Hit Squad's Boniface Mogunde/HANDOUT
Hit Squad captain Boniface Mogunde will look to breathe life into Kenya’s Commonwealth Games boxing campaign when he takes on Scotland’s Kerr Sonny in the men’s 70kg round of 16 in Glasgow on Thursday evening.
The bout comes after Kenya suffered an early setback following Amina Martha’s opening-round defeat, leaving Mogunde with the responsibility of steering the team back on course.
The 2024 Africa Elite Boxing Championships gold medallist is unfazed by the challenge of facing a home favourite backed by a partisan Scottish crowd.
“We knew from the beginning that this tournament would not be easy,” Mogunde said. “At this level, every boxer is dangerous, and you have to be ready for whoever stands in front of you.”
The Hit Squad captain believes the atmosphere inside the arena will have little bearing once the contest begins. “The crowd can make noise, but they cannot fight for the boxer,” he said. “Once the bell rings, it comes down to preparation, discipline and the work you have put in.”
Mogunde admitted Martha’s defeat was a disappointment, but the Kenyan camp remains confident of turning things around. “We felt the loss because we are one team,” he said. “But boxing teaches you that you cannot stay down. You have to get up and prepare for the next fight.”
Known for his composed style, Mogunde says patience and tactical discipline will be key against Sonny. “I believe in boxing smart,” he said. “There is no need to rush or force things. The right opportunities come when you stay focused.”
As captain of the Hit Squad, Mogunde knows his performance could inspire the rest of the Kenyan team. “My teammates look up to me, so I have to lead by example,” he said.
“The best motivation I can give them is to step into the ring and deliver.” A victory, he believes, would have significance beyond securing a place in the quarter-finals.
“That first win is very important for the whole team,” Mogunde said. “It can change the confidence and energy in the camp.” Later in the evening, teammate Robert Okaka will also be in action against Tanzania’s Changalawe Yusuf in another round-of-16 contest. Okaka, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships, expects a tough East African showdown but insists Kenya’s confidence remains intact despite the slow start.
“We have not lost confidence,” Okaka said. “One result cannot define our tournament. We still believe we can achieve something special.”
He echoed Mogunde’s belief that one victory could transform the mood in the Kenyan camp. “The first victory can bring a lot of confidence,” Okaka said. “When one boxer wins, everyone feels that positive energy.”
For Mogunde, however, the immediate task is clear: overcome Sonny, ignite Kenya’s campaign and keep the country’s hopes of a Commonwealth boxing medal alive.
