With no prior knowledge of her visiting Zimbabwean adversary Chiedza Homakoma, Commonwealth Boxing Council Super Lightweight title holder Sarah Achieng’ hopes to employ the much-needed grit and level-headedness in her eagerly-awaited mandatory defence.
Achieng’ will square it out with Homakoma (6 wins-4loses) in a 10-rounder which will headline the seven-bout Solid Rock fight-card at Nairobi’s Charter Hall.
The Kenyan boasts of a record of 14 wins (7 Kos) and two loses and has held the title for over 12 months following her majority points victory against Malawian Anisha Basheel in Nairobi.
Speaking during weigh-in at a Nairobi hotel, Achieng aka “Angel of War” admitted that she has no idea how the Zimbabwean fights, but emphasised taking the game as it comes.
“I don’t know how Chiedza fights, neither have I seen her video clips. But my coach (Irie Priest) has researched and gathered some useful tactical information that I believe will come in handy in our fight,” said Achieng’.
The Solid Rock card will be curtain-raised by the Pugilist Syndicate of Tanzania (PST) vacant super bantamweight title fight pitting Salimat Tibesigwa of Uganda against Consalata Musanga of Kenya.
There was some good-humoured rivalry at weigh-in as the Ugandan bantered over Musanga’s downfall.
“She will definitely kiss the canvas in the opening round. I want to believe that she is ready for me but she has finally meet her waterloo in this one,” said
Kenya Professional Boxing Commission chairman Reuben Ndolo noted that the Commission has a sanction letter from Commonwealth Boxing Council to hold Achieng’s title fight.
“We have a sanction letter from Commonwealth and the fact that Achieng’ has held the title for long is nothing to worry about. The Commonwealth body had given her up to the end of 2022 to defend her title,” Ndolo said.
“The title fights give us a very good opportunity not for the boxing sport but unity in our country. It’s good for the youth and we are proud and happy because we earn immense respect across the continent as much as our opponents do. We have groomed youthful boxers who will take advantage of impending opportunities."
