This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
Kenya's Rayton 'Boom Boom' Okwiri is ready to defend his Africa Boxing Union (ABU) middleweight title on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Charter Hall in Nairobi.
Okwiri, a 33-year-old boxer, has been training for three months to improve his speed and footwork ahead of the title defence against Matata, who is undefeated with seven wins, including four knockouts.
Okwiri, who has five wins, including four knockouts and a draw, said he has been working hard to prepare for the fight, which was initially scheduled for a non-title bout two weeks ago but was called off due to the promoter's lack of seriousness.
"I have been training for three months. I am in good shape. I would have fought in a non-title bout two weeks ago but the promoter wasn't serious and the fight was called off. I didn't break camp since I knew I had a title to defend,” said Okwiri.
Okwiri has been training between Pal Pal Gymnasium, Pumwani, and Kaloleni under trainers David 'Computer' Kiilu and Daniel Shisia, who are both former Kenyan internationals.
Okwiri, a former Olympian, knocked out Tanzanian Hussein Itaba to claim the vacant ABU middleweight title on June 8, 2019, at Charter Hall.
Matata last fought South African Karabo Mokupi, whom he knocked out on February 24, 2019, at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa.
