Buoyant KDF seek unassailable lead as boxing league enters semis

League leaders Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are aiming for a decisive victory to solidify an unassailable lead, setting themselves up for the championship title even before the final leg, which will be held in Homa Bay from December 19-21.

KDF are on the brink of reclaiming the league title for the first time since 2018 as they top the league standings with 76 points ahead of second-placed Nairobi County with 33 points.

Kenya Police, despite their limited participation, have managed to accumulate 26 points, while KIBRA follows with 22 points.

Thursday’s preliminaries saw thrilling contests across weight classes.

In the featherweight (57kg) division, Shaffi Bakari from Kenya Police defeated Brian Job of Homa Bay with a score of 3-0, earning his place in the semi-finals alongside Chris Juma (Nairobi), Denver Ochieng (Dallas), Euticus Wanjau (G44), and Boaz Ambuka (Vihiga).

The lightweight (60kg) category saw John Mwanzia from G44 overpower Victor Kimathi from Meru with a 3-0 score. Mwanzia advances to the semis with Ethan Maina (Police) and Benedict Juma (Kibra).

In the light welterweight (63.5kg) class, standout performances secured semi-final spots for Anthony Maina (Prison), Joseph Gatambo (KDF), and Wisdom Muinde (Nairobi). The welterweight (67kg) division was marked by an upset when Fred Omondi (KDF) beat Joseph Shigali (Police), while Carlos Odenyo (Mombasa) triumphed over Samwel Ndiema (Kibra).

Charles Kai of Homa Bay dominated Alvi Oduor (KDF) in the light middleweight (71kg) bout, and Joseph Odhiambo (Nairobi) along with Humphrey Ochieng (Police) earned semi-final berths in the light heavyweight (80kg) category.

In the flyweight (51kg) division, Diouff Muimi (Police) joined Paul Omondi (Nairobi) to round out the semi-final line-up.

For many of these athletes, this leg of the league is more than just a path to the finals. It’s a critical opportunity to secure spots on Kenya's teams for the Africa Zone Three Boxing Championships and the Global Boxing Cup in Morocco next month.

These international tournaments represent Kenya’s final assignments of the year, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.