Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) President Anthony Otieno Ombok has pledged to turn around the fortunes of pugilists in the region.
This follows his election as the Africa Zone III president on Monday evening. Ombok, 43, said he intends to roll out structures that will steer the region to unprecedented global glory.
"I will do my best to ensure we organize as many regional tournaments as possible to keep our boxers busy throughout the year," Ombok said.
He added: "This will propel them to more medals in international championships such as Olympic qualification, 2024 Olympic Games, Continental championships as well as the IBA World Boxing Tour-Silver Belt Series.
Ombok said the region's vision can only be achieved through close collaboration with the world and continental governing bodies.
"I will work closely with the President of the African Boxing Federation (AFBC) Mr. Betrand Mendunga and the President of the IBA Mr. Umar Kremlev to ensure that we provide boxing equipment to all members of the regional federation as well as organize courses for coaches and referees," he said.
"Such cooperation will help develop our favourite sport in the region and I am confident we will succeed together."
Ombok promised to serve the entire region regardless of the decision they made at the ballot. "The decision is indeed a vote of confidence in my leadership and the work I do with my Team Kenya," Ombok said.
"I would like to thank all those who voted for me and also those who voted for my opponent from Congo Brazzaville, Mr. Nkodia Kynd Gaetan. I will serve all stakeholders in the zone equally regardless of who they voted for."
Ombok surmounted a fierce contest to bag the seat in a race that saw an open rivalry between Anglophone and Francophone-speaking nations. The Francophone-speaking nations rallied behind the president of the Congo Brazzaville Boxing Association.
The first round of voting ended in a five-all tie and Kenya had to ask for the support of Burundian boxing honcho Eric Ndayesimiye to break the tie. Ombok takes over from the current President of AFBC Bertrand Mendunga of Cameroon who held the position on an interim basis.
Africa Zone 3 comprises Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, DRC, Congo Brazzaville, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Burundi and Rwanda.
Ombok's immediate task will be to organize the Africa Zone III boxing championship that will be held in Congo Brazzaville early next year. Ombok rose from his position as the chairman of the Kisumu County boxing association to BFK president in 2019.
He defeated Siaya County treasurer Remjus Oketch to replace John Kameta at the helm of the national governing body. He has been encouraging more youths to join boxing through the Ndondi Mashinani program where he equips gyms across the country.
