Makadara parliamentary aspirant Anthony Waithaka used the Nairobi Intermediate championships today to officially launched the brand new internationally recognized standard boxing ring he donated for use by boxing clubs within Makadara constituency in Nairobi.
Waithaka, a prominent businessman and philanthropist donated the ring as part of his agenda to use sports to empower the youth in the constituency, which is immensely rich in sports and boxing in particular.
“I have been supporting sports for many years and I know that the biggest huddle for any boxer or boxing club is a boxing ring. Sports the largest employer of the youth today and anyone, including those who didn’t have the opportunity to get academical qualifications can excell at sports without hindrance,” Waithaka said during the inaugural boxing bouts staged today at the Jericho Social hall in Makadara.
“Today I donate this International standard ring to Makadara clubs to help the clubs when hosting tournaments and even as a training facility,” Waithaka said.
“The ring will be managed by representatives of Makadara clubs who will also hire the ring to non Makadara clubs and use the funds raised to promote boxing in Makadara,” he said
William Kamau won the first bout of the day after overcoming Dominic Mutuku in the light fly weight category. Githurai’s Hillary Bratton beat Lawrence owinoof Kayole in the fly weight category as Wyckliffe Jesire overcame Amos Amunga in the feather weight bout.
Joshua Cliff won the Mbotela derby flooring Jmaes Nganga in a light weight bout. Sheldon Otieno beat Dishon Onyimbo in a welter weight bout while Michael Oduor beat Brian Samuel in a light middle weight category. Ezekiel Karanja was victorious over David Ochieng in the middle weight category.
In attendance during the bouts was Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) secretary general Franklin “Kuka” Imbenzi, former heavy weight pugilist George “Kidi” Adipo and Bahati Ward MCA aspirant Patrick Macharia.
The Ring will be used by all Makadara boxing clubs for free and they will also be allowed to hire it out in order to make money and help boxers from Makadara to honour other league and tournaments.
The KPBC Secretary, Imbenzi who is also vying for the Harambee ward MCA seat on a Jubilee party ticket thanked Waithaka for always supporting boxing and sports in the area.
“Anto has stood with us the boxing community for a long time. He has been paying for training facilities for our boxers, air tickets for those going to play outside Kenya and sometimes even supporting the families of sportsmen and women. Makadara will support Anto in his parliamentary race that’s for sure,” Imbenzi said.
