Benson Gicharu, Rayton Okwiri and Nick Abaka to know Aiba status next month

Kenya's Benson Gicharu (left) punches Mongolia's Tsendbaatar Erdenebat during the men's bantamweight (56kg) match at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro on August 10, 2016. PHOTO | YURI CORTEZ |

What you need to know:

  • John Kameta, Boxing Association of Kenya’s president, on Thursday said APB activities had stalled and the contracts of the three pugilist had expired.

The status of Benson Gicharu (Police) and two other Kenyan fighters in the ranks of Aiba pro-boxing (APB), namely welterweight Rayton Okwiri (Prisons) and middleweight Nick Abaka (KDF), will be known next month.

John Kameta, Boxing Association of Kenya’s president, on Thursday said APB activities had stalled and the contracts of the three pugilist had expired.

“The fate of professional boxing will be determined by APB commissioners when they meet in Lausanne,” Kameta said, adding that the trio can now represent their respective clubs in the national league. Previously, the three boxers needed clearance from APB to take part in any national boxing event.

Commenting on the matter, Okwiri’s coach, Patrick Maina, said: “We were informed in December that there would not be in the competition this year. We are therefore set to rejoin our respective clubs.”

He added: “The boxers who invested the money earned from APB well and have no regrets. Professional boxing have elevated their standards of living.”

The three boxers gained immense international exposure in the period they were contracted by APB which places them heads and shoulders above the other boys, who were kept busy throughout the year by taking part in the national league.