Mandonga knocks out Wanyonyi as Okwiri retains his belt

• Karim Mandonga lived up to his billing as he knocked out Kenya’s Daniel Wanyonyi at the KICC in Nairobi, Kenya. 
• The bout was a curtain raiser for Saturday night’s main event, pitying Tanzanian Shaban Ndaro and Kenyan Rayton Okwiri. 

Tanzania’s Karim Mandonga lived up to his billing as he knocked out Kenya’s Daniel Wanyonyi at the KICC in Nairobi, Kenya. 

The loud-mouthed Mandonga needed just five rounds to win the most anticipated non-title super middleweight fight last night.

Karim Mandonga knocked out Daniel Wanyonyi. Photo/ The Standard.

The bout was a curtain raiser for Saturday night’s main event, pitying Tanzanian Shaban Ndaro and Kenyan Rayton Okwiri. 

Rayton Okwiri, who is a Kenyan cop, defeated Shaban to retain his middleweight belt. 

Ruben Ndolo, who is the president of the Kenyan Boxing Federation, was in attendance. Several politicians and a host of creatives also attended the Pocket Rocket Event, with more than 5000 tickets sold.

Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and Phelix Odiwuor were among the politicians at the event. Celebrities present at the boxing event were Bensol, Bien of Sauti Sol, KRG The Don and Prezzo. 

Mandonga Knocks Out Daniel Wanyonyi 

Daniel Wanyonyi took to the corner wearing a pair of black shorts and a sleeveless hoodie. On the other hand, Karim Mandonga took to the blue corner donning a green hooded robe emblazoned “Mandonga Mtu Kazi” and a pair of white shorts. 

Both boxers used the first round to size up themselves. The second round was evenly contested, just as the first round, and many thought Daniel Wanyonyi was going to sustain the ten rounds. 

However, Mandonga upped his game in the subsequent rounds before emerging victorious. He landed several powerful punches on Wanyonyi’s face as the crowd watched in disappointment. 

Despite putting on a valiant effort, Wanyonyi was knocked out in the fifth round by the Tanzanian sensation. He threw in the towel. 

The victory was significant to Karim Mandonga, who solidified his position as one of the best boxers in East Africa. 

In his post-fight interview, Mandonga thanked Kenyans for their attendance and warm welcome. He also said that he would be returning in April for another fight.

Karim Mandonga. Photo/ Look Up Tv.

In other undercard bouts, Mauritanian Gerjohn Collin faced Kenyan David Omollo. The former won the super lightweight bout. 

Kenyan Kimario exhibited great zeal as he defeated his Mauritanian opponent, Ready, in featherweight. 

In super middleweight, Lucien Botumbe from DRC needed just one minute and 30 seconds to knock out Mauritius’ Adel Motean. 

Kenya’s James Nyariki lost to Louis Cedrick Olivier in a four-round heavyweight bout. 

In the women’s contest, Jane Kavulani lost to Praxides Anyango. 

Rayton Okwiri Retains His Belt 

Kenya’s Rayton Okwiri claimed a unanimous point decision to defeat Tanzania’s Shaban Ndaro. The judges scored 80-72, 80-72 and 89-73 in favour of the former ABU middleweight champion. 

However, it was not an easy win for Okwiri as Shaban gave him a run for his money. Okwiri bled due to ‘face deconstruction. 

The referee had to separate Rayton Okwiri and Shaban several times throughout the fight.