Kimani, Odhiambo advance to African Boxing Championship quarters

Kenya boxing team ‘Hit Squad’ registered mixed results on Day 3, which featured a rollercoaster of two wins and two narrow split-decision losses, highlighting the high competitive standard of the ongoing African Boxing Championship in Nairobi.

Kelvin Kimani and Emmanuel Odhiambo, both displayed tactical brilliance to secure their spots in the Quarterfinals. Kimani showcased his ability to perform under intense pressure against a regional rival, forcing him to dig deep to edge out Uganda’s Kakane Bruno in a fiercely contested 3:2 split decision.

His compatriot Emmanuel Odhiambo continued to build on his momentum, extending his stellar tournament form with a convincing and authoritative victory over Sudan’s Zienalabden Ismail.

However, the evening also brought narrow disappointments that showed just how close the bouts were. Benedict Juma fought valiantly but ultimately suffered a tight 2:3 split-decision loss to Angola’s Daniel Makaya Gomes.

In another emotional bout, Alloyce Vincent showed immense grit by stepping into the ring despite carrying an eye cut sustained in his previous fight; though he fought through the adversity, he ultimately fell to Egypt’s Abeed Abdelfatah in another agonizingly close 2:3 split decision.

Despite the setbacks, the Kenya dressing room has demonstrated exceptional resilience, ready to battle again today and keep the nation’s podium hopes very much alive as the tournament progresses.

Today Grace Atieno takes on Ugandan Wakawoza Rasjida in Ladies 44-48 Kgs, followed by Amina Martha battling Nigerian Ajishola Khadijat in the ladies 51-54Kgs category while Elizabeth Akinyi will Square it out with Tanzanian Hidaya Zahoro.

On the men’s side Emmanuel Odhiambo will be back again in action against Ugandan Msubuga Samuel in men's 50-55Kgs before Clinton Macharia closes our packed day against Emmanuel Tabule from Uganda.