One of the most wanted fights between two Kenyan boxers will finally take place on 21st June 2008. At the Club Afrique, Nairobi, National Heavyweight Champion Thomas Okusi (6-9) will fight fellow countryman Raymond Ochieng (13-7) in an 8 round non-title fight. Okusi has held the heavyweight title for over a year and a half, since defeating Chris Sirengo last year. He has not defended his title since that fight..
Raymond Ochieng who beleives that he is the true heir to the heavyweight title, pointing an accusing finger at the Kenyan Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) for not facilitating his challenge for the heavyweight title, or for not stripping the champion of the title for non-activity.
‘We have no problem with Ochieng challenging the champion; however when they were to face off last year, the political environment would not allow for the fight to happen. KPBC Sec. General Shabaan Ogolla had said in a previous press conference. ‘It should also be noted that such a fight would involve some high costs for the purse and its the boxing promoters to handle that, not the commission’
The two boxers who have been dancing circles around each other for the past two years with taunts will however not face off for the heavyweight title. Team Boxing who are promoting the contest will only facilitate an 8 round non- title fight for the two heavies.
‘I am going to send Okusi to retirement’ Ochieng boasted ‘ After I do that, I am calling on KPBC to declare strip Okusi and declare me the interim champion until someone else can step up and face me.
The under cards on Saturday will feature Samwel Kamau vs Andrew Samba, Fatuma Zarika vs Jamhuri Saidi, Shadrack Kipruto vs Vicky Lolenga. UBC Champion Anthony Napunyi will also feature in the card, while hot female prospect and former karateka, Bena Kaloki will make her pro debut against Rukia Nasirate