Kenyan pugilists train eyes on gold at Zone III Boxing Championships

Kenya is set to host the Zone 3 Boxing Championship from October 16 -24 at Kasarani Gymnasium, with 12 countries confirmed for the competition.

At the team's training base at Police Depot in Mathare, Nairobi, the boxers are hard at work - being taken through their paces - which include tactical skills and endurance.

Coach James Wasau says they are not leaving anything to chance, as they polish the grey areas ahead of the bout, hailing the government support.

 “We’ve had great support from the federation and the government. Training facilities were well provided, and we thank the Ministry for footing all expenses,” he said.

Wasau also explained that the tournament will feature 13 weight categories for men and 10 for women, ranging from 48kg minimum weight to 92kg heavyweight and above.

Reigning champions Congo remain a major threat, but Wasau believes Team Kenya is ready to reclaim glory. “We’re calling on all fans to turn up in large numbers. Entry is free, and your support will push our athletes to victory,” he urged.

Team captain Bonface Mugunde, competing in the 71kg middleweight, is confident of winning gold. “We are prepared. Our coaches have done a great job and we thank the government for their full support,” he said.

Female team captain Frizza Anyango, who boxes in the 66kg welterweight, echoed the same optimism: “We’ve trained hard, and we’re ready to fight for gold at home. We urge Kenyans to come support us.”

Two boxers from DR Congo –middleweight pugilist Lulua Benedict and light-middleweight Danielle Muleketi—have already arrived in Nairobi, ahead of the championship.

The last time the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships were held in the country was in 2005, and Team Kenya hopes to make history on home ground.