The Robert Wangila Memorial Boxing Tournament started today at Uhuru Sports Complex, near Jericho Estate where Wangila was brought up.
This is a very important tournament for Kenya and Africa.
It always rekindles that memorable moment in Seoul, 1988, when the first black African boxer won Olympic gold.
And I was close to the ringside covering this historic achievement for KANU-owned newspaper Kenya Times.
What’s more, it shows Kenya is a powerhouse in Africa boxing despite the fluctuating fortunes from the early 90s.
Hopefully, one day IBA will have it in Africa’s international calendar to maintain the legacy of the late Wangila who died in 1994 as a result of a head injury sustained in his fight against David Gonzalez at the Alladin Hotel, Las Vegas. Gonzalez stopped Wangila in round nine.
Wangila’s death was a culmination of a series of defeats after quitting Top Rank.
“I want to go home now,” Wangila was at one time quoted by the New York Times obviously frustrated by the outcome of his fights.
