Boxing: Provisional squad for Africa Games named

The National Boxing League finals wrapped up on Sunday with the boxing federation committee naming the provisional squad to represent the country in the forthcoming All African Games slated for next month in Rabat, Morocco.

BAK competitions secretary James Waweru named the provisional squad that will report to camp to start training before the final squad of 10 men and five women will be chosen for the international duty.

Among those given a place in the squad are new entrants Mohamed Ali of Mombasa who lost his semifinal bout to Dennis Muthama of Kenya Defence Forces under the bantamweight category (under 56kg) and Shaffi Bakari of Kenya Defence Forces of flyweight category (under 52kg).

New KDF recruit Veronica Mbithe was overjoyed after making it to the squad.  Mbithe defeated Flavian Auma of Busia on points in the ladies flyweight category. Despite the loss, Auma earned a slot in the squad.

The squad also include notable names such as Kenya Police duo of Humphrey Ochieng alias ‘Jakababa’ who lost his final bout against KDF man Hezron Maganga in the light heavy weight category (under 81kg), while Elly Ajowi knocked out George Wanjuli of Busia in the heavyweight category (under 91kg) final as KDF super heavyweight champion Fredrick Ramogi bout was cancelled due to medical reasons.

Those in the provisional squad have a chance of making it to the final squad but those who won their respective league bouts have a higher chance. The rest will be used for purring purpose during training.

The committee will name officials to accompany the boxers to Morocco at a later date.

African Boxing Union (ABU) champion Rayton Okwiri who was in attendance congratulated the named boxers and said he will be joining them in training.

Provisional National team squad

Men

Abednego Kyalo, Shaffi Bakari, Mohamed Ali, Martin Maina, Ethan Maina, Martin Oduor, Nick Okoth, Victor Odhiambo, Boniface Mogunde, George Ouma, Edwin Okong’o, Humphrey Ochieng, Elly Ajowi, Fredrick Ramogi

Ladies team

ChristineOngare, Veronica Mbithe, AliceWaiyego, Everlyne Akinyi, Lorna Kusa, Elizabeth Akinyi and Flavian Auma