This archive report was first published on 26 October 2021.
Kenya's 'Hit Squad' is off to a disappointing start in the AIBA Men's World Boxing Championship in Belgrade, with all three of its preliminary bouts ending in defeat. The team's struggles began on October 26, 2021, when light-welterweight Victor Odhiambo lost to India's Shiva Thapa on a unanimous points decision.
Thapa, a two-time Olympian and bronze medallist in the 2015 world championships, dominated the bout, out-punching Odhiambo in all departments. The loss was a setback for the Kenyan team, which had been training hard and analyzing its opponents through video clips.
Coach Ben Musa expressed confidence in his team's abilities, stating, 'We have been practicing hard and trying to analyze our opponents on video clips. Others we have had absolutely no idea what to expect as we don’t have their history. But all in all, there is no respect for reputation, we have prepared well and anticipate good results.'
Despite the losses, the team remains optimistic, with members Hezron Maganga Sabat, Boniface Mugunde, and Team Kenya Captain 'Commander
