Classy KDF boxers closer to title: With the might of numbers, the crown is on sight

boxing national league final leg in mombasa Kevin Akoko (in blue, left) from Kisumu shields his head as Isack Meja (in red, right) of KDF attempts to make a right punch in their bantam weight category during the Boxing Association of Kenya 5th leg of the Sportpesa sponsored National Boxing League at Uwanja wa Mbuzi in Kongowea within Mombasa County, November 10, 2017. Meja won the bought. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Soldiers proved their worth after entering six boxers into semis in Mombasa.

Classy Kenya Defence Force (KDF) boxers lit up Uwanja wa Mbuzi stadium in Kongowea, Mombasa County as they punched their way to the semi-finals to remain on course of retaining the national boxing league title.

The KDF boxers proved to be the veterans of the Kenyan boxing local league after they entered six boxers to the semi-finals in the fifth and final leg of the league.

The qualification to the semi-finals, which were due for last night (Friday) made KDF the most represented team and came closer to retaining the title for the second year running from their bitter rivals Kenya Police.

Experienced Simon Mulinge and Black Moses Mathenge both from KDF had an easy passage to the semi-finals after they overcame their opponents.

Mulinge who was in the Kenyan team to 2017 Africa Confederation Boxing Champions in Brazzaville, Congo Republic in June, silenced Charles Macharia of Dallas Boxing Club 3-0 in a fly weight bout to make it to the semi-final where he was to face Brian Agina of Coast Combined who defeated Abdul Juma of Prisons 2-1.

In the same category, Dennis Muthama of Nairobi floored Kongowea’s Mohammed Ali 2-1 while Morris Ocheing of Kenya Police stopped Soweto’s Duncan Kamau 2-1.

In welter weight, Moses Mathaenge (KDF) was stopped by the referee from inflicting more pain on Hussein Said of Kongowea in the first round.

In the same weight, Lady Luck smiled on Lucky Nyiro of Coast Combined to overpower Kisumu’s Michael Ochieng.

In light weight, reigning Kenya’s lightweight Nick Okoth of KDF who won gold medal in the Africa Confederation Boxing Championship silenced Kibra’s Steve Onyango.

With strong and powerful punches, Onyango had little to offer and retired in the first round.

In the same category, Omollo Mau of Kisumu defeated Anthony Kariuki of Kongowea 3-0 while Anthony Ngugi of Prisons dismissed Soweto’s John Mwanzia 2-1.

In light fly, it was another chance for KDF’s Kevin Maina to shine after stopping Kongowea’s Kevin Masia 3-0 while Police’s Shaffi Bakari hit Mohammed Hussein of Omar Kasongo Sports Academy (OKSA) 3-0.  

Joshua Maina (Kibra) beat Alex Orimba of Kisumu 2-1 while Kenya National Hospital’s Matayo Keya lost b3-0 to Harrison Mathuku of Prisons 3-0 in the same weight category.