This archive report was first published on 27 October 2021.
October 27, 2021, marked a disappointing start for Kenyan boxers at the 21st World Boxing Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
Two Kenyan pugilists, David Karanja and Victor Odhiambo, lost their opening bouts on the second day of the championships.
David Karanja, a flyweight, was beaten by Luis Delgado of Ecuador, while Victor Odhiambo, a light welterweight, lost to Shiva Thapa of India on a unanimous points' decision.
Despite a strong start in the first round, Karanja was overpowered in the second and third rounds, losing the bout on a split points decision, 4-1.
Odhiambo, on the other hand, failed to utilize his height advantage against the experienced Indian, who caught him off guard with speedy jabs in the second and third rounds.
Despite the losses, both boxers showed promise and are expected to bounce back in future competitions, including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England next year.
