After completing high school, Ayub Waweru made a life-changing decision to join a boxing club instead of remaining idle at home, a choice he now describes as the best decision he has ever made.

Having participated in athletics during his high school years, Waweru says the transition into boxing was relatively smooth, although he quickly realized that discipline and commitment were essential for success in the sport.

“I started my journey at Armature Boxing Club in 2023 before later moving to Sombea Boxing Club, a journey I am glad I started. I trained for over two years before competing,” he says.

Ayub Waweru receives instructions from his coach during a match

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/ MTAA WANGU

According to Waweru, last year marked his first major competition in the novice category, where he surprisingly finished as a finalist. He says the achievement gave him confidence and helped him realize that he could accomplish even greater milestones in boxing.

“The tournament laid the foundation for many more competitions to come, to a point where I emerged as the champion in the 2026 National Open Championship in the light welterweight 63.5kg category, a moment that will remain with me forever,” he notes.

Waweru attributes his success to consistent training, discipline, and commitment. However, he also points out that the sport continues to face significant challenges, particularly the lack of proper structures to enable boxers to fully depend on boxing as a source of income.

He explains that the situation discourages many talented athletes, especially those without alternative sources of livelihood.

Ayub Waweru declared the winner.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU / MTAA WANGU

“I have to find informal jobs to sustain my life because boxing alone does not provide enough money, but I remain committed because of my love for the game,” he says.

Despite the challenges, Waweru remains determined to achieve greater success in the sport. He says he is working hard towards earning a chance to represent Kenya in international tournaments as well as at the Olympic Games.

At the same time, he advises young people aspiring to join boxing to understand that the sport is demanding and requires dedication and sacrifice to succeed. Nevertheless, he believes boxing has enormous potential to support the livelihoods of many young people in the country if the government invests properly in the sport.

muthoniw813@gmail.com

From hobby to profession: Ayub Waweru’s boxing journey

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Muthoni Wanjiku