Inter Cities light weight silver medalist Fredrick Onyango beat Antony Maina during the fifth leg of Robert Wangila Memorial Boxing Series in Githurai, Nairobi, over the weekend.
Boxing action during the Robert Wangila Memorial Boxing Series in Githurai on Saturday
Onyango, won the light welter bout through unanimous decision by the ringside judges. Onyango, who is also the East Africa junior champion training at St. John club, overwhelmed his opponent to earn a 3-0 victory.
Onyango,17, commenced the battle with unmatched footwork and punching power to outsmart Maina, 18, with combination of upper cuts amnd superior blocks.
“I studied my opponent from head to toe and realised he could be dangerous if given space. So I had to dominate the fight, be calculative and apply all the experience I have to win,” said Onyango.
Onyango was inspired to enter the boxing ring three years ago after watching video clips of his role model American Floyd Mayweather.
He attributes his exceptional performance at the recently held East Africa Boxing Championships in Mwanza, Tanzania, where he won gold. He didicated hios success to his training gym at St John in Korogocho slum.
Great progress
Maina, who features for Thailand in the series, said: “I am happy with my overall performance so far. I started boxing last year and my progress in the game is wonderful.
“I strongly believe that in the next two years I will be able to hold a national or regional title. I just need to develop a winning mentality.”
Another St.John boxer, Erick Ahidi, emerged winner in the light weight after destroying Kangemi’s Hanlox Obusanjo with a 3-0 point win. The intense fight was level headed in the first round but Obusanjo got the edge in subsequent rounds to inflict damege on his rival by openning up a cut under his left eye.
Commonwealth Sports Council Director, Reuben Ndolo gave the event a thumbs up sign. He said there is a great need to support boxing in the country so Kenya regain its glorius touch.
By ERICK OCHIENG’, The Standard