Wanyonyi to face Owino in Roar In The Ring boxing tournament

Kenya's Daniel Wanyonyi (right) fights Kaminja Ramadhan of Tanzania in a past bout. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Over 24 boxers drawn from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will battle it out in the second edition of the Roar In The Ring tournament that will be staged in Nairobi's Charter Hall on Saturday.

For the first time on Kenyan soil, the event will feature para boxers who will participate in some of the bouts.

According to MELK Promotions Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Mwabili, they are out to revolutionise boxing in the county by making it all-inclusive.

"We are proud to pioneer para-boxing in Kenya and offer equal opportunities for all fighters to shine," said Mwabili.

He further added that the event will also act as a launchpad for other boxers to make a name for themselves.

"This is more than a boxing event-it's a platform for athletes to elevate their careers and for fans to witness the true spirit of African boxing," he said.

Super middleweight champion Daniel Wanyonyi will headline the competition as he takes on Daniel Owino in the national title.

Wanyonyi is confident of claiming the vacant title against Owino, who will be participating in his second professional bout.

"I am excited with the upcoming bout, as I have been dormant for some time. I want to add more local titles to my name, and this event will be of great help to me because I have not had many fights this year," said the former ABU champion boxer.

The Kenya Professional Boxers Commission (KBPC), through its president, Reuben Ndolo, has given the event the green light, stating that such competitions will help grow the sport.