Boxing: Africa lightweight champion sets eyes on global event

Nick Okoth (R) of Kenya defence forces trade punches with Kennedy Onyango of Ken Track in their 60kg lightweight bout at Kaloleni Social hall in Nairobi on July 02, 2015 during the All Africa Games team trials. Kennedy Onyango won on points.Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.pic-centre.com. (KENYA)

Okoth’s long punch to fame

Cuban boxers stand between Nick and glory at World Boxing Championships.

The journey to greater heights for Africa lightweight champion Nick Okoth begins tomorrow when he takes part in the World Boxing Championships in Hamburg, Germany.

But as he makes that bold step, he has the highly rated Cuban boxers to worry about.

Okoth said he is only disturbed by the presence of the Cubans, but added that he is equal to the task.

For him to make it, then facing such polished opponents is a sure way of gauging his capability ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Okoth sawid their morale was high before the national boxing team left on Sunday night for the global championships after several weeks of training under the tutelage of head coach David Munuhe, who was assisted by Mike Davis.

Other members of the team include light flyweight Shaffi Bakari and middleweight John Kyalo.

The trio qualified for the global championships at the Africa Boxing Championships in Congo Brazzaville in May.

“We had some good training sessions, which lifted our spirits ahead of the global boxing extravaganza and we now look forward to a memorable performance,” Okoth told The Standard Sports.

“We trained hard and we are ready for the championships. We are determined to qualify for the medal bracket,” he said.

Coach Munuhe was also optimistic ahead of the global show.

“We look forward to a better performance as my boys are in good shape. They are ready to give their best,” he said.

Kenya’s best ever performance at the World Boxing Championships was in Havana, Cuba, in 1974, when former Commonwealth professional light flyweight champion Steve Muchoki defeated a Cuban boxer to win gold in the final.

Munuhe said the team this year have a better chance of posting good results.

Africa is represented by 40 boxers in the world’s second prestigious tournament after the Olympics.

Okoth is rated as the second best boxer in Africa in his category.

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