Achieng set to defend her Commonwealth title against Hernandez

Sarah Achieng (Left) of Kenya fight Anisha Basheel of Malawi during their lightwelter weight commonwealth women championship fight at Charter hall on October 20, 2021. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

After missing the trip to the United States of America for the Women International Boxing Federation (WIFB) super lightweight (63.5kg) title fight against Ikram Kerwat of Germany in June, Commonwealth super lightweight champion Sarah Achieng' is now ready for another big fight.

The previous fight, which was scheduled for Cleveland in Ohio on June 11 2022 was cancelled at the eleventh hour after Achieng' failed to get a USA visa.

This time, Achieng' will defend her title against former World Boxing Council champion Melissa Hernandez of Puerto Rico in a 10-round fight at Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on October 21.

"Hopefully, this time the fight will come to pass as I have been training for it and possibly to successfully defend my title," she said.

While appealing to the organisers of the match to make it happen, Achieng' said her fitness levels are up-to-date and was raring to go.

"I'm ready for it and organisers must be serious with it and make me know of each step they (organisers) have taken towards the success of the match," said the soft spoken Achieng'.

She revealed that she was yet to sign a valid contract, a promise she said organisers had stated would be completed this week.

The fight is being promoted by former Kenya Professional Boxing Commission Frankline Imbenzi of Solid Frock Promotions.

Hernandez and Achieng' have never faced each other in any fight before and it'll be interesting to see how the two boxers fare against each other. [