New dawn for Kenya's pro-boxing as Ultra Fight Series confirm partnership with KPBC

In what will be exciting news to Kenyan boxing fans, the announcement of Daniel Wanyonyi’s rematch fight with Karim ‘Mtu Kazi’ Mandonga, a Kenya Professional Boxing Commission sanctioned fight-night, in its own way, paves way for a new era of match-making and a platform for young boxers to get onto the big scene.

Speaking on Friday afternoon while unveiling the Repeat or Revenge Boxing Night slated for Saturday, July 22, KPBC President Reuben Ndolo took time to re-emphasize what he felt was a new dawn to Kenya’s pro-boxing.

“I want to thank and credit everyone involved in making this come true,” Ndolo said, referring to the Sarit Expo Centre management who are the hosts for the bouts, match promoter, Ultra Fight Series and the boxers.

“This is a huge step forward for Kenya’s professional boxing and will help us return back to the days where boxing was a big sport in our country.”

Reminiscing the days (specifically 15-20 years ago) when The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) would flock with boxing enthusiasts, Ndolo, a former pugilist, was excited of the journey commencing on Friday to bring “Las Vegas to Kenya.”

A look back at 29 April 2023, Ndolo handed Maurice Odera - founder of Ultra Fight Series - a one year KPBC Promoters’ certificate, confirming the company’s status to holding pro bouts in Kenya.

As per the communication made then, their idea to hold five bouts in a year was reiterated once again on Friday, making the July 22 bout the first of many to come this year.

“It is a proud moment for us as UFS to finally venture into boxing,” Odera remarked.

“We have in the past held Muay Thai competitions and for us to now grace boxers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and DRC is a great first step. We look forward to more partnerships in the future,” he added.

On the pipeline lies two other fight nights in the first week of October and December, all with the aim of nurturing young pro boxers and maintaining the experienced ones in the picture.

Repeat or Revenge? Wanyonyi gets second chance against garrulous Mandonga in Nairobi fight

“Our plan is to give budding boxers a chance to start their careers early, and what an opportunity it will be for them to be in big fight cards,” Odera said. “We have seen Muay Thai grow, brought the WBC Title fights here as the only African country to do so and soon enough, we hope to reach such levels.”

Also in support was the Sarit Expo Centre management - well represented by Jason Zeelie (CEO) - who through his representative William, expressed delight in hosting the fight nights at their new 3,300 square meters arena with a capacity of 3000 fans saying; “We are kicking off a new project that will now have boxing become part of us. We have always been accustomed to hosting private events, exhibitions and seminars but this time, following us hosting weight-lifting events, we will have a taste of boxing.”

Sarit Expo this year also held the Kenya Open Chess Championships.

“All this is in support of our boxers who are talented and have the capability of earning a living from the sport they love,” Ndolo added. “All we stay committed to is ensuring that our dream will come true. Let the fans come out and enjoy what we have in store.”

Announcements on ticket availability for the fight will be communicated in due course. KPBC also announced that on the day, free transport from Nairobi (CBD) to Westlands will be available.