Boxer Andiego gutted after missed opportunity to make professional debut

Veteran boxer Elizabeth Andiego has expressed disappointment after her long-awaited professional debut was cancelled at the last minute.

The 39-year-old had been scheduled to face Tanzanian opponent Christina Raura on February 27 in Nairobi, but the bout was called off just hours before the start due to a medical issue involving Raura.

The former 2012 Summer Olympics boxer said she received the news shortly after arriving at the venue, Masshouse in Nairobi, barely two hours before she was due to step into the ring.

“I feel disappointed not to have made my first pro fight. I was very excited to go out there and make a statement,” said Andiego, a Zone Three champion.

Andiego explained that the cancellation left her with little choice but to accept the situation after being informed that her opponent had been declared unfit to compete.

The captain of Kenya’s boxing team, the “Hit Squad”, recently secured special permission to compete both professionally and as an amateur in a bid to access more competitive opportunities.

According to Andiego, the move to professional boxing was driven by her long-standing struggle to find regular competition locally.

“I switched to pro to get more fights because getting opponents has been difficult. This was a good chance to show that women can box too. I feel disappointed for the fans who came expecting to see that,” said the Africa Championships silver medallist.

Despite the setback, she is optimistic about returning to the ring soon. Under her contract with promoter Kalakoda, Andiego is expected to fight at least four times this year.