Nairobi County solidified their boisterous grandiose as the “Mecca of Boxing in Kenya” in the roped square at Thika Community Hall after winning the overall title at the just concluded 2025 National Intermediate Boxing Championship after three days of fierce combat.
The Capital City of Nairobi team won six of the sixteen weight categories accumulating 24 points ahead of their nearest rival and the championship’s most improved team, Kisumu City County with 10 points and Mombasa City County with 7 points to ensure the top 3 cities; Capital City, Lake City and Coastal City in Kenya maintain their positions at the Championship’s table.
Local boxing enthusiasts at the packed Thika Community Hall erupted in wild jubilation after their homeboy, James Wanjohi stopped Ferdinand Ochieng of Kisumu County in the second round of their light middle weight final to guarantee Kiambu County’s sole triumph in the championship after a prolonged period of drought.
Glen Khabib of Nairobi was stopped in the first round of men’s lightweight finals proving to be no match for Kenya Police’s Emmanuel Omollo despite previous predictions that the fight would go to the wire. Migori County’s maiden championship triumph in their intermediate debut was cancelled after Prison’s Salim Ramadhan stopped gassed out Elly Otieno in the third round.
Having finished the championship as first runners up with 10 points after winning the women’s 65 kg and men’s super-heavy weight categories and taking silver in men’s light welter and light middleweight, Kisumu County team formally declared unapologetically their intention to totally overhaul the National Boxing Order of Greatness that has been dominated by Kenya Police, Kenya Defense Force and Nairobi County.
“If Nairobi is the Mecca of boxing, then Kisumu’s coronation as the ‘The King of Saudi Arabia’ will be at the Kenya Open and we will soon own “l’Mecca’,” said high spirited Kisumu County Boxing Association SG, Dominic Opiyo.
Mr Anthony ‘Jamal’ Otieno, President of the Boxing Federation of Kenya along with Secretary General Dave Munuhe and our National team head coach, Benjamin Moses graced the championship’s finals as chief guests.
In addition, we had the honour of having veteran BBC award-winning journalist, John “Ish Ish” Nene attend the finals. He naturally assumed the role of the event’s main MC, offering insightful commentary on Kenya boxing history and highlighting accolades of various retired boxing legends present at the event.
Below are overall team points:
1. Nairobi County, 24 Pts
2. Kisumu County, 10 Pts
3. Mombasa County, 7 Pts
4. Kenya Prisons Department, 6 Pts
5. Nakuru County, 6 Pts
6. Migori County, 4 pts
7. Kiambu County, 3 pts
8. Kenya Police Service, 3 pts
9. Kwale County, 2 pts
10. Laikipia County, 2 pts
11. Kajiado County, 0 pts
12. Machakos County, 0pts
13. Homabay County, 0 pts
Next Kenya’s National Boxing Event will be NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP scheduled for 17th – 19th April in Nairobi*
Credit: NdondiMashinani
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