Heavyweight boxer Joshua Wasike has scoffed at the suggestion by a couple of boxing officials that his win over n All African Games bronze medalist Elly Ajowi was fortuitous.
Wasike, 27, wondered if the officials had orchestrated an elaborate plan to discredit him in the eyes of the public and possibly deny him a fair shot at qualifying for next years Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
“It was not the first time I was defeating Ajowi. I beat him in 2016 and in our latest fight, I knocked him down three times. So for anyone to suggest that I won because my opponent was ill-prepared is an insult to me, my trainers and the boxing fraternity,”he said.
Wasike said he is far from his best yet given that he resumed training last year after taking a break for two years. Technical official Samuel Otieno aka Oti Hitman, former Kenyan international Duncan Kuria and national team coach Benjamin Musa were among those who were quick to excuse Ajowi's 'shock' defeat at Nanyuki Social Hall.
“I am not employed so I took time off boxing to hustle and take care of myself. I only engaged in part-time training. So for me to come back and beat someone like Ajowi who has only to focus on boxing because he is employed (National Police service) is a testament to my talent and dedication to the sport,” added Wasike who shifted his allegiance from the Omar Kasongo Sports Academy to Kibra Sports club.
Currently, the big-hitting conventional fighter works out at the Coliseum Gym in Adams Arcade. Wasike has set his sights on winning a slot to the Olympic qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal next year, saying in spite of odds being stuck against him, his talent will shine through.
“I am working very hard. I want to be ready to prove everyone who doubts my abilities wrong. I will be in Kisumu where, hopefully, I will meet Ajowi and shut up all those who doubt my debilitates,” the former light-heavy pugilist promised.
The next round of the National boxing league is set for Kisumu from the 21st-23rd of this month.
