Eyes on World Boxing Champs after continental fair show

The Kenya boxing team to the Africa Boxing Championship is back in the country from Congo Brazzaville, where they won a total of five medals.

Head coach Geoarge ‘Foreman’ Onyango is already looking forward to the Men’s Elite World Boxing Championships set for August 25-September 3, Nick Okoth, John Kyalo and Bakari through for the global competition.

Okoth (Lightweight) won the only gold as Kyalo, Bakari, Christine Ongare and Elizabeth Akinyi all won bronze medals in their respective categories.

Kyalo featured in the Middleweight while Bakari fought in the Light Flyweight bracket.

Ongare and Akinyi were in the Women Flyweight and Middleweight bouts respectively.

Speaking to Citizen Digital from Congo Brazzaville Airport the first batch jetted back, coach Onyango lauded the team for a spirited show despite myriad challenges in preparations.

“I’m very proud of my team because managing five medals knowing how our road to Congo was difficult is a big statement.

“Compared to our fellows from Uganda, who started preparations for this competition three months to the competition, our boxers deserve respect for their performance,” charged Onyango.

The tactician also revealed those who have qualified for World Championships will be given a one-week off, before resuming training for the global competition.

 Medal winners

1. Nick Okoth – Gold (Lightweight)
2. John Kyalo – Bronze (Middleweight)
3. Shaffi Bakari – Bronze (Light Flyweight)
4. Elizabeth Akinyi – Bronze (Women’s Middleweight)
5. Christine Ongare – Bronze (Women’s Flyweight)

Report by Simon Ngaira.