Kenya Police keep marching to boxing glory

Shaffi Bakri of Police (in blue) evades a punch from Robert Gachuhi of Nairobi in a quarterfinal featherweight bout during the third leg of national Boxing League at Madison Square Garden in Nakuru on Nov 16.[Ben Ahenda]

Defending champions Kenya Police are on the verge of retaining the national league title for the sixth consecutive year after winning the third leg of the series at Madison Square Garden in Nakuru, at the weekend.

The policemen won with 32 points against Kenya Defence Forces' 25 to open a 15-point gap in the race for the title. Only two legs are remaining before the conclusion of the league championships.

Police now have 87 points ahead of KDF's 72 points while a vastly improved Kenya Prisons are third with 27 points.

The last two legs of the league championships will be a two-horse race between Kenya Police and KDF.

After some serious recruitment last season, former champions Kenya Prisons are steadily regaining their position in the local championships.

National deputy head coach David Munuhe said the league championships have produced a few boxers who have the ability to compete effectively in the World Olympic Qualifiers.

"Although we wanted to work with experienced boxers when we head to global Olympic qualifiers, some of the pugilists in the league championships have given a good account of themselves and could match to the standards we want in crucial international assignments," said Munuhe.

He was particularly impressed with the performance of light welterweight Alloice Vincent Kenya Police.

"He has shown steadiness in his matches and could be part of what we want in the World Olympic Qualifiers," said the coach.

The warders had six boxers in the finals.