Africa Zone Three champion Bakari battles Oduor in the featherweight finals

Boxing
By Ben Ahenda | Dec 02, 2023
Shaffi Bakari (blue) of Kenya Police prepares to jab Robert Gachuhi of Nairobi in Nakuru.[Ben Ahenda,Standard]

Africa Zone Three bantamweight gold medallist Shaffi Bakari battles Francis Oduor of Kongowea in the featherweight finals in the penultimate leg of the National Boxing league in Nanyuki this afternoon.

It was the third time Bakari who boxes for the league champions Kenya Police was easily cruising into the finals since he crossed to the featherweight (57kg) from bantamweight (54kg) this year.

Bakari defeated Robert Gachuhi of Nairobi on unanimous points decision having beaten the same boxer in the same stages in the third leg of the league championships in Nakuru two weeks back.

"The battle continues as we are determined to do even better in the final leg as we hope to get selected into the final team that will take part in the World Olympic Qualifiers," Bakari told Standard Sports.

On his part, Oduor beat Steve Murega of Meru on points to qualify for the finals.

In the bantamweight, Dennis Muthama of Kenya Defence Forces also booked his ticket to the finals after he pounded James Kiplagat of Laikipia on points.

Selected Semifinal Results

Bantamweight (54kg) - Dennis Muthama of Kenya Defence Forces beat James Kiplagat of Laikipia 3-0.

Featherweight (57kg) - Shaffi Bakari of Police beats Robert Gachuhi of Nairobi 3-0.

Francis Oduor of Kongowea beat Steve Murega of Meru 3-0.

Share this story
Kenya basks in 10,000m glory at African Senior Athletics event
Diana Wanza made it a 10,000m double gold for the country when she oozed class in the women’s 25-lap contest on Friday evening.
Stage set for World U20 Champs trials
The World Under-20 Championships are scheduled for August 2–9, 2026, in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
Ingo derby now a huge test for AFC Leopards' title credentials
Leopards to pile pressure on Gor with a win against Homeboyz.
Okong'o leads experienced boxers into finals
Africa Boxing Championships middleweight champion Edwin Okong’o stormed into the finals in the first leg of the National Boxing League in Nakuru yesterday.
Senators raise questions over Sh45.8 billion Talanta Sports City Stadium project again
Sports CS Mvurya and PS Mwangi are at pains to explain the sudden increase in construction costs.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS