Africa Zone Three champion Bakari battles Oduor in the featherweight finals

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.