Onyango ready for title defence on December 4
Boxing
By
Ochieng Oyugi
| Nov 26, 2021
National light welterweight champion George 'King' Onyango is set to defend his title in a 10-round bout on December 4.
Onyango will face-off with Fred 'Nekes' Nyakesha in a Kenya Proffesional Boxing Commission (KPBC) sanctioned rematch fight at Charter Hall, in Nairobi.
The soft-spoken lanky pugilist has been stepping up his training at the newly refurbished Umoja Boxing Club gym for one month.
"I have been having daily training sessions and I'm confident I'll win," he told Standard Sports in a press conference.
"So far, I have improved on my speed, punching power and ducking skills."
READ MORE
Unlike in 1964, Kenyans today have little hope for a brighter future
Why AFC must sing a new song as they seek to restore lost glory
Why nostalgia is a dangerous thing at AFC Leopards
Why Ingwe want to make 60 anniversary memorable
AFC Leopards 60: President Ruto urges Ingwe to adopt corporate model
AFC usher 60th anniversary celebrations in style
Man wants court to scrap mandatory retirement age of 60
How has Kenya changed in 60 years
British colonial plan to wipe out Kenyans that came a cropper
The boxer, who was born in Muthurwa but raised in Umoja, boasts six victories, two losses (all KOs) and one draw.
The 24-year-old said he is learning on being composed in the ring unlike his previous encounter with Nyakesha.
"I was unsettled in our last fight, even though I won. This time, I want my victory to be a sure bet," he said.
"I want to showcase a good fight, owing to the kind of experience I have now gathered."
Even though it has been 35 days since Onyango last fought, he insists that his body has fully recovered and ready for a new challenge.
He admitted that Nyakesha is a tough opponent and therefore, he will not leave anything to chance.
"Our last clash was good, but this one will be better. We are promising our fans a good show. If Nyakesha wins, I will congratulate him," he said.
Onyango's coach, Jeff Magina, said he's prepared the boxer for the battle ahead.
"The fact that he is being trained by a wild animal like me only means the belt must remain in our camp," Magina warned.
Nyakesha has been upping his exercises at the Kariobangi Social Hall for the last two years.
The 40-year-old father of two is hopeful of staging a good show.
"I feel fit. I used the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period to build my fitness. I have improved my stamina, endurance and strength," said Nyakesha.
Nyakesha has fought 11 times, won seven, including one KO.