The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
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Bet22 Kenya General manager Sam Malonza (Right) signs dummy cheque in support of Africa Boxing Union champion Rayton 'Boom Boom' Okwiri's (Centre) training in the USA for his WBO title fight slated in August as KPBC President Reuben Ndolo (left) looks on 14th May 2021. [David Gichuru, The Standard]
Africa Boxing Union (ABU) middleweight champion Rayton 'Boom Boom' Okwiri is stepping up training for a World Boxing Organisation title fight slated for August in Nairobi.
The duel, pitting the Olympian against a Russian opponent is also supported by Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather TMT Promotions.
Okwiri has been upping his exercises at the historic Pal Pal gym under head coach David Kiilu ahead of the crunch tie.
"I have been engaging in strength and conditioning schedule in addition to the skills and sparring techniques," he told The Standard Sports.
His weekly routine involves long distance jogging at the weekend, shadow boxing on Mondays, normal training on Tuesdays, sparring sessions on Wednesdays, another normal training on Thursdays and another sparring session on Fridays.
In order to take his fitness to the next level, Okwiri will travel to the USA next week to engage in a high profile training.
"I'll be based in Florida till August under Raynelo Promotions," he said.
Okwiri will engage in competitive sparring in the US to gain exposure ahead of the fight.
"There are no worthy sparring partners in Kenya right now, most of the opponents I have got tired easily.
"While in the US, I'll be training in a state of the art gym with all the equipment. This will put me at par with my opponent," he said.
Okwiri's trip and stay in America was sponsored on Friday by betting firm 22Bet.
In this file photo taken on September 19, 2019, former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson before the start of the Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Florida. [Photo: AFP]
In addition, the firm gave him Sh350,000 to cater for his training gears.
"With this money, I'll buy gloves, pads, boots, tracksuits, headgear, skipping ropes among other training paraphernalia," he said.
Sam Malonza, 22Bet General Manager said they chose to sponsor Okwiri because the pugilist has potential.
"We supported him last December when he successfully defended his ABU title. We are glad he didn't disappoint," Malonza said.
Malonza explained The Money Team (TMT) Promotions by American boxer Floyd Mayweather and former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson have agreed to be part of the forthcoming bout.
"We look forward to host Tyson in Nairobi soon before the fight," said Malonza.
Kiilu who is a former World Boxing Union and World Boxing Federation champion is happy that Okwiri has finally landed on a sponsorship deal to aid his fights.
"Now we have no financial problems, it's our turn to deliver the belt home," said Kiilu.
Kiilu will engage Okwiri online to monitor the boxer’s progress in the US.
Okwiri's Manager, Ahmed Juma believes the boxer will return to Kenya sharper and ready to deliver the coveted belt.
Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) President, Reuben Ndolo said the federation and WBO will announce Okwiri's opponent in due course.
He also challenged Bet22 to sponsor other young boxers because they are the future of the sport.
"Okwiri was initially to fight Moshea Aleem of USA on May 19, but this did not take place due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic," said KPBC Secretary General Frankline Imbenzi.
QUOTE
"When I started boxing my dream was to represent Kenya in the Olympics (Rio 2016), own a continental belt (ABU) and now I'm focused to win a World title." ABU champion Rayton Okwiri.
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting,
digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading
multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
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