Kenya Professional Boxing Commission president Reuben Ndolo (R) with heavyweight boxer Morris Okolla/FILEKenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) president Reuben Ndolo believes his return as Commonwealth Boxing Council (CBC) president could revive Kenyan boxing.
The CBC, affiliated with the World Boxing Council (WBC), sanctions professional bouts across Commonwealth nations. Ndolo first held the position from 2000 to 2002, a period that saw African boxing thrive globally.
He reclaimed the role on Tuesday, winning 34 votes against Canadian and Australian rivals who shared 22 votes. Ndolo is confident that a new era is on the horizon.
“This new role will be key to unlocking the sleeping potential of Kenyan boxing. The future looks very bright because we can get the attention and support our boxers deserve,” he said.
Ndolo lamented that African boxing stalled after his first tenure. “Development was very minimal in African nations. Now that I am back, we hope to grow the sport in Kenya and across Africa,” he added.
During his first term, Ndolo hosted the CBC Annual General Meeting in Africa — first in Nairobi in 2000, later in Accra, Ghana. Despite limited sponsorship, he organised 101 professional fights in Kenya, helping local boxers earn up to £10,000 (about Sh1.7 million) each.
Looking ahead, Ndolo plans major projects and tournaments from 2026.
“Development works start immediately. Early next year, we will begin in Mombasa with gyms and sponsorships. Big tournaments will run from February to April, then move to other African countries like South Africa,” he said.
International promoters are already showing interest.
“On November 21, we will host a fight night featuring British boxers. We plan to stage four major fights every month, including title bouts,” Ndolo revealed.
He urged government support for amateur boxing.
“We have to help amateurs first. If you don’t have good amateurs, you won’t have good professionals. The government should invest in boxing, not just football or athletics,” he said.
