The 2019 All Africa Games silver medallist Shaffi Bakari has vowed to continue asserting authority in the ring on both the local and global stage as he seeks to add more honours to his medal cabinet.
The bantamweight pugilist said his dismal performance at the just concluded IBA World Boxing Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan where he crashed out in the preliminary bout will not act as a wet blanket.
"Like any other sport, the game of boxing involves both losing and winning. I did my best in Uzbekistan. I was drawn against a Cuban opponent who has been in the ring for a long time and he used his knowledge and experience to beat me," Bakari said.
The boxer, who currently plies trade for Kenya Police in the local competition, said despite losing in Uzbekistan, he gleaned some invaluable lessons that might prove crucial in his next fights.
"My trip to the World Boxing Championships presented numerous challenges and I'm glad I learned quite a lot from my experienced opponent who offered some important boxing lessons."
Bakari said he will continue to punch furiously at the gym as he firmly trains his eyes on bagging a medal at the upcoming Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships and the Africa Boxing Championships
In both cases, Bakari, whose stellar career took off in the humble neighborhood of Kariobangi in Nairobi, will look to replicate the splendid form he has exhibited in the past.
"We have two important tournaments coming up and I'm determined to clinch medals in both of them.
"At 29, Bakari reckons he still has enough time ahead of him to accumulate as many medals as possible in the national colours.
"Of course, I still want to fight for Kenya on the global stage and I'm ready to protect my slot in the Hit Squad. I'm aware of the emerging competition but my resolve to be part of the national remains firm," Bakari said.
