‘Our pockets are empty’ - Newly-crowned WBF super lightweight champion Achieng decries low pay

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BOXING: ‘Our pockets are empty’ - Newly-crowned WBF super lightweight champion Achieng decries low pay

Joel Omotto 10:30 - 12.06.2023

The Kenyan pugilist outpointed Argentine Soledad Matthysse in a one-sided fight on Saturday but she will take home a measly amount for her efforts

Newly-crowned World Boxing Foundation (WBF) super lightweight champion Sarah Achieng has decried the measly amounts professional Kenyan boxers are being paid despite winning international titles.

Achieng, popularly known as Angel of War, stopped Argentine Edith Soledad Matthysse in a one-sided 10-round unanimous points decision at Charter Hall, Nairobi, on Saturday night to lift the title, becoming the third Kenyan woman to achieve the feat after Conjestina Achieng and Fatuma Zarika.

She is, however, not guaranteed a big purse for her efforts with reports claiming she will take home just around Ksh100,000 a situation that she feels needs to be addressed if boxers have to put in the effort and compete with the very best around the world.

"Promoters should be more serious and pay us a good amount of money so that we can invest in business," the Commonwealth Boxing Council Super Lightweight champion said, as per Nenez Media Services.

"What we earn now is peanuts compared with boxers in Europe and the US. We have big titles and belts but our pockets are always empty. This is Africa and the chain of support in families is long."

The 34-year-old had a dominant performance which saw the judges score 97-93, 97-92, 98-92 in her favour, having avoided her rival’s aggressive attacks by expertly slipping and ducking away from danger.

Achieng, who turned pro in 2008, has (15-2, 8 KOs) record and has expressed desire to go for the World Boxing Council super lightweight title currently held by Chantelle Cameron.