NAIROBI, Kenya, August 1 – Delhi flyweight silver medallist Benson Gicharu dropped down a step in the podium after his charge for glory ended at the semi-finals of the Bantam division to Englishman Qais Ashfaq on Friday to go home with the bronze.
Gicharu, who was the only Kenyan left in the competition, lost in all rounds to see the three judges award Ashfaq 89 points against the Kenya Police boxer’s 81.
Gicharu shared the bronze with Welshman Sean Mcgoldrick who lost to North Ireland’s Michael Conlan in the other semis.
The result saw Kenya sit fourth on the boxing medal standings above hosts Scotland, with the finals yet to take place.
The Kenya Police pugilist was the remaining boxer in the running as the sport once again failed to achieve their medal targets.
Gicharu and Elizabeth Andiego who took part at the London Olympics led a squad of 11 that had experienced Delhi 2010 campaigner, Rayton Okwiri and it’s only the two-time Commonwealth medallist made an impact as his compatriots kissed the canvas in succession.
Despite the introduction of a new scoring system that was favoured to the Kenyan all-attacking boxing, the squad led by head coach Albert Matito.
Delhi 2010 bronze winner, Nick Okoth, flyweight Christine Wangare, the other female boxer in the squad and Elly Ajovi of Kenya Police were other medal hopefuls who did not ascend to the podium.
