Ndolo gets Africa: Former Kenya Professional Boxing Commission patron now gunning for the presidency of the Commonwealth Boxing Council

 

The Africa Boxing Union (ABU) has endorsed Reuben Ndolo's candidature for the Commonwealth Boxing Council presidency in December.

Speaking on phone from Kampala, ABU Secretary General Celestine Mindra who is also a member of the World Boxing Council and President of Uganda Professional Boxing Commission, said he will use all the resources available and his network in Africa and beyond to campaign for Ndolo as he bids to make a second stint at the Commonwealth Boxing Council.

"It is important as a region to throw our support behind Ndolo. He helped us with equipment and boxing rings during his first stint as President of the Commonwealth Boxing Council in 2000. His tenure was eventful and we hope he wins it to continue developing boxing in Africa and East Africa region.

Ndolo had paid a courtesy call on Mindra in Uganda accompanied by the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) patron Johnson Sakaja at Serena Hotel in Kampala. Hajji Bossa, the Uganda Boxing Commission President, said he is convinced Ndolo's bid will sail through when the Commonwealth Boxing Commission holds its polls in London in December.

"We will accompany him and introduce him to other officials in Africa to boost his candidature. He has a big following and knows the sport. He has helped many professional boxers in the region and his bid for the Commonwealth post can only improve the discipline," he said.

Ndolo will be vying for the elections that will be held on December 12 at the London Commonwealth House. Ndolo was first elected President of the Commonwealth Boxing Commission back in 2000, where he beat Richard Hondo of Zimbabwe by 33-3 votes. Other candidates were former president, Nii Quaye-Mensah, of Ghana and Canadian Ron Hyter.

"I am glad to have been given a chance to serve at KPBC. Now, the mandate has been passed on to Sakaja and his team, but there is the other target that is to secure the backing and vote for the Commonwealth Boxing Commission Presidency. I have many friends in the sport and am sure they will buy my policies and vision for the sport. The move will be good for boxing in the country as I will make sure that Kenya is the first to benefit," said Ndolo.

Ndolo added that for boxing in the country to develop and reclaim its lost glory, politics should be put aside and all stakeholders join hands to bring the country to the limelight again in matters boxing.

To show their commitment, both Ndolo and Sakaja travelled to Kampala to meet the Uganda officials to campaign for his candidature.

"It is a special day for the boxing the family as it marks the beginning of a transition in the sport. I am very passionate about young people and sports, and I am honoured to get a role to help in this development and improve the plight of our boxers," said Sakaja.

"I want our boxers to make a living out of their talent, I don't want any of our sportsmen to live in poverty and yet they have talent," Sakaja added.

Newly elected KPBC chairman Hillary Alila thanked outgoing Ndolo wishing him well and welcomed Sakaja on board.

"It is indeed a special day for us as we celebrate the relentless efforts of our patron Ndolo we thank him for his efforts and wish him well in his new endeavours."

Apart from Kampala, Ndolo campaign will also head to Canada and South Africa.

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