After missing the first leg of the National Boxing League that was held in Busia, defending champions Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and Kenya Prisons will honour the second in Mombasa next week (July 17-19).
Their absence made league leaders Kenya Police trample over other teams with ease in the fight for top honours.
And their presence must have sent the policemen to the drawing board, as the two teams are determined to close the gap between them and the league leaders in the remaining four legs of the league championships.
Kenya Prisons Boxing Club Secretary General Edward Mwaura confirmed the development, saying they are heading to Mombasa by all means.
“We are good to go, and the team is ready for the league championships after missing the one in Busia. Our participation in this one will help us close the gap between us and the policemen,” Mwaura told Standard Sports.
KDF team manager Ben Maingi had earlier indicated their willingness to honour the second leg of the event when it was destined for Nakuru before it was switched to Mombasa.
“We cannot miss two legs in a row when we are the defending champions. Definitely, be assured of our participation in this one (second leg of the league championships),” he said.
The policemen are perched at the top of the table with a total of 24 points, ahead of Nairobi County, who posted 14 points, while Nakuru County came third with 10 points
Kisumu County came fourth with nine points, ahead of hosts Busia with six, Nakuru Amateur Boxing Club, Githurai 44 Club, and Kiambu and Vihiga Counties, who all tied with three points each, hence collectively occupying the sixth spot.
Yesterday, Boxing Federation of Kenya Technical Director Isaac Mbote said it was all systems go for the league championships at the coast.
“We are ready to host the league championships in Mombasa, and teams are ready to give their best,” said Mbote.