Anyango confident ahead of Hakuna Mchezo boxing night

One of the evening’s standout fighters, Praxidis Anyango, one of only two women on the card, will compete in the featherweight division. Speaking to Citizen Digital, the confident boxer declared her readiness.

“I’m prepared, I’m feeling great, and I’m eager for tomorrow’s fight,” said Anyango. “I don’t know my opponent yet, but I’m ready. Coach Julius has ensured I’m well prepared.”

Anyango is set to face a Ugandan opponent and says she’s ready for whatever challenge comes her way. She noted that she has faced Ugandan fighters before and has developed strategies based on those experiences.

“I’ve fought two Ugandan boxers before. I’ve studied their strengths and weaknesses. I won’t reveal too much — those are my secret weapons. But I’ve analysed their style, and I know how to counter it,” she explained.

Fighting on home soil doesn’t faze her either. She sees it as a boost.

“I’m under no pressure. Fighting at home motivates me. This will be my eighth professional bout in Kenya, and I’m ready to rise to the occasion,” she said.

Anyango also used the platform to encourage more women to venture into professional boxing, noting the disparity in numbers between male and female boxers.

“More women should join professional boxing. It’s not easy, but we need more numbers. Whether amateur or professional, both paths are tough; the difference is mostly in the number of rounds.”

Main Event and Fight Card

The night’s main event will feature an 8-round welterweight clash between Mussa Shuza of Tanzania and Uganda’s Henry Kigongo Kasujja. Six other bouts are scheduled for six rounds each, including:

• Abdullah Yoba (Tanzania) vs Owen Isaac Kibira (Uganda) – Super Welterweight
• Isihaka Norbert (Tanzania) vs James Ssebalumu (Uganda) – Super Welterweight
• Ally Dongo (Tanzania) vs Sadat Segawa (Uganda) – Super Bantamweight
• Isaac Zebra (Uganda) vs Kitaka Ibrahim (Uganda) – Super Welterweight
• Fredrick Okou vs Adam Belalia (Sweden) – Middleweight
• Denzel Okoth Onyango (Kenya) vs TBA – Heavyweight
• Praxidis Anyango (Kenya) vs TBA (Uganda) – Featherweight

At the weigh-in, Kenya Professional Boxing Commission Chairman Reuben Ndolo reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting local and regional fighters.

“We will ensure the fights are conducted professionally and fairly. While there are no title belts on offer this time, this is just the beginning. The promoter, who is based in the USA, has promised that future editions will include title bouts,” Ndolo said.

He welcomed the interest from international promoters and praised Kenya’s emergence as a regional boxing hub.