KDF boxers shine in Rio Olympics qualifier

Stephen Ndung'u (in blue jersey) of Ndenderu ABC attempts to evade a right punch from Maurice Ochieng (in red jersey) of the Kenya Police ABC in their fly weight category during the National Boxing Challenge to select the Kenya National Boxing team for the Olympics championship, January 22, 2016. Ochieng won by points (3-1). [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

The road to the 2016 Olympic Games for Kenyan boxers started with a bang as Kenya Defence Forces shot down their opponents at the Modern Fitness Boxing Lounge in Mombasa.

The event which started on Thursday saw three KDF boxers punch their way to the quarter-finals after sending their opponents sprawling on the floor with devastating knock-outs.

However, Coast boxers showed some resilience after they entered three boxers to the quarter-finals of the national trials where today’s winners will automatically qualify to represent the country in African Olympic qualifier in Yaoundé, Cameroon in March.

In light welter weight category, KDF’s Victor Odhiambo knocked out Ben Omondi of Coast. In the same weight, Patrick Owino of Kentrack knocked out Dalla’s Nicodemus Ombati in the third round to advance to the quarter-finals.

In the light fly category Athman Abdalla of Coast stamped his punching authority to upset KDF’s John Gitau on knock out in the second round.

In light weight, the judges awarded Administration Police’s Ismael Osir 2-1 win over Said Baguani of Coast.

The hosts added their second win in middle weight after Chris Orengo won on split points decision against Erick Otieno of Kisumu.

Experienced Simon Mulinge of KDF remained among the favourites to represent Kenya in Cameroon after he won the fly weight bout against Charles Macharia of Dallas. In the same weight, Maurice Ochieng of Kenya Police defeated Stephen Ndung’u from Ndenderu on points.

In light heavy, Humphrey Ochieng of KDF showed little mercy to Police’s Tobias Okeyo after he won on split points.

In another bout in the same category, George Wenjuzi of Coast knocked out Edward Otieno of Kentrack in the second round.

Speaking at the function, Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario commended Boxing Association of Kenya led by its President John Kameta for reviving the sport.

“When many elected officials are busy killing their association through corruption accusations, Kameta and his team are busy reviving boxing,” said Wario.

Wario through the Ministry of Sports committed Sh20 million to support boxing in the country and give the youth an opportunity to explore their talents.