Achieng' signs a contract, ready to floor Hernandez
Boxing
By
Ben Ahenda
| Oct 07, 2022
At last the Commonwealth super lightweight champion Sarah Achieng' has signed a contract that permits her fight against Melissa Hernandez of Puerto Rico at Carnivore Grounds on October 21.
While beaming with confidence during the contract signing ceremony in Nairobi on Wednesday that was witnessed by Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) chairman Reuben Ndolo and Nairobi County Assembly speaker Ken Ng'ondi, Achieng said the fight is hers to lose.
"I'm determined to bring joy to the faces of Kenyan boxing fans as I hope to register a positive match towards a world title," said Achieng'.
Achieng' said she is fully fit for the match against the former World Boxing Council champion. Hernandez will be visiting Kenya for the first time.
"My fitness and advice from my coaches is my great inspiration towards Hernandez but I'm determined not to let down my home fans," said Achieng'.
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The 42-year-old Hernandez has fought 44 times boosting 23 wins (with seven knockouts), eight draws and three defeats.
On her part, Achieng' has fought 16 times, winning 14 fights (with seven knockouts and seven on points) and two losses.
"I'm not scared of her record but we'll square it out in the ring. That is where any of us will know who is better than the other," she said.
The fight comes barely a few months after Achieng' missed a flight to the United States of America due to visa problems on June 11, 2022.
She was to fight Ikram Kerwat of Germany for the Women International Boxing Federation (WIFB) super lightweight (63.5kg) title fight.
"That's now water under the bridge and my concern is about around the corner," she said.
The fight is promoted by Franklin Imbenzi of Solid Rock Promotions.
"We are now done with the contract issue. We are looking forward to staging a successful bout," said Imbenzi.
Achieng', who is also the Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) super lightweight champion and national lightweight champion, had her last fight against Anisha Basheel of Malawi on October 20, 2021 in Nairobi where she won the Commonwealth (super lightweight) title.
Both KPBC chairman Reuben Ndolo and Nairobi County Assembly speaker Ken Ng'ondi vowed to continue supporting sports.
"KPBC extends our appreciation to sponsors and promoters for making this fight possible," said Ndolo.
Ng'ondi said: "I am happy that my first engagement has been at sports and specifically boxing which is in Nairobi. We shall be pushing for good laws through the MCAs for the growth of sports."