This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
Everlyne Akinyi, a 27-year-old boxer from Kisumu, is set to make her international debut in the African Games in Morocco, where she will compete in the 60kg lightweight category.
Originally a footballer, Akinyi's transformation to boxing was not without its challenges, particularly from her mother, who initially opposed the move.
"My mum was not happy when I told her that I was shifting gears to boxing from football," Akinyi recalls. "She told me from the word go that boxing is a bad game but after registering victories in the local league and word reached her that I have been selected to join the national team to African Games to Morocco she could not hide her joy and gave me her blessings."
Today, Akinyi's mother is her biggest supporter, urging her to fight hard and take care of her head and eyes.
With her sights set on the African Games, Akinyi is currently training at the residential camp in Kasarani, Nairobi, where she is working to improve her speed.
As one of four women boxers representing Kenya in the continental showpiece, Akinyi is confident that she will be a surprise package.
"I have played three league matches and I have won two and lost one so far against experienced boxer Lorna Kusa who is also part of Team Kenya," Akinyi said.
Published on August 11, 2019, at 08:16:20 AM.
