UK-Kenya boxing exchange program mooted

The Boxing Association of Kenya President John Kameta has announced a partnership between the Boxing Association of Kenya with the United Kingdom Boxing Federation.

According to Kameta, the UK has agreed on an exchange program with Kenya that will see both countries freely access each other’s training facilities in a move aimed at forging a closer relationship between the two nations.

“We had a meeting yesterday with members of the United Kingdom Boxing Federation where we had been invited (together with several other countries) for training; they have a perfect training facility.

“We had discussions on various key issues and as an association we learnt a lot. It was an eye-opener and the best part is that they are willing to help us in terms of training through the establishment of a partnership,” he said.

Kameta adds that it is a good opportunity for Kenyan boxers who feel inferior when facing European opponents, saying that kind of exposure would help them handle the intimidation.

He also revealed that through the partnership, the UK has agreed to host the Kenyan squad that will qualify for Rio 2016 Olympics to train with them for two weeks before their final departure to Rio.

“This exposure is going to be very beneficial to us and hopefully we can pick up more ideas during the process of this exchange,” he stated.

This comes shortly after the Kenyan Hit Squad failed to enter more boxers to Rio Olympics with Rayton Okwiri the solo fighter to win a direct ticket to Brazil with both players and coaching staff citing biased officiating as one of the reasons that contributed to their poor performance.

Kameta is expected back in the country on Sunday from Sheffield, England where he has been attending the training conference.

Report by Paul Kimani