Boxers affected by promoters’ rivalry

By Erick Ochieng’

Polarisation among boxing promoters is common all over the world and Kenya is no exception.

The big question is: Could the unhealthy relationship have contributed to the dwindling fights thus rendering boxers inactive for longer periods?

Thomas Mutua Kiswili of Afribox Camp International says promoters are sometimes forced to fight over good boxers to boost their stables.

This, however, does not augur well with the development of the sport as managers resort to crude ways to outwit rivals.

He says many boxers are lured by promises of fat purses, but after appending their signatures, the contracts are not honoured.

"Although it is wise to go for a better pay, in most cases boxers are not aware of the tension they create when they hop from one stable to another," he said.

Open-air fights

Other promoters do not take competition kindly and resort to poaching. Late last year a certain promoter decided to organise open-air fights at Jeevanjee Gardens to destabilise his rival whose bouts (with entrance fee) were at Cameo Cinema, a stone’s throw away.

Edward Sande of Jab Production, formerly Jab Jab Promotion that he partnered with the late Tom Nyamute, does not agree rivalry among promoters has affected the boxing.

He said bad blood between promoters started in 2005 evolving around the amount of cash to be paid to Conjestina Achieng who was to fight an American at Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

"The fight was almost derailed, but thanks to Nyamute with whom I struggled to look for extra cash to resolve the matter and the fight took place," Sande says.

Kenya Professional Boxing Commission secretary general, Shaaban Ogolla, denies rivalry among promoters has lowered boxing standards. He urged promoters to adhere to resolutions made at a meeting last year.