Bigwigs fight it out at fourth leg of national boxing league

By Ben Ahenda and Eric Ochieng

Defending champions Kenya Police risk a lock-up by Kenya Prisons should their puggilists punch below their weight during the fourth leg of the National Boxing League in Machakos starting tomorrow and ending on Saturday.

Police coach George ‘Foreman’ Onyango must find a perfect blend between experienced and young boxers besides teaching them the new scoring system to overcome Kenya Prisons.

The warders are eager to recapture the Yamashita Trophy which has been in the policemen’s cabinet for the last six years. The warders won the third leg of the league in Nyeri and look set to put up a good fight.

However, Kenya Police still lead in the overall standings with 57 points ahead of KDF 42 while Prisons are third on 38.

Coast Combined are fourth with 29 points, Nyanza Combined have 18 followed by Nairobi Metropolitan (12), Nakuru ABC (6), Administration Police (4) and Nanyuki (0). Coast Combined is the only team posing a threat to the top three teams.

Alongside Police and Prison boxers, the emerging Kenya Defence Forces are threatening to turn the tables. KDF missed last season but are back to make up for lost time.

National duty

Players who impress the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) Technical Commission may be called to the national team for two crucial international assignments — the African Boxing Championships in Port Louis, Mauritius (September 1-7) and the World Boxing Championships in Kazakhstan (October 11-27).

The fourth leg will be competitive because it will be used to select a final team to the Rwandese Invitational Championships on August 20-25. Four countries have confirmed participation — Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo. Players who excel in Rwanda will be considered for the continental championships.

ABA Competitions Secretary Patrick ‘Mont’ Waweru said they expect eleven teams in Machakos. These are Police, Prisons, KDF, Administration Police, Coast Combined, Central, Nyanza Combined, Nakuru ABC, Nairobi Metropolitan and Nanyuki.

Osaga returns

In Nairobi, the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) restored the licence of Caleb Kuya of Osaga Promotions.

KPBC Chairman George Athman told FeverPitch that long standing issues between the commission and Osaga Promotions have been resolved.

“Kuya’s suspension period has elapsed. We have vetted him and ironed out all issues that affected his licence. Kuya is now free to engage in boxing activities in Kenya,” said Athman.

 Kuya was suspended and his licence revoked by KPBC two years ago after disagreements between him and boxers under his stable who complained of not having been paid their dues despite fighting.

KPBC said it would suspend Kuya should he violate any KPBC rules and regulations. Kuya said he would focus on the challenges ahead starting on a clean slate.

 “I have a passion for boxing. I will deal with boxers under my stable with honesty and integrity. Its now about taking Kenya to the next level in boxing as I give back to society,” said Kuya.

The 39-year-old promoter, who has organised fights in Europe and Asia, said he’s quite happy to return to the Kenyan market since no one has been able to stage top international fights since his departure.