Tensed 1st faceoff as Rayton Okwiri VS Emmany Kalombo headlines ESPN
Thursday June 30 is set to be all fireworks as Rayton 'boom boom' Okwiri goes toe to toe with DRC's Emmany 'General' Kalombo for the IBF International Junior Middleweight Title.
The two giants locked horns for the first time in Johannesburg, South Africa June 27 when a tensed faceoff was shared between them.
Okwiri at the meet up wasn't shy at all and sternly assured Kalombo that come fight night, he was going to be taught a 'boxing lesson'. "Most Congolese boxers they like talking a lot. When I was defending my IBO title in Nairobi, I fought a Congolese guy - he talked a lot, his name is Augustine Matata - same training camp with Kalombo but what I told him was that I was going to teach him a boxing lesson. I beat him all rounds," said Okwiri.
Kalombo, who's currently based in Johannesburg seemed not to be intimidated by Okwiri's taunts. "He can say anything but the fact is he will not last 12 rounds with me, l'll blow him up," said Kalombo who shifted to Johannesburg six years ago in search of greener pastures in the ring.
Okwiri landed in South Africa accompanied by coach David Kiilu after training in Kenya under the guidance of Benson Gicharu at Palpal Gym in Nairobi. For the Kenyan Pro boxer, his last fight was in October last year when he knocked out John Serunjogu of Uganda in a middleweight non-title fight in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania while Kalombo’s last fight was in April against Chikondi Makawa of Malawi whom he knocked out viscously in the third round.
The former African Boxing Union middleweight title holder is determined to put a major belt around his waist once again. “I have done it in the past and it’ll not be any different this time round. This is a big fight for me and the title must come back home as I’m serious about winning it,” Okwiri explained.
The two boxers will battle it out for the IBF International Junior Middleweight title on Thursday in a 12-round encounter in the monthly Africa pro boxing shows promoted by ESPN.
