Kenyan boxers in action. [Photo/boxingkenya.org]
Team Kenya’s journey to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games has begun in earnest with boxers anticipating call-ups to camp. Boxing Association of Kenya (BAK) has confirmed that at least 10 pugilists will be selected for the Australia showpiece.
All eyes are now on the selectors to pick the best following the close of the national league at the weekend in Mombasa whereby regular contenders Kenya Police and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) ruled the roost for the umpteenth time.
Through a thoroughbred system, BAK will tabulate points from individual boxers across all the legs in the varied weight categories in order to reach a decision. This will ensure openness and competitiveness according to the Association.
This year has seen some boxers raise their levels and otherwise known fringe teams showing hunger and intent. BAK president John Kameta was wary of the task at hand of the selection panel is difficult.
“It is going to be a tough affair for sure but on the flip side, this ensures we only pick our team on merit. Early next month we shall have in Nairobi a special selection bonanza, which will act as the final leg. We will be looking at having seven men and three women across all categories, so it will definitely be explosive because the competition is really high,” he said.
Senior boxers in the chase for slots include the Kenya Police duo of Benson Gicharu and Elly Ajowi alongside KDF light-heavy boxer Nick “King” Abaka. Abaka and Gicharu have separately represented the country in Olympic meets and global AIBA-Pro events.