Achebi retains epic WBC Muay Thai ultra fight title

Martin Achebi ina ction against Cape Verde’s Matias Brayan. [Mike Kihaki, Standard]

It was an incredible night for Martin Achebi as he retained his World Boxing Council (WBC) African Muay Thai Ultra Welterweight (67kg) title, at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi.

Achebi, 21, on Saturday night knocked out Cape Verde’s Matias Brayan in the 5th round to ensure the title remains safely in his cabinet.

Achebi first won the title on October 9 last year to become the first Kenyan to lift the title at the continent’s inaugural WBC fight event.

The event was sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai Africa and held in conjunction with Kenyan Muay Thai Federation (KMTF).

The ultra fight night series event attracted 18 fighters across eight different African countries including DRC, Uganda, Sudan, Morocco, Tanzania and France.

“Coming home to fight at Bomas is a fitting reward. I owe my success to coach Mamba and coach Kaka. I have gained experience with time and I look forward to fight and win more,” said Achebi.

“I had no means to access good training facilities and I competed for the first time when I turned 11. I started watching and being interested in Muay Thai after seeing it on YouTube."

Other Kenyans, who put up a spirited fight winning their bouts include Ben Bottleberg, who defeated Brian Kimani in 105kg contest, Jared Oscah won his bout against Ugandan Bruce Mugerwa in the 52kg match.

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Thailand and uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques and it's gaining popularity in Africa.

The professional league is governed by The Professional Boxing Association of Thailand and is sanctioned by The Sports Authority of Thailand and World Professional Muay Thai Federation (WMF).