Boxing is such an underrated sport—well, at least in Kenya.
Besides Conjestina Achieng’ shining some light on it, the sport was pretty much in the shadows for a long time.
Now, there are a few names that have taken up the sport seriously. These are the likes of Elly Ajowi, Christine Ongare, Richard Murunga, Fatuma Zarika, Stephen Muchoki, Elizabeth Akinyi, and Felix Maina among others.
If you are passionate about the combat sport and want to make something of it in Kenya, we have done the legwork for you.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to join boxing in Kenya.
We have also thrown a couple of FAQs you might be interested in as well.
What Are The Qualifications?
Before you start boxing, it is in your interest to understand its terms and conditions.
For one, you cannot compete professionally until you are 18 years of age.
You may train and play simple games but nothing more.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has also put out the maximum age limit of professional boxing at 40.
If you are older than 40, you may not be able to take part in professional competitions.
You can, however, practice recreational boxing until your sunset years if you so wish.
Besides the age limit, you have to be in good shape to join boxing in Kenya.
You must be agile, have balance and coordination, possess strength and stamina, as well as have skill and technique.
If you suffer from a medical condition that affects your physical shape, you are better off trying other sporting events.
How Do I Start Training For Boxing?
Training is everything when it comes to boxing.
If you want a shot at the sport, you have to put in hours of training at the gym and other training facilities on a daily basis.
For one, you need a good coach to help you become the best.
You can keep abreast with clubs such as the Boxers Association of Kenya or the Kenya Boxing Club to get a qualified coach.
Also, check your community for such clubs and start there.
Training Costs
This really depends on where you will train.
If you bag an affordable coach, you can pay about Kshs. 1000 or less for a training session.
If you are pressed for cash, look for community coaches that train many people at once.
If you can afford it, get a private highly qualified coach and pay as much as Kshs. 5000 – Kshs. 10,000 for a training session.
One of the common coaches Andre Leenheer of Colosseum Kenya charges Kshs. 2500 per session. 8 sessions will cost you Kshs. 15,000 and 12 sessions Kshs. 20,000.
Training in a gym will also cost you a membership fee or a daily amount to use the facility.
Boxing Classes Nairobi
You can get boxing classes in various gyms including Colloseum Kenya on Adams Arcade, Alfa Fit on Ngong Road, Fitnasiumgym 87 on Waiyaki Way, and more.
The time for the classes will depend on the specific gym but most are flexible to fit in your schedule.
How Much Do Boxers Earn In Kenya?
According to an article on the Standard Media website, boxers are paid about Kshs. 5,000 per bout.
In case you don’t know, a bout is an athletic match or fight in boxing.
It is highly likely that this figure is reserved for entry-level boxers.
If you climb your way up the ladder and compete in international bouts, you can earn much higher pay for one bout.
Do Beginner Boxers Get Paid?
The Kenyan boxing community is still growing.
To say that beginner boxers get much would be an outright lie.
However, the better you become at boxing and enter into better competitions, the higher your bargaining power.
You can then demand better pay.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Paid Boxer?
It depends on your aggressive spirit, coach, participation in boxing groups, and your willingness to grow.
One can take a year to become a paid boxer while another will require five or more years.
A good coach helps in training you for success.
Be aggressive in looking for competition opportunities and who knows, you might soon join the national team and participate in international matches.
How Do You Enter Boxing Competitions?
First, seek to be a part of a boxing club (or two, or three, or ten… you get the gist) in the country.
Also, keep in touch with the activities of the Boxing Federation of Kenya to know its events and where you can come in.
If there’s an open invitation to a boxing match, be sure to apply.
Boxing Federation of Kenya
The Boxing Federation of Kenya is the body responsible for governing the boxing sport in the country.
The government works hand in hand with it to plan events, transport boxers to competitions, pay its teams, and improve the sport, you name it.
Conclusion
When you want to join boxing in Kenya, it is easy to be confused and intimidated.
Where do you start? Who and where will you train? What about the costs? Can you even get paid after all that effort?
Hopefully, we have answered your questions.
The most important thing is to start. The rest will fall into place as you keep training.
