All eyes on Ongare to save face in the IBA Women’s World Championships

There is no denying it that Kenya’s performances in the ongoing IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships has been below par, or maybe we heaved much expectations.

Heading into Saturday’s action, all six Kenyans to have participated in the first two days of the championships have lost on the judges’ decision - painting a growing worrying picture of Kenya’s recent performances on the world stage.

Africa Zone Three gold medalist Teresia Wanjiru was the last Kenyan to cap off Day Two action on Friday - losing by unanimous points decision (5-0) to the winner Chopra Shashi of Egypt.

“Wanjiru made a good account of herself in the ring," Hit Squad coach Musa Benjamin said on Saturday morning. “Despite the fact that she played against a tough opponent who was tactically and physically better, she didn’t back down. That will encourage her for sure.”

Musa was on the other hand disappointed by the two losses from Elizabeth Akinyi and Stacy Ayoma earlier in the day as he noted that the two ‘showed no hunger’ and ‘didn’t follow the game plan.’

The best thing would be to look ahead, as 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Christine Ongare headlines Saturday’s early afternoon action against fellow East African Rahma Maganga (Tanzania) in the elite women’s middleweight bout.

“I feel in great shape," Ongare told the Boxing Federation of Kenya on Saturday. “It is a plus to be facing an opponent you already know much about. My promise to all Kenyans is to be ready for a win from me. That for sure is coming. I know we have been disappointed in the last two days, today will be different."

Ongare recently faced Maganga in the East African championships in Dar es Salaam early January and is confident that she will replicate her exploits by getting the better of her once again.

Optimism high despite Kenya’s false start in the IBA Women’s World Championships

In the other bout involving Kenyan representation, championship debutant Friza Anyango will take on 2022 Light welterweight World Champion Khelif Imane (Algeria) in the afternoon session, a match the former believes will be tough.

“I understand that she is championship material,” Anyango said. “I have done my part, studied her game and watched a couple of her videos. I will definitely do my best to respond to what she does in the three rounds.”

Both boxers answer the bell in the first session - 5A, with the first bout starting at 1400 hrs.