Kenya boxing fraternity is mourning the death of former Commonwealth and Africa Games bantamweight bronze medalist Douglas Maina whose demise was confirmed by 400 Metres record holder Rose Tata Muya.
“Maina has been unwell, he was taken to Mathari Hospital last month for check-up. His wife called me today (Thursday) morning to relay the sad news,” Muya said.
Andy Murray reveals what he would snatch off Djokovic
The 1978 Kenya’s flyweight champion was a product of the late coach Eddie ‘Papa’ Musi of Kariobangi, famously known as Bangladesh Boxing Club. Maina participated in the national league competitions for the KDF where he was picked to join the national team.
Muya is the Heroes and Heroines National Sports Coordinator and was with Maina in the Team that represented Kenya in the 1978 All Africa Games in Algeria and the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton Canada.
The fallen boxer who was popular for his snapping deadly right punch, won bronze medals in the two championships.
Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) President Reuben Ndolo mourned Maina as a gifted boxer who did well in the league and in international competitions.
After retirement Maina trained as a referee and presided over international bouts across Africa including Zambia, South Africa and Malawi.
Following the coronavirus outbreak that has affected many sports calendars, KPBC has postponed its Commonwealth and Africa title fights to August.
Boxers bracing for belts in their categories at the coming event include Sarah Achieng (lightweight, Commonwealth), Morris Okola (heavy, ABU) and Mwangi Makaveli (light, ABU).
Makaveli is currently training in Dubai with former World Boxing Council women super Bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika who will curtain-raise before her third fight title against Yemileth Mercado of Mexico later in the year.
