Makawa not scared of Okwiri as they face off for world title

Kenya's Rayton Okwiri (left) and Chikondo Makawa of Malawi holding a belt joined by Kenya Proffessional Boxing Commission President Reuben Ndolo between them and Cliff Mboya (third right) General Manager Finix Sports with other boxing officials and Pambazuka Entertainment team during weigh-in ahead of Finix Night fight. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Malawian professional boxer Chikonde Makawa is not scared of former Africa Boxing Union super middleweight champion Rayton Okwiri in any professional boxing bouts now and in the future.

Makawa sounded a stern warning to Okwiri as the two boxers face off for the first time tonight in the World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) super middleweight title fight at Nyayo Stadium.

"I don't fear him (Okwiri). He's just a man like me who has two hands and I also have two hands. I don't fear him in any match. My match against him will be just like any other boxing contest and I'll beat him," Makawa told reporters after the weighing-in-process at Nyayo Stadium yesterday.

Each of the boxers is eager to win the title and most importantly, Okwiri will be under lots of pressure from his home fans who want to see the former continental champion get the crown.

And Okwiri is totally aware of the big task and pressure on him. He promised not to let his home fans down.

Okwiri, 36, has for a long time wished to have a world title fight and possibly win it before he hangs his gloves. This will be the right opportunity to do so.

"It's a must win for me as I'm ready for the world title fight that comes for the first time in many years. I have really longed for it and it's right here on my doorstep," he told Standard Sports early this week.

Okwiri's record after his last fight against Ally Ndaro of Tanzania, which he won stands at 11 fights for nine wins (with six knockouts), a draw and a loss (9 wins -(6KOS) -1 loss -1 draw).

On his part, from Makawa's 32 professional fights, he has won 14 (with four knockouts), losing 17 (with five knockouts) and drawing one.

Before the main fight, there will be six curtain raiser matches.