Ajowi leads Hit Squad’s chase for first win in Serbia

Kenya’s Hit Squad may have started their quest for medals at the World Boxing Championships on the wrong footing, losing their first four bouts, but coach David Munuhe is confident they will have a better day on Thursday 28 October. 

Three pugilists are in action, having been given byes to the second round, led by Olympian and 2021 Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championship gold medalist Elly Ajowi who is set to play two-time Olympian Jakhon Qurbonov of Takijistan in the Super Heavyweight.

The second boxer in action is feather weight’ Martin Aluoch who is up against Congolese boxer Nathan Lunata. Welterweight Joseph Shighali does battle with United States’ 28-year old Marcos Antonio Hernandez.

“We had a bad day in office in the opening round as all our boxers lost their fights. Our boys gave their all but the judges thought otherwise. We look forward to doing better in today’s bouts,” Munuhe told Mozzart Sport.

Flyweight David Karanja lost to Luis Delgado of Ecuador 4:1 on a split decision in what was his second tournament with the Kenya national boxing team. Victor Odhiambo lost his light-welterweight bout against London Olympian Thapa Shiva from India on a unanimous points decision.

Hit squad skipper Nick Okoth was also on the losing end, going down to De La Cruz Alexis of the Dominican Republic while Hezron Sabat also lost to Alhindawi Odayi.

On Friday, Shafi Bakari will test his mettle against Nuhammet Saclu of Turkey in the bantamweight category. Martin Maina, the only boxer making his debut in the national team and Edwin Okongo are also scheduled to play later.