Prisons Department promise to reward Rayton Okwiri for retaining ABU Middleweight title

Kenya’s Rayton Okwiri has retained his Africa Boxing Union (ABU) middleweight title after overwhelming his DRC Congo opponent Augustine “Big Ben” Matata before a massive turn-out that braved the cold night on Saturday night at the Nairobi’s Charter Hall.

Among the dignitaries who watched the entertaining bouts sponsored by Solid Rock Promotions and sanctioned by Kenya professional Boxing commission(KPBC) were Makadara Legislator Hon.George Aladwa,KPBC President  Reuben Ndolo,Kenya prisons Deputy commissioner Ngaira Mutevesi,Promoter Caleb Kuya,KPBC officials and professional boxers led by Fatuma “Iron Fist” Zarika among others.

Okwiri  scored  291points against  his  DRC opponents  275 that translated to 96-92,,99-92, and 98-91 to clinch the belt.The 10 round bout was hotly contested  with the DRC Congo boxer proving a major obstacle.

Following the win,Prisons Department Deputy commissioner ( Ngaira Mutevesi) lauded Okwiri’s victory saying it was an early Christmas gift for the entire prison fraternity.

He said “Okwiri’s victory has done us proud.We are delighted with his achievement so far.As our employee, we are going to reward him “

Okwiri’s Coach David ‘Computer” Kiilu said he was delighted his work, and guidance had paid handsomely. He described the DRC Opponent as a boxer but not a fighter. ‘The  DRC  Congo opponent was  good and mature boxer and that is why  he lasted all the 10 rounds.He is not a  boxer but a good  fighter.We are going to relax for the next two weeks and resume training early January  before we secure an International Boxing Federation (IBF) bout for him next year.”said he.

However, Kenya’s Morris Okola and Nick “Makaveli” Mwangi were given a run for their money by their Malawi opponents to win their heavyweight and super lightweight titles.

Okola was forced to dig deep before overcoming Laban Lano in the eight-round bout while Mwangi knocked out Laban Chikapa in the second round.

Nevertheless, fear gripped the packed hall when Kenya’s Frank Ochieng needed medical attention after he went to a comma following a heavy blow from DRC Congo’s Festo Botumbe in a Light heavy bout.

In other bouts,Hamza Ssenyonga beat Edward Mashala in the  second round while Jane Kavulani beat Nicole Achieng in  a TKO fourth round  of the  Super featherweight while Joshua Osotsi lost on points to Nick ‘Kanyankoles” Otieno in a well contested Featherweight bout that kept fans on their toes.

Other winners were Augustine Kimani,Everlyn Adero, James Mugeni and Reba Manda respectively.