Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) chairman Reuben Ndolo is pleased with the progress made in the professional boxing scene.
Ndolo expressed his commitment to building on past achievements, emphasizing their goal to elevate the sport further. “While we may not have had the best fights recently, we aim to raise the standards of the game. Compared to two years ago, we’ve made significant strides and are in a good position,” he stated.
He pointed out the commission’s recent expansion efforts, which include partnerships and cross-border initiatives. “We are growing every day and are proud of our progress. We have a new promoter, Fiyat Hashim from Somaliland, and we’re looking to collaborate in this region. We’re also in talks with Ethiopia,” he noted.
Plans are in place to broaden their reach in East and Central Africa, with efforts to establish a commission in Juba.
Mauritian boxing promoter Jamil Rudy echoed Ndolo’s sentiments, commending the growth of the sport in Kenya. “The KPBC reflects the success of African countries in boxing. Kenya has emerging talents like Rayton Okwiri, with whom we’re closely working,” Rudy remarked, also highlighting Maurice Maina as another promising boxer.
“I’m a big supporter of Maurice. I witnessed his victory over a Congolese fighter in May, and I was involved in Tanzanian Karim Mandonga’s match, which drew around 5,000 fans,” he added. Rudy, a frequent visitor to Kenya, praised the commission for its active role in boxing development.
“The current KPBC administration is far more proactive than previous ones. We hope to attract more sponsors to help grow the sport locally,” he said. “The KPBC has shown great consistency. This is my sixth visit, and I’ve observed positive changes.”
Rudy highlighted recent successes of Kenyan boxers in international competitions, underscoring their potential for future development.