Hillary Alila named Kenya Professional Boxing Commission chairman

Hillary Alila.  PHOTO BY PHILLIP ORWA

Business magnate Hillary Ochieng Onyango Alila is the new Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) chairman.

Alila won the national seat unopposed after his only challenger and businessman Joseph Rabillo failed to turn up for the KPBC Annual General Meeting held at Nyayo stadium board room on Saturday.

In his acceptance speech, Alila said he will realign the federation to be an all-inclusive affair for the government, boxers, promoters, sponosrs and other stakeholders involved

“As an all round sportsman I will serve professional boxing by bringing the needed change. I will ensure that boxers will be the main stakeholders of their sweats and hard work and not any rogue promoter,” said Alila.

Alila has pledged to tackle the welfare of former boxers. He said the federation will establish a close link with current and former pugilists at the same time avail avenues to promote women boxing in Kenya.

“I urge professional boxers to register with the KPBC and as members of the already existing Professional Boxers Welfare Association. The federation wants to ensure they all earn decent living weather active or retired.”

“Some of the projects I have in mind are acquiring land by working closely with both the national and county governments to construct commercial housings whose income will go to the welfare association,” Alila told Fever Pitch.

Alila’s vision is to strengthen the federation at the same time form strong Commissions including Coaches, Licensing, Competition, Disciplinary, Appeals, Marketing and Sponsorship, Referees, Judges and Media to assist the federation’s national executive run the game professionally.

 Alila has pledged to ensure that KPBC constitution is in line with the Sport 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, “he said.

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

KPBC elections results

1. Chairman: Hillary Alila                               Unopposed

2. Vice Chairman: Adipo Oduor                    Unopposed

3. Secretary General: Franklin Imbenzi beat Jack Kwemba by 31-22 votes in re-run after 26 up tie initially.

4. Deputy Secretary: Julius Odhiambo           Unopposed

5. Organising Secretary: Stephen Okumu       Unopposed

6. Treasurer: Benedetta Kaloki                       Unopposed

7. Assistant treasurer: Nick Ndicho                Unopposed

8. Committee Members: Lilian Olero, Wycliff Marende, Charity Mukami and James Omondi