The government has neglected former boxers – Boxing Champion Akhasamba laments

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

New Zealand Commonwealth games gold medalist Joseph Mukuku Akhasamba has called upon the government to support retired boxers.

Speaking at his home in Ebutuku village, Kwhisero ward in Kakamega County on Thursday evening, the now unsung former light heavy weight boxer has accused the modern day Kenyan government of neglecting their heroes.

“I am very disappointed by the modern day government. Former sports men and women always have hope that one day we will be remembered because most of us are languishing in poverty. It’s such a shame to the country and sad to their families that some of us have died because of poverty,” said the man who is widely known as ‘Jose’ in his village.

Akhasamba vividly remembers the famous ‘hit squad’ like it was yesterday when they represented Kenya in the historic 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea when the late welterweight Robert Wangila Napunyi, won Kenya and Africa a first ever boxing Olympics gold medal.

At this event, Akhasamba was eliminated in the quarter finals.

“It was an amazing experience as most of us were young and very enthusiastic. We fought with all our hearts and it was great to see us winning, to see Kenya winning all these medals. I am just concerned that after all that, the country that we fought for has forgotten us in our old age. See where we are now? Most of us that played in the ‘hit squad’ have no great lives, but just survive,” said the man who he made his professional debut against Ugandan Abdul Kadu at City Hall, Nairobi, on October 1st 1994 in a four round contest and won on knockout in round one. His next fight was a six round contest against a fellow Kenyan, Paul Otewa, in Machakos whom he knocked out in round three

In his career, the now farmer had his greatest achievement come two years later after the Seoul Olympics in South Korea. Akhasamba won a gold medal in Auckland, Commonwealth Games, New Zealand when he competed in the light heavy weight division and in the 1991 All Africa Games in Cairo, Egypt where he clinched a silver medal in the heavyweight division. 

He laments on his current situation, though him and his teammates at one time had the world and all the money that could have helped them in their now future lives. The hit squad had big names in not only in Kenya but also in Africa that included Anthony Ikegu, Patrick ‘mont’ Waweru, John Wanjau, Mohammed Orungi, Maurice Maina, David ‘dk’ Kamau, Chris Odera and Steve Mwema.

Akhasamba will however not forget that at the time, Nairobi Eastland’s had some of the finest boxers in the country from estates such as Kaloleni, Muthurwa and Jericho. His darlings were spar mates Harold Obunga from Kaloleni estate and the late Robert ‘Roba’ Wangila Napunyi all who were included in the hit squad and made the team.

Nairobi City however remembers Akhasamba for dazzling fans at home during his debut Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) performance. He was fighting for an African title against Emmanuel Chukwa of Nigeria in Nairobi on September 26, 1999 where he won in the fifth round via technical knockout. The victory opened the way for Akhasamba to challenge for a world title, WBB later on.

Now retired and a farmer, Akhasamba is now calling upon the ministry of sports and the local governments under devolution to consider having a portion for former boxers and involve them in the growth of the sport from grassroots level.