Abidjan. For Himra, who comes from the world of music, the sporting challenge looks particularly demanding.

Because in the ring, fame isn’t enough. He will need to show technique, stamina, discipline and composure. These are all essential qualities to hold his own against an opponent accustomed to the demands of boxing.

The fight will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, as part of the grand finale of “Choc des Titans.” The matchup is sure to draw both boxing fans and the Ivorian rapper’s community.

While the exact details of the fight, including the number of rounds, have yet to be confirmed, one thing is certain: Himra intends to prove that his determination goes beyond the recording studio.

On December 26, Himra sets his sights even higher with a concert at Stade d’Ébimpé

There’s an ambitious strategy behind this sporting adventure, too. Just 21 days after his boxing match, Himra will return to another arena where he excels: the stage.

On December 26, 2026, the Ivorian rapper will meet his fans at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ébimpé in Abidjan for what promises to be a monumental concert.

With a capacity of over 60,000 spectators, the venue represents a true symbol for Ivorian artists. Filling such a stadium would be a major milestone in Himra’s career, as his rise on the French-language rap scene continues to make headlines.

Since the success of his project Jeune & Riche in 2024, the artist has established himself as one of the most influential faces of the new generation of Ivorian rap. His energy, musical identity and connection with his community have helped him reach beyond the borders of Côte d’Ivoire.

With this boxing match, Himra is adding a new dimension to the build-up to his concert. More than a simple promotional campaign, he is creating a genuine story around the event: that of an artist ready to push himself, take risks and rise to unexpected challenges.

The December 26 event is already listed on the official ticketing site.

From “WAWA” with Kodes to the boxing ring: Himra keeps pushing boundaries

At Project X Paris, we know the Himra phenomenon well! The Ivorian rapper recently joined forces with Kodes on “WAWA,” an explosive track co-produced by PXP Records, Project X Paris’s music label, and No Cap, Kodes’s label.

This French-Ivorian collaboration quickly made waves on social media, notably thanks to a viral TikTok trend. The video, filmed in Côte d’Ivoire, also made a lasting impression, bringing together an impressive crowd of fans in the streets of Abidjan.

In the video, Kodes and Himra both wear Project X Paris looks, blending their musical identities with the world of streetwear. A natural connection between music, fashion and urban culture, perfectly illustrating the DNA of PXP Records.

With his upcoming boxing match, Himra is once again showing his determination to break new ground. A determination that particularly resonates with the Project X Paris philosophy: Change The Game.

Check out our article on WAWA, the collaboration between Kodes, Himra and PXP Records

Himra in the ring: a new chapter for Ivorian rap

On December 5, all eyes will be on the Palais des Sports de Treichville. Facing Michele Paolicelli, Himra is about to experience something completely different from his usual performances.

This fight is much more than a simple promotional event. It also represents the evolution of a generation of artists who no longer want to limit themselves to music and are looking to create events that bring different worlds together.

But this time, the challenge is real. Facing an Italian champion, the Ivorian rapper will have to prove he can turn his ambition into a sporting performance.

Two dates, two stages and one goal: to make an impression. On December 5 in the ring in Treichville, then on December 26 in front of his fans at Stade d’Ébimpé.

One thing is certain: Himra isn’t done making headlines. And now, everyone is asking the same question: Can Chetté pull off a surprise against Michele Paolicelli?