Nyawade fine-tunes ahead of bout with Abdul Majeed

MICHAEL NYAWADE Bantam weight boxer Michael Nyawade during training session in Nairobi. PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO.

Administration Police (AP) boxer Michael ‘Shaka’ Nyawade believes he is in the right shape to defeat Egyptian boxing sensation Ahmed Abdul Majeed when they meet in a 10- round bantamweight duel at Carnivore grounds on Saturday.

The 36-year-old Police corporal says he has upped his game to self-contentment ahead of the fight that will see his ratings increase, should he win.

It has taken the father of two more than one month to prepare for the fight organised by Skipper Boxing Promotions and sanctioned by the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission. In order to shape up for the fight, Nyawade had to relocate to the TKO Gymnasium at Nyayo National Stadium, under supervision of three instructors, who include his head coach Julius Odhiambo.

“I am not leaving anything to chance. I know Egyptians boxers. They are shrewd and swift with their punches. I have taken necessary measures to step up my training ahead of the fight,” says Nyawade.

Nyawade’s training has been in and out of the gym. He has hit the road with morning runs just to gain endurance. He has also concentrated on his gym training with heavy loads and aerobics to give his punches strength and power.

“I am also on nutrition. The diet I take has given my body energy to last me all through the grueling 10 rounds. I am also seeing physiotherapist to help my body relax,” Nyawade explains.

Nyawade will have light training sessions this week, as he concentrates on pad work, shadow boxing, stretches, sit-ups and skipping.

Nyawade is grateful for the support he has received from his colleagues at the Administration Police Training College in Embakasi ahead of the fight and has promised his fans he will go for an early win.

Nyawade has fought only once this year, in January, where he beat Joseph Akhahonya on points.

Skipper Boxing Promotions proprietor Steve Sijenyi said Nyawade’s opponent, Abdul Majeed, is expected in the country on Thursday, while US based Raymond ‘King Kong’ Ochieng will jet in tomorrow.

“I have sent him (Ahmed) the air ticket. I have already booked for the boxers’ accommodation at the Nairobi Safari Club. The Tanzanian boxers are expected to arrive anytime,” said Sijenyi.