Denzel defeats Onyango of Uganda to win WABA Africa Supreme light heavyweight title

Denzel Onyango of Kenya celebrates being crowned the new World Alliance Boxing Association light heavyweight champion after defeating Ignatius Njego of Uganda 97-90, 95-92 and 96-92 to win the coveted belt during their light heavyweight 10-round title fight at Charter Hall, Nairobi on Saturday September 23, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Denzel Onyango of Kenya is the new World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) Africa Supreme light heavyweight champion.

Denzel defeated Ignatius Onyango of Uganda 97-90, 95-92 and 96-92 to win the coveted belt after a tough ten round battle staged at the Charter Hall in Nairobi yesterday morning.

Denzel dazzled in the first four rounds, with his well curved punches hitting their intended targets in what sent the fans who thronged Charter Hall into delirium.

Towering Ignatius was ferocious with his menacing punches, sadly they mostly missed their intended targets as dazzling Denzel dodged them.

Both boxers were gasping for breath in the fifth and sixth rounds, this left them chasing each other's shadows and holding each other on the rope. Ignatius was severely reprimanded by the centre referee for his gamesmanship antics which also irked the ecstatic crowd.

The real drama started in round seven and eight where both fighters kissed the canvas several times, it was like the floor was wet from the hot sweat that was dripping from their well-toned bodies. Denzel went down thrice in round seven; twice while trying to unleash a killer jab and once after he was caught off-guard by Ignatius right hook.

The same fate befell Ignatius who was taken down by Denzel's left hook in round eight. Denzel could have gone for the kill but he too lacked energy and power to finish off his prey.

Denzel landed several punches in round nine to boost his points but Ignatius was determined to knock him off.

Both fighters were bleeding in their mouths in round ten which Denzel mostly did more dodging than fighting as he was confident the points gathered were enough to make him the new continental champion.

"I feel good about the new title, I worked really hard for it. We prepared well for the fight with my two coaches and I'm glad that we were able to make it happen," Denzel told Standard Sports.

Denzel heaped praises on Ignatius saying the Ugandan was a worthy opponent in the ring.

"He is a very tough boxer, he is a good fighter, but thank God, I managed him," said Denzel.

This is the second tile that Denzel is holding following his Pugilist Syndicate of Tanzania (PST) belt won at the same venue last year.

Elated Denzel is now focused to fight the former African Boxing Union champion Rayton 'Boom! Boom Okwiri for his next title fight.

While Denzel is basking in glory, Ignatius has refused to accept the outcome of their bout alleging he was robbed.

" I have not lost. I believe I was the better fighter in the match, even you yourself you saw it, you know the truth," he told journalists at the post-fight interview.

"The judges cheated, everyone saw I won fairly, I didn't lose the fight. My opponent was favoured because he was playing at home," Ignatius lamented.

Despite now losing in Kenya twice in a span of two months, Ignatius has not lost hope, he is pumped to fight again stating that he already has a bout on October 26 in Niarobi.

"From here, I'll hit the gym straight because I have to win the next fight in Kenya," Ignatius underlined.

Results of other fight cards in the night:

1.Superwelterweight four rounds: Brian Munyolo defeated Amos Toret on Knock Out second round.

2.Welterweight four rounds: Emmanuel Chivoli defeated Mc Gregor Ochenge on Knock Out second round.

3.Welter weight four rounds: Martin Achebi defeated Boaz Odinga on Knock Out second round.

4.Lightweight four rounds: Paul Kimani drew (37-39,31-37,37-39) against Jrean Collin (Mauritius).

5.Superlightweight four rounds: John Juma defeated Muhammad Issa in the Knock Out first round.

6.Middleweight four rounds: Lucien Botumbe (DRC) defeated Dennis Ouma (Uganda)on Knock Out third round.

7.Lightwelterweight four rounds: George 'Kiing' Onyango won 40-35, 40-35, 40-35 against John Ouma.

8.Superbantamweight four rounds: Christopher Os8icho won 39-37,40-36, 39-37 against James Mugeni.

9.Featherweight six rounds: Gabreil Ochieng won 60-54,59-55,57-56 against Majid Kabonge (Uganda.).