The residents of Siaya town thronged Ahindi Gardens Saturday to watch a thrilling boxing extravaganza that brought together pugilists from Nyanza and Western regions.
The event that brought together over 50 boxers from seven counties, saw a total of 27 bouts, with boxers giving their best during the event where, however, no points were awarded.
According to the technical director of the Boxing Association of Kenya, Albert Matito, the event was organized to help promote boxing in the region.
“People have been lamenting that boxing as a sport is dying in the country, and we are out to discard this notion,” said Matito, a former boxer.
He said that such tournaments will henceforth be held every two to three weeks in different counties.
Matito called for support from the county governments to help nurture talent from the grassroots, adding that from the extravaganza, it was clear that what the youth needed was support for them to excel in boxing.
Siaya head coach Joseph Ochieng Otieno, alias Diffo, echoed Matito’s sentiments, adding that the sport cannot grow without support.
Diffo praised the Siaya team for playing well, adding that they were committed to bringing more youth into the game.
The boxers who participated in the event were drawn from Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, and Siaya counties.
By Philip Onyango
