Okwiri retains ABU belt as Okolla floors Congolese
Rayton Okwiri retained his Africa Boxing Union middleweight title after beating Congolese boxer Augustine Matata on points at Nairobi’s Charter Hall on Saturday night.
The 33-year-old Kenya Prisons pugilist was declared winner by unanimous decision after the three judges concured on his performance over the challenger in the 10 -round bout.
In a packed auditorium, the Congolese found it hard to deal with Okwiri ,nicknamed “Boom Boom,” who was quick on his feet and deadly with jabs.
Matata, on occasions, attempted to take the bout to a slugger and on opportunity put in hooks and counter punches but the 72kg-Okwiri was well aware of his challenger’s intentions due to quick thinking.
“It was a difficult fight but I did not let my guard down because he was looking for a knockout. He is a good fighter who has had good records so for me it was about sticking to the game plan,” said Okwiri.
In another bout, Kenya heavyweight boxer Morris Okolla outpointed Congolese opponent Limbani Lano in a six-round fight.
The non-title division bout saw the Kenyan, nicknamed Maketho Maloso, bully his opponent especially on the ropes with hard blows.
However, there was a bit of panic when Okolla was sent to the canvas twice. Okolla got up and then kept a distance from his ambitious opponent, utilising every opportunity when an opening emerged.
“I did my homework and I delivered as I had promised my fans. The opponent was a bit stubborn but I had belief in myself,” the 37-year-old told People Sport.
In the undercard fight, DRC boxer Festo Botumbe sent Kenya’s Frank Ochieng into a coma, elicitng shivers down the spines of the fans. Medics however, rescued the situation and took the injured fighter to hospital.
In the Super lightweight, Nick “Machiavelli” Mwangi beat Malawian Laban Chikapa in a second round knockout while Evelyne Adero floored compatriot Joyce Awino by unanimous decision in the super lightweight.
