Reuben Ndolo, the new Commonwealth Boxing boss and chairman of the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission, speaks from the heart about a sport he says has long been ignored.
The former Makadara MP’s passion for boxing runs deep, and his frustration with how the government and leaders have neglected the sport is clear.
What inspired you to push for reforms in Kenyan boxing?
I believe boxing in Kenya has been neglected by the government and our leaders for far too long. The sport hasn’t received the support it deserves compared to others, and I want to change how boxing is viewed and treated. Without proper backing, especially funding, boxing will continue to struggle.
How is the lack of government support affecting boxing on the ground?
Amateur boxing is struggling and it’s the boxers who face difficulties during training because they lack adequate resources. There are no halls, no kits, and the boxers can’t even concentrate because they have to look for alternative means of survival. Even professional boxing, where we’ve secured sponsorship from sports betting companies, the support is not enough. The government must allocate a bigger budget for sports, particularly boxing. Everyone if focusing on athletics and football. What about Judo? Karate?
What’s the current state of boxing halls in Nairobi?
It’s sad to say many old boxing halls have been grabbed by influential people and turned into business centres or malls. For example, Eastleigh Hall, where many trained in the past, is now a mall. Kaloleni Hall still exists but is often unavailable since it’s used for church services or other events. After a journalist aired these complaints, Governor Johnson Sakaja reached out to me, and we are working to get these halls back for boxers. Very soon it will be done and we hope to nurture a new crop of boxers. We hope out efforts will bear fruit.
What message do you have for young boxers on education?
I always tell boxers to put an effort in their education while they pursue boxing as a career. Because sporting careers are short. Maybe 10 to 15 years on the ring. So it’s important for boxers to have something to fall back on after retirement or when they get an injury in the ring. They must have a plan. Without academic qualifications, life after boxing can be very tough, being a celebrity then falling into hard spot in life ....so they should think about the future and stay in school.
Can you explain your role with the World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA)?
Last September, I was appointed Governor of the Commonwealth and Indo-Oceania Region by WABA for four years. Before that, I served as president of the Commonwealth Boxing Council from 2000 to 2002. I was proud to bring the CBC Annual General Meeting to Africa for the first time—in Nairobi in 2000 and then Accra, Ghana, in 2004 showcasing African boxing to the world. Right now I am the president of the Commonwealth Boxing. It’s a title I intend to use fully to help nurture boxers all over the Commonwealth.
What were some highlights of your time at the Commonwealth Boxing Council?
During my time, we organised over 177 Commonwealth title fights that hugely benefited African boxers since they could now fight at a professional level. Kenya got gyms and boxing halls built and refurbished. Our work was even recognised with awards from her majesty Queen Elizabeth, and we were given the title of life directors of the CBC, which was an honour for all involved.
How did you manage to win the WABA Governor position?
The campaign was intense across 56 Commonwealth federations, with two other candidates. I received 34 votes—a majority—and when the count reached 30, I knew I had won. Simon Block, our former Secretary General from Britain, supported me greatly, campaigning on behalf of African boxing’s revival, which helped secure my victory.
How did your boxing journey start?
Boxing runs in my family. Growing up in Eastlands in the 1960s, toughness was necessary. I had to be tough as nails. I started training in Pumwani with my late cousin Bonny Olwande. From there, I spent time in Uganda, Germany, and the US before moving to London, where I eventually became a director at the Commonwealth level. My experience has made me deeply connected to the sport.
What’s your approach to grassroots boxing development?
To develop boxing, we need to start down at the amateur level. Clubs should train children from age 13. In the past, parastatals ran boxing clubs, and social halls in estates offered places to train. Many of these have now been lost. County governments should take responsibility and invest in Olympic-quality training centres, giving youth the chance they deserve.
What are your main goals for boxing moving forward?
In the next two years, I plan to upgrade all the rundown boxing venues and encourage early training, especially among orphans and vulnerable youth. I want to bring more competitions to Kenya and Africa so boxers can earn a living and gain respect. Boxing gave me discipline and a path in life; I want to offer the same opportunity to future generations. I would have turned into a criminal if I had not gotten into boxing.
