This archive report was first published on 9 September 2019.
On Saturday, the 15th edition of the Robert Wangila Boxing Cup lit up the Jericho Social Hall in Nairobi with 12 electrifying bouts, showcasing the skills of boxers from Nairobi and Mombasa.
One of the standout performances came from Eugene Matheka, a light heavyweight from Bahati Boxing Club, who delivered a Technical Knock Out (TKO) against Olechukwu Okoye in just two rounds.
Matheka, trained by Samuel Otieno, demonstrated his prowess with heavy punches and nimble footwork, leaving his opponent reeling.
"I knew I was in good form going into the fight. My intention was not to end the fight early but I am glad to be the 2019 Wangila Cup champion," Matheka said after the bout.
Chris Ochanda took home the middle weight 75kg category after the umpire called for a Referee Stop Contest (RSC) due to Moses Juma's dislocated shoulder.
John Juma of Nairobi also impressed in the lightweight 64kg bout, defeating Mombasa-based Hudson Muhatia with ease.
Eric Kigathi, a class eight candidate from Trans Boxing Club in Umoja estate, dominated Christopher Musyoki in the 47kg under 14 years fight, with Kigathi's coach Mike Mungai praising his protégé's skills.
The event, attended by Reuben Ndolo, the newly elected Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) chairman, Benson Mutura, the former Makadara MP, and the tournament sponsor, saw Benson Kamau crowned the boxer of the tournament after defeating Hamza Said of Mombasa in the lightweight category.
Abdiwahab Abdi was named the most promising boxer, while Beatrice Akoth took home the light weight 60kg title by defeating Stacy Ayuma.
Mutura, the tournament sponsor, expressed his goal of providing a platform for upcoming boxers to showcase their talent, with the Boxing Association of Kenya promising to include the annual event in their calendar in the coming years.
