‘Hit Squad’ eye glory in Dubai IBA Championships

 Kenya’s national boxing team, the Hit Squad, departed last night for Dubai to take part in the richest boxing tournament in history — the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships. The global event, which begins Wednesday features a record prize pool of $8.32 million, with the top 104 boxers set to earn a share of the money.

Pugilists will battle it out across 13 weight categories, ranging from minimum weight (48kg) to super heavyweight (+92kg). Kenya enters the tournament with high expectations, fielding a blend of experienced fighters and rising stars, supported by six officials.

Team captain Boniface Mogunde leads the squad in the light middleweight category. He is joined by minimum weight boxer Silas Onyango, flyweight Kevin Maina, bantamweight Shaffi Bakari, and featherweight Paul Omondi.

The technical team includes head of delegation Anthony ‘Jamal’ Otieno, alongside coaches David Munuhe and John Waweru.

The tournament offers unprecedented payouts with gold medallists set to bring home Kh38.7 million ($300,000), silver medallists Sh19.3 million ($150,000), and bronze bronze medallists Sh9.7 million ($75,000).

The prize money will be shared among boxers, coaches, and national federations

 Minimum weight: Silas Onyango

 Flyweight: Kelvin Maina

 Bantamweight: Shaffi Bakari

 Featherweight: Paul Omondi

 Lightweight: Washington Wandera

 Light-welterweight: Caleb Wandera

 Welterweight: Wiseman Kavondo

 Light-middleweight: Boniface Mogunde (captain)

 Middleweight: Edwin Okong’o

 Light-heavyweight: Robert Okaka

 Cruiserweight: Chrispin Ochanda

 Super-heavyweight: Clinton Macharia

 Head coach: Musa Benjamin

 Deputy head coach: David Munuhe

 Head of delegation: Anthony Otieno Ombok

 Communication Director: Duncan Kuria

 Physio: Sospeter Kinuthia