The hard-punching boxer swept to victory in the 57Kgs division, following a unanimous 3-0 points decision victory over Eutycus Wanjau of G44 BC.
Shaffi - a silver medallist at the 2019 African Games - suffered an upset at the Kenya Open Boxing Championship on April 4 where he was silenced by a 16-year-old Form Two student at Mwiki Secondary School, Chris Juma who plies his trade for the Kasarani Boxing Club.
The sting of his April loss, a shocking upset at the hands of a teenage prodigy, still lingered, a phantom jab to the jaw. But instead of succumbing to despair, Shaffi transformed that pain into fuel, forging a path back to the pinnacle of his sport.
And the fiercely competitive Busia finals offered the ideal setting for a decisive comeback.
It was a ballet of brutality, a dance of controlled aggression. His punches, honed over years of relentless training, landed with precision on Wanjau's face. The final bell sounded, a release of pent-up energy. The judges' decision was unanimous: a 3-0 points victory for Shaffi.
Usually stoic and reserved, the diminutive boxer was overcome with emotion, raising his arms in triumph, his face a mask of pure, unadulterated joy. The featherweight title, the culmination of years of sweat and sacrifice, was finally his.
"I channeled my disappointment into a fierce resolve to reclaim my position at the top," he said.
Shaffi said his victory was a declaration of intent, a resounding statement that he was back, stronger and more focused than ever.
"The win in Busia serves as a significant milestone, a reminder that even after facing adversity, one can rise again, stronger and more determined than ever," he said.
Shaffi's aspirations extend beyond national accolades. He is keenly aware of the broader horizons that await him on the international stage.
"The international stage is beckoning and I'm eager to embrace it. The win is a big plus in my career at this pivotal juncture when I'm eyeing glory on the international stage," Shaffi said.
His last international outing was at the Africa Boxing Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo in October, 2024 when he crashed to Zambia’s African Games silver medallist Mwengo Mwale in a hotly-contested semi-final.
The semi-final bout was a close contest that tested Bakari's skills to their limits, ultimately ending in disappointment.
However, rather than allowing this defeat to define him, Bakari has chosen to view it as a stepping stone towards greater achievements.
The international stage awaits, a beckoning horizon promising new challenges and greater glory.
The memory of his semi-final loss in Kinshasa still burns, a reminder of the intense competition he will face. But this time, the fire is different. It's not the fire of defeat, but the fire of a champion, tempered by adversity, fueled by ambition.
