Experienced boxers brace for tough times in league matches

As the first leg of the National Boxing League gets underway in Busia Wednesday, experienced boxers brace for tough times from upcoming ones who are keen to turn tables on them.

The confidence comes from their (upcoming boxers) formidable performance during the Kenya Open Boxing Championships a few weeks back.

Despite the experienced boxers winning their bouts against the upcoming boxers, they (experienced boxers) were pushed to the last minute before being declared winners.

Sombea Boxing Club has minimumweight Victor Komen, bantamweight Linus Mwangi and light welterweight Caleb Wandera as some of their potential boxers who are ready to win big.

"These are some of my experienced boxers who are expected to turn tables against some of the experienced boxers in the league," said head coach Camlus Juma.

Wandera said it's time to give their best as they try to outdo national champions and catch the eyes of national selectors while taking part in the league matches.

"Our urge is to give our best with an aim of getting recognition from national coaches and performance on our performance as we graduate from one level to the other," he said.

Vihiga County also has several boxers who are willing to do the same, according to head coach Josephat Oguda.

"Although I'm not ready to reveal who's who in my team, be assured we have at least three lethal pugilists who are aiming to become national champions. Therefore, we are not going to Busia as mere participants but as competitors in equal measure," Oguda said.

Mombasa are also parading a number of boxers, but their line-up was set to be released by last evening after ascertaining their financial ability.

Mombasa County Boxing Association Secretary General Chrispin Onyango said he's ready for the big duel, but their financial ability will decide on the number of boxers travelling to Western Kenya.

"We have good boxers here who could offer some stiff opposition to the national champions, but availability of funds is what should determine the composition of our squad," said Onyango.