• BOXING

• Frank Rotich 1 month ago

Wasike, Okolla crowned regional champions in Nairobi Boxing Night

Kenyan boxers Joshua ‘DeChamp’ Wasike and Morris ‘Maketho’ Okolla lit up Nairobi on Friday night as they captured regional titles in a dramatic evening of action at Masshouse along Ngong Road.

The two headlined Kalakoda Promotions’ “Nightmare in Nairobi II” event, delivering powerful performances that thrilled a packed and vocal crowd.

By the end of the night, both men had claimed vacant East and Central African belts, marking a major milestone in their professional careers.

Heavyweight Okolla secured his first regional title after a controversial Technical Knockout (TKO) victory over Uganda’s Hudson Muhumuza at the end of the sixth round.

The fight had been scheduled for eight rounds and was closely contested, with both boxers exchanging heavy blows. Okolla, a Kenyan national champion since 2015, showed experience and resilience against the rugged Ugandan.

Drama unfolded at the end of the sixth round when Muhumuza unexpectedly removed his gloves and began walking around the ring, appearing to acknowledge the crowd.

Many spectators believed he had decided to quit. Okolla, however, remained in his corner ready to continue.

After a brief discussion between officials and both camps, the referee stopped the contest, ruling that Muhumuza was unable to continue. The decision handed Okolla the East African heavyweight title.

The announcement sparked protests from Muhumuza, who was visibly unhappy. But Okolla stood firm.

“I delivered on what I had promised Kenyans,” said Okolla after the fight. “I had to dig deep and use my experience against a good opponent.”

He added that his opponent’s actions were clear signs of exhaustion, saying a title fight goes beyond six rounds and Muhumuza could not continue.

The win improved Okolla’s professional record to 14 wins and five losses.

There was no controversy in the main event as cruiserweight Wasike produced a dominant display to stop Tanzania’s Jacob Maganga in the third round.

Backed by loud cheers from the home crowd, Wasike started cautiously before growing into the fight. By the second round, Maganga was already struggling and had to rely on the ropes to stay upright.

In the third round, Wasike’s power proved too much. Maganga went down on his knees twice before being flattened and failing to beat the referee’s count.

The knockout win earned Wasike his first regional belt and marked a proud moment in his career. Kenya Professional Boxing Commission President Reuben Ndolo was among the dignitaries who witnessed the triumph.

“It feels nice to finally be East African champion. It has been a long journey,” said Wasike. “It was not an easy fight. I had to use skill and technique to break him down.”

The victory continued Wasike’s impressive run, with six knockouts in his seven professional wins. He said he would take a short break before planning his first title defence.

Earlier in the night, George ‘King George’ Onyango maintained his unbeaten run under Kalakoda Promotions with a points win over Tanzania’s Ernest Kapinga.

Martin Achebi also impressed, stopping fellow Kenyan Alan Kwendo in the fifth round after stepping in to face a late replacement opponent.

There was disappointment for Kenya’s Elizabeth Andiego, who missed out on her professional debut after her Tanzanian opponent Christina Ruara withdrew hours before the bout due to a suspected failed medical test.

In the replacement bout, Victor Kariuki defeated Omar Karanja by TKO in the second round.

Elsewhere, South Africa’s Felix ‘Lights Out’ Loggenberg edged Uganda’s Frank Ngobi on points, while Zimbabwe debutant Gift Tembo secured victory over Uganda’s Abdul Kasozi in the opening fight.

“Nightmare in Nairobi II” proved to be a memorable evening for Kenyan boxing, with local fighters rising to the occasion and two new regional champions crowned.