I took up boxing for self-defence, found my passion

Athanas ‘Nati’ Nzau (pictured), represented Kenya in local and international events and is a former Africa Zone Five super lightweight boxing champion. He talks about his life in the ring, then and now.

What pulled you into the boxing ring?

It is the influence of the environment we lived in at that time. But two things defined my entrance into the ring. One, it was for individual protection; we had rough guys, especially from Ziwani (Nairobi), whose hobby was terrorising us.

Two, my family lived in Eastleigh where our neighbourhood was full of boxers. Every time l went to church, l would see boxers like Michael Lwande and John Wanjau who were a common feature on television during boxing matches. 

At what point did you realise you can make career out of boxing?

In 1980, while in class six at Kajiado Boarding Primary School, l started attending the gym, training during holidays. 

Trainers saw my ability I started participating in junior boxing competitions. After primary school, l joined Guru Nanak Secondary, where continue featuring in various junior tournaments while representing my school.

While in Form two, several companies approached me to join their junior boxing teams, promise employment after school. 

By the time l was sitting for national exams, l had four employment offers. This is the time l realised l can live on boxing and employment. l joined Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC), and later Kenya Breweries.

Are you proud of your boxing record?

Yes. I did what l could and I’m proud of it. On international level, I fought 27 matches; 20 wins, six losses and a draw. l can’t tell how many times l was in the ring as an amateur, but l would fight at least four times in a month.

Unfortunately, there is no data about that. One of the toughest fights was with David Ouma in Tusker Village, the encounter was voted ‘fight of the night.’ It went for 12 rounds and ended without a clear winner.

Is boxing a killer sport as many claim?

In Pretoria, South Africa, November 1998, l knocked out George Mbatha in the fifth round, and shortly thereafter, he collapsed in the dressing room, and ended up in ICU for emergency surgery at Eugene Marais Hospital. However, l don’t think it is killer sport.

Perhaps we should seek data of boxers who died in the ring. Every sport is dangerous. Footballers have collapsed and died in the field. Do you see Rugby tackles? Aren’t they dangerous? I have been in the ring many times but I’m okay.

Boxing used to be big in Kenya, how can we go back to this?

The government must invest in boxing; build gyms and other facilities. Elect honest leaders in office who will raise boxing standards, this will attract good train managers and promoters. Once standards are up, with regular local and international tournaments, local and international companies will rush for our youngsters, and we will get youthful talents and nurture them. 

Our boxing standards were high, we attracted companies. We still have those companies willing to hire boxing youngsters to represent them in various events, just like they do in volleyball, athletics and football because they are active. But currently boxing standards are low, due to poor management. Companies want to invest where there are returns in one way or the other. 

Despite making good money, some boxers languish in poverty; what goes wrong? What’s your experience?

Managing finances was bit of challenge, due to lack of financial education. Remember we joined the workforce immediately after school and money came. We lived large. I thank God I bumped into a good manager who taught me how to manage my money.

Unfortunately, some of my colleagues mismanaged theirs. I have been called to rescue colleagues from difficult situations. Matters are worsened by the fact that our country does not know how to care for her sports people.

What lessons did you draw from boxing?

You have to be disciplined if you want to achieve your dreams. Boxing is well paying sport, if managed well. You must learn to save and manage finances well; youngsters need education on managing finances. Start boxing early; feature as amateur between 15 and 25 years and turn professional at 26 and quite at 35. It’s big mistake to fight after 35.

Some claim referees make wrong judgement during fights, have you ever been victim of poor officiating?

Yes, in France, March 2005, while facing Leva Kirakosian for the WBF Super Featherweight, l knew had won and even started celebrating till the referee gave different results. It shocked me to date. These things happen, but kill the morale of boxers and their fans.

You commentated boxing matches in South Africa, why not here? 

In South Africa and other countries, former boxers commentate boxing matches because they understand it well. Here in Kenya, l was only invited once during a match between Fatuma Zarika and Yemileth Mercado from Mexico at KICC, Nairobi, alongside Bernard Otieno. Again, it goes back to management.

Who is your boxing role model?

Locally, it is (the late) Robert Wangila, who won welterweight gold medal in 1988 Olympics and Anthony Napunyi. Internationally it is Marvelous Marvin Hagler, an American who reigned as undisputed middleweight champion in 1980-1987. He knew how and when to punch, and worked without tiring in the ring.

What are you involved in today?

Right now l am training a team of 20 youths, near Kayole Junction at a community hall, called Chemi Chemi Boxing Club. I started with over 50 youths, but after analysing their skills, and how they respond on training and in the gym, I settled on 20, l believe have what it takes to put Kenya on boxing world map. I have used own finances to buy them training kits. But, we haven’t trained since the arrival of covid-19. We’re looking forward to resume as soon as it ends. l’m (also) involved in farming activities; l keep livestock for milk and meat and farm various crops. I also run small business within Machakos County. 

You trained youngsters in South Africa, and now, in Kenya. What is the difference?

In South Africa, boxing is well managed from amateur to paid boxing. There are good trainer managers and promoters. And because of good management, most youngsters turn to professional boxing early in life and by 35, they have quit. There are also gyms and other training facilities.

Trainers are also motivated, paid and treated well. here, there are no facilities, making it hard to scout talents. No appreciation for trainers and some talents can’t even afford fare to training.

Is any of your family members in boxing?

So far no one is taking the boxing baton from me. They have their own preferences and as a parent, l have allowed my children to go for what they want in life.