By ERICK OCHIENG’
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Kenya Boxing Association Chairman John Kameta (centre), with boxers Rayton Okwiri (left) and Benson Gicharu when the two signed a three-year Aiba Professional Boxing Series contract. [PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO/standard] |
Two Kenyan boxers will earn Sh2.2 million for every win after being included in the lucrative Aiba Pro-Boxing (APB) series.
Olympian and Kenya Police team member Benson Gicharu and Prisons’ Rayton Okwiri will participate in the exciting World Boxing Series.
“A win will earn each boxer USD25,000 (Sh2.2m) and a draw or loss will see them each pocket USD5000 (Sh440,000),” read part of the Aiba contract which they signed yesterday at a Nairobi hotel.
The two were picked by World Amateur Boxing governing body, Aiba, based on their performance at the recently concluded World Championships in Almati, Kazakhstan.
air tickets
Gicharu and Okwiri now join other six boxers from across the continent who have landed the lucrative deal. A part from the prize money, Aiba will also cater for all their expenses including air tickets and accommodation among others during their trips.
The, boxers, whose contract commences immediately and spans up to 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, are permitted to participate in upto four contests in the series annually.
Local Amateur Boxing Federation, Boxing Association of Kenya (BAK) will also earn revenue pegged on the performance of the two in the series.
“Local federation (BAK) will be rewarded 30 per cent of the total income realised by the two boxers per contest by Aiba, this is independent from the boxers’ earnings,” Aiba said in a statement.
Gicharu, who is looking forward to contest in the bantamweight category in the series said: “This is a lifetime opportunity for me, it will spur me to retain my number one position in Africa and improve my number 30 ranking in the world. I can’t wait to take part in the series.”
hunting for honours
Okwiri, who will be hunting for honours in the welterweight category, said he is hoping to put his best in the series.
“I was denied chance for Olympics at the Morocco qualifiers but I am glad I have a new opportunity to prove myself. I will work hard to earn that money,” said Okwiri.
The Aiba contract is renewable based on performance in the series and in the 2016 Olympics. Their contract can be renewed if the two finish in top four in their categories in the series or if they win any medal in the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Kenya has a chance to have more boxers in the series in the future but his depends on the boxers’ individual performances at international events.
BAK chairman and APB Kenya President John Kameta said the boxers will be allowed to take part in local and other international events provided Aiba is informed within 30 days.
“I call upon the Government to support us in the series as well as other forthcoming international trials, as BAK, we hope to take five boxers in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics,” said Kameta.
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