By Erick Ochieng and John Lusha
Former Women’s International Boxing Federation middleweight champion Conjestina "Conje" Achieng will fight Russian Natascha Ragosina for the third time.
The Women’s International Boxing Board (WIBB) has annulled results of the rematch staged in Germany on November 28 following protests by organisers of the bout. The German won 97-93, 99-91, 98-92.
Conjestina "Conje" Achieng |
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However, the WIBB has ordered the third clash be staged in the US, a neutral ground, in May to avoid alleged bias officiating.
Achieng, who returned from Germany a week ago, said yesterday she had engaged a German manager, Andrew Vokuhl, who will be arranging her fights.
"From now, my schedule will be determined by the German. He will soon talk to Caleb Kuya of Osaga Promotions for a bout here as part of my preparation for the May rematch," she said.
She said their managers had agreed to new terms and on condition none of the officials at the last encounters be among judges and referees for the forthcoming duel.
Unfair judges
Conje, who also held the Global Boxing Union title said she couldn’t wait to teach Ragosina a few techniques on boxing. "I felt cheated when she was announced the winner. I will step up my training with the intention of knocking out the Russian," she said.
"My German manager noticed the predicament that befell and asked me to join his stable. He said the judges were unfair and would ensure my future bouts are decided on merit," she said.
Conje said she would rest for 10 days after which she would embark on training locally before returning to Germany. "As part of my preparation for the big fight, Vokuhl has lined up fights in Berlin in February. He advised me not to aim for heavier categories, but to stick to the middleweight," she said.
Conje said she was willing to fight Charity Mukami who dared her for a rematch last month.
"I am ready to fight at home, am ready for Mukami, if an opportunity arises, but things have changed, she has to contact my manager," she said.
Conje urged promoters to emulate Kuya saying he had showed professionalism in the game. She also urged women to take up boxing as a career.
