Alila roots for proper management of boxing as elections near

Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) national elections are scheduled for this Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium.

The elections, which will be held during the federation Annual General Meeting the Nyayo Stadium boardroom, will be presided over by the Kenyan National Sports Council officials.

Already candidates are jostling up for positions after the federation seats were declared vacant by former Olympian and KPBC acting secretary general Vedo Okumu.

During the exercise, businessman Hillary Ochieng’ Alila and Joseph Rabillo will be seeking election as chairman.

The incumbent George Athman, currently out of the country, is yet to confirm whether he will defend the chairmanship post.

The candidates who  are in the race for the Secretary General post include  Solid Rock promoter  Franklin Imbenzi, George Karanja and veteran  journalist Jack Kwemba.

First vice chairman post has only attracted Mohammed Yunis. Lillian Olero has shown interest in the post for treasurer.

Women boxing sensation Benedetta Kaloki and Wycliffe Marende have set their eyes on the four vacant posts for committee members.

Other vacant seats to be contested on the day include posts for second vice chairman, assistant secretary and organising secretary.

Alila who is also a former boxer unveiled his manifesto on Tuesday evening at Pal Pal Gym in Nairobi said:  “As an all-round sportsman I have seen the need to serve boxing as KPBC chairman. I want to bring the needed change in professional boxing. I want to see boxers being the main stakeholders of their sweats and hard work and not the rogue promoters.”

Alila pledged to improve boxers’ welfare and establish a close link with current and former pugilists besides promoting the sport among women.

Alila said he will ensure professional boxers are registered to KPBC and as members of the already existing Professional Boxers Welfare Association to ensure the federation is strengthened and boxers earn a decent living even in retirement.

Alila said he has a vision to form strong Commissions (Coaches, Licensing, Competition, Disciplinary, Appeals, Marketing and Sponsorship, Referees and Judges and Media) to assist the KPBC national executive to run the game professionally.

Concerning KPBC constitution, Alila said he will ensure that the constitution is in line with the Sports Act.

“I will put in place a team of legal experts to draft a new KPBC Constitution which will put emphasis on developing and promoting professional boxing in the country.”

Other issues that Alila is eager to tackle include taming rogue promoters, provision of better medical cover for boxers, improved fight deals and formation of a strong and competent KPBC secretariat.