WWBC: Kusa down and out as Ongare promises to rumble

WWBC: Kusa down and out as Ongare promises to rumble

Kenya's Lorna Kusa fell to Kazakhstan's Valentina Khalzova in the first round of their light-middleweight bout on the opening day of Women's World Boxing Championships in Istanbul.

Kusa, who was making a second appearance in the championship after participating in 2010 in Barbados, struggled to match Khalzova who took charge from the first bell forcing the referee to stop the fight after a second standing count after the Kenyan boxer made a trip to the canvas.

Before the fight, ‘Hit Squad’ head coach Benjamin Musa had conceded that they did not know much about Kusa’s opponent which was going to make it difficult for them to prepare comprehensively.

“We had ample time to prepare for this championship after also participating in the zone 3 competitions. We don't know much about our opponent but we shall handle it tactically hoping our boxer will follow our instructions and give it her all,” Musa said ahead of the opening bout.

After that disappointment, all eyes will this evening be on the 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist and Olympian Christine Ongare who will be the second Kenyan to get into the ring against Ukrainian Hanna Okhota.

Fresh from earning a silver medal at the African Zone 3 Championship, Ongare says she is ready to rumble in Istanbul.

“We had a few connection flights on our way to this place which makes you feel tired but we have acclimatized. Our preparation in Kenya was fine and we are here for an assignment, and I’m ready to rumble. This time I am more than ready because I am now fighting in my natural weight category and no man is limited so I am coming with a medal,” said Ongare.

Tags:

Christine Ongare Lorna Kusa Valentina Khalzova Istanbul World Boxing Championships

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