Kenyan boxers Wasike, Okolla outwit opponents to claim regional titles

Kenyan boxers Joshua Wasike and Morris Okolla were on Friday night crowned the East and Central African champions after thrilling victories at Masshouse on Ngong Road during Kalakoda Promotions’ “Nightmare in Nairobi II’ fight.

Heavyweight Okolla claimed his first regional belt in dramatic and controversial fashion, stopping Uganda’s Hudson Muhumuza via technical knockout at the end of the sixth round of their scheduled eight-round contest. The bout had been a rugged, back-and-forth affair, with both fighters trading heavy shots. However, confusion erupted when Muhumuza removed his gloves after round six and began walking around the ring, prompting speculation he had quit.

Okolla, still ready for the final two rounds, waited in his corner before an official stepped in to wave off the fight following consultations with both camps. The decision, based on Muhumuza’s inability to continue, sparked protests from the Ugandan as Okolla celebrated lifting the vacant heavyweight title.

“I delivered on what I promised Kenyans. He was visibly tired. A title fight goes beyond six rounds,” said Okolla, who improved his record to 14-5.

There was no such controversy in the main event though where cruiserweight Wasike delivered a statement performance, knocking out Tanzania’s Jacob Maganga in the third round. After a cautious opening, Wasike grew in confidence, hurting the experienced Maganga late in the second round. In the third, Maganga went down twice before being flattened and failing to beat the referee’s count.

The emphatic win earned Wasike his first regional professional title and marked his sixth stoppage in seven victories. “It has been a long journey,” he said. “I used my skill and technique to break him down.”

On the undercard, George Onyango secured a points win over Ernest Kapinga, while Martin Achebi stopped Alan Kwendo in the fifth round. Elizabeth Andiego’s pro debut was postponed after her opponent withdrew due to a failed medical, rounding off a dramatic night of boxing.