Policeman Ochieng too good for Maganga

Shaffi Bakri of Police (in blue) trade punches with Robert Gachuhi of Nairobi in a quarterfinal featherweight bout during the third leg of national Boxing League at Madison Square Garden in Nakuru.[Ben Ahenda]

For the second time, policeman Humphrey 'Jakababa' Ochieng was too good for experienced Hezron Maganga in the second day of the third leg of the National Boxing League at Madison Square Garden in Nakuru on Friday.

Ochieng defeated Maganga who boxes for Kenya Defence Forces on split points' decision in the cruiserweight (86kg) bout after doing so in Siaya a fortnight back.

The second victory increases Ochieng's chances of being crowned the national champion having missed the first leg of the league championships in Vihiga.

"Maganga is a polished boxer and for you to beat him, you must be shrewd in your tactics and that's is exactly what I did, to beat him" Ochieng told Standard Sports in a post-match interview.

The victory opened doors for more victories by Kenya Police who are the defending champions as light heavyweight Glenstone Agade also secured a 2-1 victory over KDF's Chrispine Ochanda in a close fight.

Unfortunately, policeman Tobias Okeyo was overwhelmed by home boy Valentine Mwinami who was cheered throughout by his supporters and lost the match when the referee stopped the contest in the third round.

National deputy coach David Munuhe said there were prospective boxers who failed to take part in Africa Olympic Qualifiers who could make it to World Qualifiers next year.

One of such boxers according to Munuhe was light welterweight policeman Alloice Vincent who was set to face Anthony Maina of Kenya Prisons by our press time.

"We have seen some quite improvements in some upcoming boxers who could make it to the global Qualifiers and we're steadily monitoring their performance, and one of them is Alloice Vincent,"he said

In the super heavyweight, Erick Oteng'o who came in for national champion Fred Ramogi of KDF defeated Douglas Saga Lit of Trans Nzoia on RSC Round two.

The finals will be held on Saturday afternoon