Pro Or Amateur? Olympian Andiego In Dilemma

NAIROBI, Kenya- Pioneering Kenyan female Olympic boxer, Elizabeth Adhiambo Andiego, is torn between remaining an amateur and joining the professional ranks.

Andiego who made history when she became the country’s first female fighter at the Olympics at London 2012 is caught in a tug of war between Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) and the Boxing Association of Kenya (BAK) who want a piece of the middleweight boxer.

“This is a tough decision to make on my own. I’m going slowly over it as I seek advice from my mentors and other fighters who have walked this path before,”Andiego told SportPesa News.

KPBC Vice Chairman, George Adipo, says there is no harm in Andiego turning professional stating she has hit the highest peak as an amateur boxer.

“She made it to the London 2012 Olympics, which is the ultimate dream of any boxer. To me, this is the best time for Andiego to join the paid ranks,” Adipo who is also the World Boxing Federation Africa President urged.

“Andiego has not been getting fights frequently due to lack of opponents in the amateur ranks. If she turns professional, she will not lack bouts and stands to make good money because she is a very good fighter,”Adipo added.

Income source

He questioned why BAK wishes Andiego to remain in their roster yet she does not have a job or any other viable source of income.

“Amateur boxers depends on allowances from the Government but only when they are included in the national team. These occasions are so rare.

“In most cases, the pugilist’s just sits around wasting precious time that could have otherwise been used to engage in meaningful competitions that could improve their economic wellbeing.

“I’m sure Andiego will surpass the levels reached by Conjestina Achieng and Fatuma Zarika-the two decorated women boxers in Kenya- if she turns professional,”Adipo stressed.

On his part, BAK President, John Kameta advised Andiego not to rush to the paid ranks saying his federation has great plans for her.

“We have organised a coaching course for Andiego. Training is important because of the cordial partnership between Kenya and Cuba.

“She will be trained in Kenya first before she proceeds to Cuba for further studies and there are no women boxing coaches in the country currently. I can assure her that she will go very far if she gets this certificate,”Kameta accentuated.

“At 31 years, Andiego still has a great opportunity to represent Kenya at international championships. BAK has many fights lined up for her starting in October so I don’t see the need for her to move to the other side of the trade,”Kameta counter-punched.

Andiego who trains at the Kariobangi Social and Kayole Social halls under former Kenyan Olympian, Kenneth ‘Valdez’ Ochieng declared she would make a decision with time, claiming she was being hounded by Caleb Kuya of Osaga Promotions to turn pro.

Kuya, who is a promoter based in Norway, has already slotted Andiego in a non-title fight to be stage at a Nairobi hotel on September 1, 2018 seemingly without her consent.