Kenya Police, KDF renew rivalry as National Boxing League heads to Mombasa

Defending champions Kenya Police and traditional rivals KDF will renew their fierce rivalry when the second leg of the Kenya National Boxing League takes place at the iconic Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa from July 9 -11.

The two teams are locked on 22 points after the opening leg, which was held nearly two months ago at the Old Town Hall in Nakuru, setting the stage for a thrilling battle for supremacy.

According to Boxing Federation of Kenya Secretary General David Munuhe, preparations for the three-day event are in the final stages, with all participating teams confirming their readiness.

"Preparations in Mombasa are in the final stages, with all participating teams—including Kenya Police, KDF, Kenya Prisons, Nairobi, and hosts Mombasa—having confirmed their participation and readiness," said Munuhe.

The competition will feature some of the country's top boxing talent, including IBA World Championships quarterfinalist Robert Okaka, popularly known as ‘Man Ngori’; Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface ‘The Hammer’ Mogunde; African Games bronze medalist Amina Martha Faki; and African Games gold medalist Edwin Okong'o, also known as ‘Ocox’.

Munuhe expects the battle between Kenya Police and KDF to be one of the tournament's biggest highlights.

"Fierce competition is expected between Kenya Police and KDF, who are tied on points and will strive to set themselves apart as each aims to take the outright lead," he said.

For Okaka, Amina, and Mogunde, the tournament will also serve as a crucial preparation event ahead of the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Beyond the established stars, an emerging crop of talented young boxers will be eager to cause major upsets, promising fans three days of exciting and competitive action in the ring.