Kenyan boxers star at Making of A Champion Series

Daniel Wanyonyi celebrates after beating Tanzania's Baraka Mwakasope in Super Middleweight during the Making of A Champion Boxing Series at Kasarani on Saturday November 5, 2016. [PHOTO: COURTESY KPBC]

Gabriel Ochieng floored Juma Fundi of Tanzania in the third round of the ten round bantamweight bout at the Making of A Champion boxing contest at Kasarani Indoor Arena on Saturday night.

Ochieng, 30, dominated the first two rounds of the fight before finishing off the visiting 24-year old pugilist with a left hook.

By winning the fight, Ochieng increased his chances of taking part in the Africa Boxing Union (ABU) title fight that will be part of the series at the venue on January 21 next year.

“My opponent was worthy, but I was blessed with tactics which I utilised to clear him off. I am looking forward to take part in other future bouts in this series,” said Ochieng.

But Fundi has not given up challenging Ochieng as he said he was planning to return to Kenya for a proper fight when he feels he is ready to take him head on again.

Anderson Sifuna, 22, was taken to task against Hydan Mchanjo of Tanzania even though the home boy eventually won by a point after the fight ended 230-229 to Sifuna’s favour. Both were contesting a ten round super featherweight bout.

ABU title holder Daniel Wanyonyi, 33, also extended his clean run from last year by knocking out Baraka Mwakasope, also 33 years, in the second round of the eight round super middleweight contest.

Wanyonyi toyed with the Tanzanian before releasing a flurry of heavy punches that knocked out the visitor to claim victory.

“I cannot wait to take part in the forthcoming international title fights. I will strive to maintain this level of fitness so I can also easily defend my belt and win other titles,” said Wanyonyi.

Michael Odhiambo won his ten round lightweight fight against Edward Kakembo of Uganda on a technical knockout in round three.

Judy Waguthi also edged Consolata Musanga 79-73 in the women’s super featherweight category.

But it was a sad night for Michael ‘Shaka’ Nyawade who lost to South Africa’s champion David Rajuli on unanimous decision by the referees and the judges.

Meanwhile, Kenya Professional Boxing Commission(KPBC) and Bigger Than Life Promotions were forced to cancel the main fight pitting two time world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman of US and Kenya’s Bernard Adie.

KPBC officials said they had not received clearance from Rahman’s Commission and lack of other relevant medical documents to officially sanction the bout.

“The heavyweight fight has therefore been cancelled as it was not sanctioned by KPBC owing to technical, regulatory and other risks,” explained KPBC chairman Hillary Alila.

Rahman had replaced another US heavyweight boxer Marcellus Brown who failed to make it to Kenya after he was barred by authorities from leaving US because he faces child support and protection charges.