Kenyan boxers lose opening fights in Russia

Diana Gorishnaya of Estonia in red defeated Christine Ongare of Kenya on unanimous points decision. [Photo: Courtesy]

Commonwealth Games flyweight bronze medalist Christine Ongare and national bantamweight champion Elizabeth Akinyi lost their opening bouts of the Konstantin Korotkov Memorial International Boxing Championships at Lenina Regional Sports Complex in the city of Khabarovsk, Russia on Wednesday.

Ongare lost to Diana Gorishnaya of Estonia on unanimous points’ decision in the opening match before Akinyi was beaten by Maria Moronto of Dominican Republic.

It was a sad day for the two Kenyan boxers as they bowed out of the seven-day tournament in the early stages amid expectations they could cruise into the second round of the tournament.

However, the matches were good to the two players as it has equally given them the required exposure according to Head Coach Musa Benjamin.

Most players drawn from Africa, Europe and Asia who have already qualified for the Olympics are battling for top honours as they shape up for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan from July 23 to August 8.

Africa is represented by three countries in Kenya, Morocco and Algeria.

Ongare (blue) being attended by coaches Musa Benjamin and David Munuhe. [Photo: Courtesy]

Kenya and Morocco had entered four players each while Algeria sent three players to the tournament.

Head Coach Musa Benjamin said what was of importance in the tournament is for players to gain exposure as they prepare for the Olympics.

“Our main objective is to ensure players get exposure whether they win or lose matches. Their performance here (Russia) will help us shape them for the Olympics,” he said.

The two boxers will now have to watch the rest of the matches from the benches when two of their compatriots compete on Thursday (May 13, 2021).

They are two times Olympian and Africa Zone Three super heavyweight (over 91kg) champion Elly Ajowi and the 2015 Africa Boxing Championships lightweight (60kg) gold medalist Nick Okoth.

In the tournament, Ajowi will drop to the heavyweight (91kg) while Okoth will play in the featherweight (57kg).

Boxer Elizabeth Akinyi in past training. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]