AFRICAN BOXERS HAVE NOTHING TO CELEBRATE TODAY – STEVE MUCHOKI
▫️ As usual we don’t expect recognition for Africa’s medallists in Havana, says Muchoki
Today is the IBA International Boxing Day which also coincides with the inaugural World Boxing Championships in Havana, Cuba in 1974.
One of Kenya’s most accomplished boxers, Steve Muchoki (pictured), was among the African boxers during that Golden Era who won five medals in the inaugural World Championships in Havana in 1974.
Muchoki bagged silver with Uganda’s light-welterweight Ayub Kalule winning gold. Three bronze medals came from Ghana’s light-welterweight Amon Kotey, Uganda’s light-middleweight Joseph Nsubuga and Nigeria’s heavyweight Fatai Ayinla.
So, is Muchoki and other African boxers who were in Havana, expecting to be honoured?
“Nothing to celebrate, if all these years our governments and federations have not recognized us I don’t expect anything from them now,” says Muchoki.
“We in Africa still lag behind in honouring boxers. I’m happy to see IBA President (Umar Kremlev) doing a good job through prize money for boxers.”
Boxing World Forum would also like to take this opportunity to recognise all National Federation officials in Africa, coaches, referee and judges, promoters, sports journalists, matchmakers and professional boxing officials.
You’re all doing a great job in boxing development. Each one of you is playing an important role because without your contribution, boxers on their own can’t do everything for themselves.