Kimani to defend his world title, lands sparring role in UK

World Professional Boxing Federation (WPBF) Youth Super featherweight champion Francis Kimani (left) with his manager Brian Mutiga displays the WPBF belt Kimani is set to defend against Tanzanian champion Francis Miyeyusho on May 28.

Youth boxing sensation Francis Kimani will defend his World Professional Boxing Federation (WPBF) Youth Super featherweight title in Nairobi on May 28.

At the same time, Kimani has landed a lucrative sparring role in London, United Kingdom, between March and May.

Kimani will fight Tanzanian champion Francis Miyeyusho in his quest to retain the title he won in Kitwe, Zambia in June last year after flooring Bazila Ngoza in the third round of the ten-round bout at the Arthur Davis Stadium.

"It has been hard getting an opponent but I am happy that my manager Brian Mutiga has gone out of his way to secure one for me. I am training hard for the challenge at the same time keeping my focus on the sparring role I have landed in the UK," Kimani said yesterday at the Gym Plaza Complex in Allsops, Nairobi.

To ensure he overcomes the Dar es Salaam-based Miyeyusho who has won 39 fights and drawn two of his total 52 bouts, Kimani trains twice a day.

"I do weights and aerobics at in the morning before proceeding for sparring, pad works and punching bag in the afternoon at Pal Pal Gym," Kimani said.

The 25 year old will be travelling to the UK in March to engage three brothers, Michael, Ryan and Liam Walsh in a sparring role that will also help him step up his training ahead of his crunch tie against Miyeyusho.

Michael is the Commonwealth and World Master super bantamweight champion, Ryan is the reigning Commonwealth featherweight champion, while Liam, who is set to defend his title on February 28, is the super featherweight champion. Liam will also defend his European title in April. The brothers from Norwhich train at Peacock Gym in Central London.

"I hope to succeed in my quest for my two titles early this year. I want a tough boxer like Kimani to help me with sparring and preparations for my European title bout," said Liam on phone from UK yesterday.

Mutiga said the manager for the three brothers Frank Warren will cater for Kimani's airfare, accommodation and local transport in UK.