Daniel Wanyonyi of Kenya in action in a past fight. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]
It will take something special to knock out former African Boxing Union light heavyweight title holder Daniel Wanyonyi from the national super middleweight gong.
This is after he knocked out Nakuru-based Daniel Owino Okoth early yesterday morning at the historic Charter Hall in Nairobi, where Wanyonyi got the green light to hold the diadem for the 16th time.
The eight-round ‘Roar In The Ring’ battle, promoted by Ezekiel Mwabili of Melk Promotions, lasted for only two minutes and 50 seconds.
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Owino, who had upped his training on the dusty terrains of Kivumbini zone in Nakuru County before the dreaded fixture, was glorious in the opening round of the fight, getting Wanyonyi off guard with three left hooks.
Noting danger, Wanyonyi changed stance in the second round, forcing Owino to his right side where he was able to get the latter off guard with a powerful punch that saw Owino’s programme smoked out of his head.
After the jab, Owino failed to rise to the challenge, and Wanyonyi seized the opportunity to finish him off.
“I think he was a worthy opponent; he started well, but he is not used to very heavy punches. He could have won the match had he worked on his mental toughness; this is what could have enabled him to recover,” 42-year-old Wanyonyi said of his opponent.
“From this fight, I have realised it will take several years for someone to dethrone me from the title. However, I want to commend Owino for his courage to put his life on the line for the belt.”
“I hope that someone better will present themselves for the challenge. I’m just here waiting. Whoever is courageous should engage me so we can square it out in the ring. I’m very much ready to relinquish the title to a worthy opponent,” Wanyonyi said.
Following the triumph, Wanyonyi now takes his career fights to 49 battles in total that include 31 wins (25KOS), 16 losses (11KOs) and 2 Draws.
The latest victory has now given Wanyonyi good bargaining power ahead of his two forthcoming international fights, one in Germany in August and another in the United Kingdom in October.
“The German opponent I was to fight in May got injured, but has communicated that he has healed and now wants the fight to go on, so we are in talks,” said Wanyonyi.
Wanyonyi said he will work on his endurance, punching power and accuracy ahead of the two international outings.
While explaining his loss to Wanyonyi, Owino said: ” He (Wanyonyi) is weak on his left side, but I failed to contain him there and this is the secret weapon he used to finish me. His right hand is so powerful, if you can evade it, you will win the fight. That’s what I noted.”
The 35-year-old father of two added: “Despite the loss to Wanyonyi, I learnt several lessons in the mash-up, so I’m headed straight to the kitchen to prepare my menu. I want to come out fully baked as my mission is to challenge the title again next year.”