Boxers get as little as Sh5,000 per bout

By Ernest Ndunda

It can now be revealed: Professional boxers earn as little as Sh5,000 per a six-round international bout.

Kennedy Munikah, one of the experienced Mombasa-based boxers says lack of promoters and sponsors have contributed to the poor state of the game in Kenya.

"Since I turned professional in 1997 after fighting for 17 years as an amateur, I have featured in only eight international bouts to date," says Munikah.

"In Europe, a professional boxer can have up to five bouts in a year, depending on his form. But for the past 12 years, I have fought only eight times, winning three and losing five. This clearly demonstrates the pathetic state local professional boxers are subjected to considering that it is the only way to eke a living for them," says Munikah.

"Professional boxers, particularly in Coast Province, rely on match-makers since there are no promoters in the region. Match-makers source for fights then negotiate with either the promoter or boxers with the aim of getting a share of the proceeds," adds Munikah.

As an amateur he represented Kenya in many international tournaments including the famous King’s Cup in Bangkok, Thailand.

Earn a living

"As human beings, we are compelled to fight because we have to earn a living and meet our obligations. Professional boxers in Kenya are a neglected lot since the body in charge does not care about the welfare of boxers. It is not a secret that standards of local boxing, whether professional or amateur, have plummeted and something ought to be done sooner rather than later," says Munikah.

"If other sports associations are getting financial support from Government, why not boxing and yet we won many medals at major championships," poses Munikah who had a short stint in Denmark after turning professional.

Lone rangers

"Professional boxers are lone rangers as the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) has failed to fight for their welfare," says Munikah who was a member of the dreaded Hit Squad.

"Generally, local boxers are rarely rewarded for the sacrifices they make," adds Munikah, a devote Catholic faithful.

Munikah says witchcraft has not spared boxing fraternity because some individuals turn to satanic beliefs by visiting priests of the underworld to seek their blessings.

"In my career, I have witnessed many things including boxers using witchcraft to make a mark in boxing. However, I believe in God and in the New Testament, Mark 7: 7 says: People honour me with their lips but their heart is far away from me," says Munikah.

"No matter how passionate you are about something, expect either good or bad results," says Munikah.

The veteran pugilist praised Julie Achieng alias Beyonce, a Mombasa-based woman who was recently granted a boxing promoter’s licence, saying, "I hope she will revive the sport not only in Coast, but all over the country".