Kenya's boxing officials said on Thursday that all professional boxers would have to undergo medical check-ups every year before their fighting licenses are renewed.

Kenya Professional Boxing Commission secretary Shabaan Ogolla said in Nairobi that the changes have been introduced in a bid to enhance professionalism in the sport.

"This yearly medical examination is the criteria that we will use to renew boxers' licenses. It's a two page medical form and will have to be approved by the chairman of the medical advisory committee," said Ogolla in a statement.

Ogolla added that even referees would have to undergo fitness tests to rid out quacks in the game.

"It will be very unsafe to leave boxing under the hands of unfit officials. They will have to go for reflex tests, blood tests, pulse rate and blood pressure. They also have to renew their licenses," he added.

According to Ogolla, even trainers will have to be rein in on trainers and seconders who will have to be properly trained and dressed before they enter the ring.

Reacting to the new development, boxer Athanus Nzau differed on the mode of carrying out the tests saying it should be more stringent.

"A boxer should not go for a medical on his own because I can go and influence a doctor," Nzau said.

"The commission should send boxers to a doctor who then sends the report to the commission. It's not for the boxers to go on his own. This is a sensitive issue that should be handled with care," said Nzau.