Achieng savours victory: KPBC to work with counties, takes professional boxing countrywide

Joseph Akakhoya(R) trade punches with Michael Nyanade in their Feather Weight during the Team Boxing Promotion Non Tittle fight at Pumwani Social Hall, Nairobi on Sunday 18/01/15. Nyanade won.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Sarah Achieng' overcame Joyce Awino through a technical knockout in the second round to win the women's light weight contest staged by George Owalo of Steel Boxing Promotions at Pal Pal gym in Nairobi on Saturday.

Achieng' took only one minute and 33 seconds to destroy her rival in a contest approved and sanctioned by the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC).

"It's a great win for me. I am looking forward to a title fight, either national or international, this season," said Achieng'.

James Onyango proved he is still the welter weight best boxer when he beat Patrick Amote by four points in the four round contest. The judges awarded Onyango, fresh from doing a promotional advert in Ghana, 40 points against Amote's 36 in the closely contested fight.

Morris Okola also won with similar points against James Nyariki in the race for heavyweight contest.

KPBC committee member Reuben Ndolo said the bout at Pal Pal marked the start of a busy calendar for professional boxers as they seek to take the contest through several counties.

"We want to keep our boxers busy. They will earn money and improve their game now that we will be holding bouts in different counties," said Ndolo. "After this we will have national and African bouts for our boys."

The initiative will include street fights in several counties across the country. KPBS Chairman Hillary Alila said they are working closely with county governments, starting with Siaya and Kisumu. They will also work with former coaches in a bid to nurture talent at the grass-roots.

However, in the weekend bout, the much awaited contest pitting World Professional Boxing Federation (WPBF) youth super featherweight champion Francis Kimani against Ibrahim Odhiambo failed to take off.

"Odhiambo did not show up. It is really unfortunate that this act has happened. We look forward to averting this kind of behaviour in the near future," said Owalo.

Kimani's manager, Brian Mutiga, was equally dejected as he had looked forward to gauging Kimani, who is headed for an international bout in London next month, at the weekend fight.

"I believe Kimani could have won. He is currently on high training mode both at Gym Plaza in Allsops and at Pal Pal. He trains twice a day to keep fit ahead of his trip in the United Kingdom," said Mutiga.

All the boxers in the weekend fight were awarded Sh8,000 each by Owalo who is a former national welterweight and Robert Wangila Memorial Tournament champion.

"As a former boxer, I know the plight of pugilists. I have decided to throw my weight into the game to support it and help KPBC achieve the noble cause they have started," said Owalo who is an accountant by profession.