Africa-Press – Kenya. Hit Squad head coach Benjamin Musa believes his 13-man strong squad can exorcise the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bogey as they step into the ring to hunt for medals at the 2021 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Serbia.
Captain Nicholas Okoth and Africa Zone 3 heavyweight champion Elly Ajowi who both returned from Japan empty-handed, are expected to lead an abrasive Kenyan onslaught and Musa has expressed confidence in their capacity to turn the team’s fortunes around.
“We gathered some vital lessons in Tokyo that helped us refine our tactics and I’m confident of a good performance in Belgrade,” said Musa.
“Our experiences at the Tokyo Games, the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championship and the international friendlies in Russia have made us even better,” he added.
35-year-old flyweight pugilist Victor Odhiambo will be the first Kenyan to grace the ring in the preliminary bouts that kicked off on Sunday.
Odhiambo will be seeking the scalp of Indian Shiva Thapa in the 60-63 kgs category. His battle will precede that of compatriot David Karanja, 24, who has vowed to teach Ecuadorian Luis Delgado some pertinent boxing lessons in the 48-51 kgs category.
Light heavyweight George Ouma will plunge himself into action against Belgian Ziad El Mohor in the 75-80kg category as Joshua Wasike goes head to head with Uladzislau Smiahlikau of Belarus.
On Wednesday, Hit Squad captain Nicholas Okoth will have a glorious opportunity to redeem himself from the Tokyo Games nightmare when he dares Alexy De La Cruz of Dominican Republic to an abrasive duel.
Hezron Maganga Sabat squares off with Odai Riyad Odel Alhindawi of Jordan in the 86-92 kgs category. On Friday, Shafi Bakari will test his mettle against Nuhammet Saclu of Turkey in the bantamweight category.
Four Kenyan boxers have already received byes in the first round. They include Martin Maina who will now face the winner between representatives of Belarus and Sri Lanka in the 46-48 kgs category.
Featherweight Martin Oduor got bye too and is scheduled to face Congolese Nathan Lunata in round two of the contest on October 28.
Welterweight Joseph Shigali will battle with the winner between Mexico and Hungary in the second round on the same day. African Zone 3 heavyweight champion Elly Ajowi who was another beneficiary of the bye will now face Jakhon Qurbonov of Tajastikani on Thursday.
The national boxing team left the country on October 22 ahead of the Championships.
Martin Maina will be the only boxer making his debut in the national team. The global show-piece is slated for October 23 to November 6.
As a clear testimony of their real intent and purpose, the Kenyan contingent traveled with five coaches who include Musa, David Munuhe, John Waweru, Chripine Onyango, Charles Ayoma and Steve Oduor.
Championships schedule (all CET)
October 24, 19:00 – Grand Opening Ceremony
October 25 – November 2, 13:00 and 18:00 – Preliminaries
November 3 – rest day
November 4, 13:00 and 18:00 – semi-finals
November 5-6, 18:00 – finals
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