Hit Squad captain Okoth is not ready to retire just yet

Nick Okoth reacts after a fight at Charter Hall, Nairobi last year. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Africa Boxing Championships lightweight champion Nick Okoth has rescinded his decision to retire from international boxing.

Okoth had planned to hang up his gloves after the recently concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

But in an interview with Standard Sports, the Hit Squad captain said he is preparing to defend his continental title in Mozambique next month.

"I'm ready to defend the title having won it for two consecutive tournaments in the past.

"I'm going for the gold medal again," said Okoth whose team faced a lot of criticism for poor performance at Club Games.

He is among the four boxers who featured in the Commonwealth Games who have been named in a provisional squad of 65 boxers preparing for the Mozambican championships.

The others are Africa Zone Three champions light heavyweight Elizabeth Andiego and bantamweight Shaffi Bakari and former Commonwealth flyweight bronze medallist Christine Ongare.

National middleweight champion Elizabeth 'Jaber' Akinyi is confident of making the cut.

"I missed the Club Games but this time, I'm determined to make a mark in Mozambique and it all starts with the selection trials where I'm determined to make the team," said Akinyi.