Hit Squad flyweight boxer David Karanja will use the ongoing Boxing Federation of Kenya national league to polish his act ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifiers.
The Africa Zone 3 gold medalist, who plies trade for national champions Kenya Police, failed to secure a direct ticket to the quadrennial games during the September Africa Olympic qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal.
He pegs his hopes on the two repechage tournaments in Italy and Thailand next year.
“I am eager to fly Kenya’s flag at the forthcoming Olympics in Paris and the only path I’m left with are the two remaining qualifiers to be held next year,” Karanja remarked.
“I consider the ongoing national boxing league as a perfect platform to gauge my potential ahead of the qualifiers.”
Karanja outclassed Moses Kilavuke of Kenya Prisons in the 51kg finals bout of the third leg of the National Boxing League at Madison Square Garden in Nakuru County on Sunday.
The hard-hitting pugilist has vowed to extend his fine run into the fourth leg that will officially kick off at the Nanyuki Social Hall on Thursday.
“I am satisfied with what I’ve achieved in the league so far and I intend to go all the way to the winner’s podium at the end of the season,” he said.
Karanja’s victory vastly contributed to Chafua Chafua’s fortunes, enabling them to consolidate their lead in the national boxing league after emerging victorious in Nakuru.
The Dave Munuhe-tutored side amassed 35 points to finish ahead of arch-rivals KDF and Kenya Prisons, who registered 25 and 16 points respectively.
The law enforcers toppled KDF from the summit of the log following the win that fired them to 78 points.
Nairobi County emerged third with 20 points ahead of Kibra 13, Kisumu 12, Githurai 11, Laikipia nine, Kajiado eight, Kongowea seven, Vihiga seven, Meru five, Mbaraki four and Siaya two points.
Meanwhile, Munuhe has expressed satisfaction with the standards of boxing he has witnessed in the three legs of the national league.
“As we have seen, the standards in the league have been very good because young fighters are coming up who have been giving the experienced boxers who represent Kenya a big challenge,” Munuhe said.
