KPBC, basking in big start to the year, pleads with Kenyan Government to get involved

Reminiscing moments stuck in Kenyan minds two decades ago, and even far from that, there was a moment when boxing would reign supreme in Kenya. Not only in the streets but all over newspapers and television.

A similar feeling, in a slight stretch, is back again.

On Wednesday night, popular boxer Karim ‘Mtu Kazi’ Mandonga made his first boxing trip to Kenya, attracting a sustainable buzz around his ever-growing brand and to the crop of professional boxers in the land.

Being in a position to host his fight and a series of nine other bouts marked for Saturday 14th January at the KICC Tsavo Ballroom, the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) Chairperson Reuben Ndolo is over the moon for what is a “big start to the year” and hopes that the event will pave way to a busy year in Kenya’s pro-boxing.

“We’ve started the year in the best way and so early,” Ndolo said Thursday, shortly after officially announcing the entry of Karim Mandonga in Kenya. “They say Mapema Ndio Best (The earlier the better) and this is it.

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“This is a very proud moment for us and our boxers but most importantly, people are getting jobs. Most of our local boxers have now turned professional including some who will line up on Saturday. To see the young boys and girls get an opportunity? That makes me happy.”

Taking note of the positive trend of sportsmen and women getting opportunities in Kenya Police and Defense Forces, Ndolo also took a moment to urge the Kenyan Government to lay their imprints on the sport, not only to support the promoters (as that has always been the popular belief), but to come in aid of the young aspiring boxers in the country.

“Boxing and all sports is an avenue towards job creation,” Ndolo remarked. “My humble plea to the Government is that alongside youth initiatives like ‘Kazi Mtaani’, investing in sports would do our kids much good.

“Most of us grew up in tough backgrounds and the best thing we can do now is to give back to the people and make them understand what life is all about. If we fail to do that then we will be blamed later. We are therefore ready as a commission to work with the Government in making Kenya a center for all sports.”

In regards to further enhancing the already visible East African boxing connection, the former Makadara Constituency Member of Parliament laid out a plan to stage more fights in the coming months that will see Ugandan, Tanzanian and Congolese boxers.

Also a bright spot as per him was to see Mauritius’ representatives showing interest in joining the camp.

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Following Saturday’s ‘Pocket Rocket Fight Night’, KPBC is set to give more updates leading to a Reunion Fight early February, followed by two March and April fights leading to a trip to the US in July.