Kenya's national boxing team, the 'Hit Squad', is confronting challenging hot and humid conditions in Dubai ahead of the Elite World Men Boxing Championships, a hurdle they are determined to overcome in their quest for global honours and a share of a historic prize purse.

The 13-man team, which arrived in the Middle Eastern city for the tournament running from December 2nd to 13th, has described the climate as unexpectedly harsh, likening it to the coastal heat of Mombasa. This comes as a surprise, with typical December weather in Dubai being relatively mild, with daytime temperatures averaging around 26°C.

"It's hot like Mombasa, we're sweating all over," noted team captain Boniface Mogunde, the reigning Africa light-middleweight champion. The challenge is compounded by the fact that the tournament is being held at the open-air Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, potentially amplifying the effects of heat and humidity on the athletes.

A Blessing in Disguise

A fortuitous delay in the competition's schedule has provided the Kenyan contingent with a crucial window to acclimatize. "We're so lucky the tournament will now start on Thursday otherwise we would have had it rough if they started on Wednesday as planned," Mogunde explained, calling the delay a "blessing in disguise." Head Coach Musa Benjamin confirmed the team is using the extra time for gym work and to adjust to the demanding environment.

High temperatures can significantly impact athletic performance, leading to increased core body temperature, dehydration, and decreased muscle endurance. For boxers, this can translate to slower reaction times and accelerated fatigue in the ring. Organisers have reportedly encouraged teams to hydrate well and have set up cooling stations, acknowledging the potential for heat stress.

High Stakes and a New-Look Squad

The stakes at this year's championships are unprecedented. The International Boxing Association (IBA) has put up a staggering prize pool of over $8 million (approx. KES 1 billion). Gold medalists in each weight category are set to walk away with $300,000 (approx. KES 38.8 million), a life-changing sum for any athlete.

The Kenyan squad is a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, with eight of the 13 boxers making their debut at the world championships. The team includes experienced fighters like bantamweight Shaffi Bakari, returning for his third world championship, and Africa Games middleweight champion Edwin Okong'o.

• Captain: Boniface Mogunde (Light Middleweight)
• Minimumweight: Silas Onyango
• Flyweight: Kelvin Maina
• Bantamweight: Shaffi Bakari
• Featherweight: Paul Omondi
• Lightweight: Washington Wandera
• Light Welterweight: Caleb Wandera
• Welterweight: Wiseman Kavondo
• Middleweight: Edwin Okong'o
• Light Heavyweight: Robert Okaka
• Cruiserweight: Chris Ochanda
• Heavyweight: Peter Abuti
• Super Heavyweight: Clinton Macharia

Despite the environmental challenges and the pressure of a global stage, the team remains optimistic. "Players are in good spirits and each one is expected to give his best," stated Coach Benjamin. For debutants like Caleb Wandera, the experience is a critical test. "I want to see how my style holds up under real pressure," he said. "It tells me exactly where I must grow."

As they prepare for their opening bouts, the 'Hit Squad' carries the hopes of a nation, battling not just their opponents in the ring, but also an unforgiving climate. Their performance in Dubai will be a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and the unyielding spirit of Kenyan sport.