The remaining two Kenyan boxers Elly Ajowi and Elizabeth Akinyi in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics will fight tomorrow (Tuesday) in the round of 16.
The duo will be hoping to make up for the exit of featherweight Nick Okoth and Christine Ongare who exited in the round of 32 on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Ajowi will fight from the blue corner against Cruz Julio of Cuba in round of 16 while Elizabeth Akinyi will be in the red corner facing Panguana Alcinda Helena .
Of the two Kenyans, Ajowi has the toughest task given that La Cruz (born 11 August 1989) is an accomplished boxer.
The Cuban won the light heavyweight world title in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017, Gold at the Pan American Games in 2011, 2015, and 2019, as well as the Olympic gold medal in 2016.
Despite his opponents colourful career, Ajowi exuded confidence, saying : “La Cruz might be a four-time world champion and an Olympic champion but that was in light heavyweight! He is very beatable in heavyweight. During the 2019 World Championship, he lost. I have nothing to lose and he has no where to hide come Tuesday.”
Akinyi, who is one of the newest member of the Kenya team at international level, said: “I have fought against Alcinda Panguana before during Zone 3 Championship in Kinshasa Congo and lost on points. This time, I have prepared better and I believe I will defeat her when it matters the most.”
Coach Benjamin Musa has described the event’s draw as one of their toughest. “It’s one of the toughest draws, but we know that to become champions we have to defeat champions so we are ready to take them on, I believe the harder the battle the sweeter the victory!”
