Okwiri ready for Mwakinyo test in IBA super middleweight match

Kenya's Rayton Okwiri (left) punches Chikodi Makawa of Malawi during their Africa WABA middleweight bout at Nyayo Stadium on September 9. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

As he prepares to earn a world title fight, World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) Africa supreme middleweight champion Rayton Okwiri is ready for another win against Hassan Mwakinyo of Tanzania on Friday.

Okwiri is set to face Mwakinyo in an International Boxing Association (IBA) super middleweight match in Dar es Salaam.

Okwiri said he will not tire until he achieves his lifetime dream of winning a world title.

“It is a match at a time from one tournament to another. We are determined to win all matches that comes my way until I get a world title fight, which I must win,” Okwiri told Standard Sports.

The Okwiri v Mwakinyo bout comes barely a fortnight after he defeated Chikonde Makawa of Malawi on unanimous’ points’ decision in a 10-round contest at Nyayo National Stadium.

This saw Okwiri extend his wins to 10 (with six knockouts), a draw and loss from 12 matches (12-10-1-1).

Since that triumph, Okwiri had stepped up his training sessions under three coaches who guide on different aspects of the latest boxing techniques.

Okwiri said he was not scared of Mwakinyo and that he likes fighting experienced boxers owing to a number of factors, which includes gaining vast exposure.

“Fighting experienced opponents gives you a chance to know your strengths and weaknesses by learning how to improve on them on your way to get international honours and recognition,” he had said before his fight against Makawa.

Mwakinyo has had 23 fights winning 20 (with 14 knockouts and six on points) and three loses.

Mwakinyo is a former World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental light-middleweight title and held the title twice in 2020 until recently when he was stripped-off the title, a development that puts him on an equal denominator with Okwiri.

Okwiri says he is fully aware of the task ahead of him and that is why he is not taking any chances with the match.

“I’m ready for such tough matches and I’m equal to the task in this and more matches to come,” he explained.