Wasike "not taking for granted" prospect of joining greats in continental bout
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 26.06.26. | 10:35
The 33-year-old will look to become only the sixth Kenyan to hold a Commonwealth belt this evening at Mass House
Kenyan cruiserweight champion Joshua “De Champ” Wasike says he does “not take it for granted” to potentially be in the same line with previous national boxing legends, should he claim one of his biggest prizes on Friday, 26 June.
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Wasike, the East and Central African cruiserweight champion, will this evening at Mass House, Ngong Road, look to add to his ever-growing credentials, when he lines up for the vacant Cruiserweight International Commonwealth title against Malawi’s Anthony Banda, in what will be the main event of Kalakoda Promotions’ ‘Nightmare in Nairobi V’ event.
“Its another big opportunity for me, just trying to be relaxed and composed emotionally,” Wasike, who holds a 7-1-0 professional record, told Mozzart Sport ahead of the fight. “Any fight is a big fight, and every time I step into the ring, it is always my intention to remain relaxed.”
Months after lifting his first belt in February, Wasike is now on course to unlocking new heights, and ranking high in the Kenyan boxing scene.
In contending for a Commonwealth title, Wasike is well aware that a win could catapult him to new status, potentially becoming only the sixth Kenyan to hold that title in history.
Asked about the thought of joining an elite list that consists of legends including: Stephen Muchoki, Modest Napunyi, Joshua “Poison” Onyango, Michael “Lonzi” Muya, and current super-lightweight champion Sarah "Angel of War" Achieng, Wasike said: “It will feel so special, and will be a huge step for me, to be recognized among legends. I cannot take it for granted.”
Boasting of a career that has spanned over two decades, Wasike joked of the discipline that stood in his way of a pre-planned break, after his huge stoppage win over Jacob Maganga in late February.
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“I had planned to take a rest for two weeks after that, but couldn’t get to three days,” Wasike said. “Since then, I have been back in camp, and I am delighted to say that it has been great, and really consistent.”
Against Banda, Wasike comes up against an untested south-paw, who turned professional two years ago, but is on a hot streak of four successive victories, three of them being stoppages.
“Last time out I fought a south-paw at the Zone Three Championships in Congo I secured a stop,” Wasike joked of the challenge that awaits him as an orthodox. “Banda is real fighter, and I respect him for that, but I am ready for anything. Everyone trains to win, and I will do just that.”
On what to expect on the night, the 33-year-old simply said: “A proper show. Outbox him first, and then secure the win.”