Okaka proud despite quarters exit at World Boxing Championships

Okaka, a former garbage collector and water vendor in Nairobi, admitted that the Russian fighter’s superior skill and composure were clear from the opening exchanges.

Realising the gulf in experience, he leaned on his coaches’ advice to stretch the bout and learn as much as possible inside the ring.

“I learned a lot there — speed, accuracy, and how to box while relaxed,” Okaka said. “He was calm throughout. If I had attacked him the way I normally do, he would have finished me early.”

Aware of the challenge, his trainers urged him to stay smart, use the corners, and take the fight the full distance to absorb key lessons from a more polished opponent.

Despite the loss, the 31-year-old earned a groundbreaking $10,000 (Ksh1.3 million) the biggest payday of his career under the International Boxing Association’s new financial empowerment model.

“If it wasn’t for God, I wouldn’t have won my earlier fights,” said the soft-spoken soldier, fondly known as Man Man Ngori. “I prayed before every bout, and I won. I never imagined I would ever earn such money in my life, but the IBA has made it possible.”

This year marks the first time quarter-finalists have received $10,000 at the Men’s World Championships, part of an initiative driven by IBA President Umar Kremlev and CEO Chris Roberts OBE to raise the financial standards of amateur boxing.

For Okaka, the earnings and experience signal a major step forward and fresh motivation for his boxing journey.