Sports
Boxing: ‘King’ George Beckons For ABU, Commonwealth Crowns
There is no limitations for 24- year old George ‘King’ Onyango who is basking in the glory after successfully defending his national Light welterweight title in Nairobi on Saturday night.
The thrilling victory rematch against his ferocious enemy Fred ‘Nekes’ Nyakesha has inspired Onyango to go for a much bigger title in the sport.
“If I get an opportunity to defend this belt for the second time, I won’t hesitate. But now, I want a continental glory. My focus is on the African Boxing Union (ABU) belt,” Onyango told Standard Sports.
“When I’m done with ABU I will head for the Commonwealth title, but I’m ready for whichever comes first. When I’m done with ABU and Commonwealth I’ll start dreaming of the global belts like the World Boxing Council.”
The Muthurwa born pugilist who was raised in Umoja says he’s opted for the African belts to give his career a new challenge and dimension.
“You can’t stay in the same position the rest of your life. I have been a national champion in my category since 2018, how do I then grow? I have to look for new challenges, that’s what I believe will build me,” he said.
Concerning his weekend victory, Onyango termed his duel with Nyakesha as one of his best ever fight in his entire career. Nyakesha is an experienced fighter, he was a worthy opponent. Our fight was a very tough match to win for either side.
“He was a tough opponent. He gave me a hard time in the ring,” he admitted.
“We both gave our best shots. I’m glad I displayed my God-given talent. Our fans came out happy, I was happy with the deserved win,” he said.
Even though he’s still lobbying for the African titles, Onyango has already resumed training at his base at the newly refurbished Umoja Boxing Club gym where his talent was spotted and honed by former women’s boxing sensation Conjestina ‘Hands of Stone ‘Achieng.
“Conje was our neighbour in Umoja. She’s the one who inspired me to go full blast in boxing after High school,” Onyango recalls.
In the boxing cycles, Onyango is commonly referred to us ‘King Georges’ or the “Pretty boy” for his flawless face.
The lanky hard puncher trains under head coach Jeff Magina who believes every fight is a war that needs proper planning and execution.
“Whenever we have a fight, I train him like an animal. This reptilian mindset is what has made us champions,” says Magina.
Impressed with Onyango’s weekend display, Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) President Reuben Ndolo believes the pugilist is a continental material that has the potential to bring the country glory.
“The entertaining showpiece is just a tip of the iceberg of what the federation has lined up for the boxing fraternity onwards.
“We are grateful that sponsors are coming on board to be part of this plan.
Fans should expect another thrilling showpiece on December 26,” Ndolo said.
Dennis Ombachi, popular rugby player and chef has set tongues wagging after sharing a snippet of his toddler son showcasing that he can float on water and swim to safety.
Ombachi took to his Instagram page to share a video throwing the little boy into the water, leaving many in shock.
In the short video, the rugby player lifted his son up, kissed him, then he tossed him into a swimming pool by the leg.
“Four weeks since we started water safety classes and my son graduated today, officially water safe!” Ombachi gushed on Twitter about his son’s abilities.
Once in the water, the baby boy quickly gets himself to a floating position and kicks his feet moving forward steadily. It appears that he can get himself out of a pool and even keep his head up to breathe after having been taught the life skill early on.
Following the child’s accomplishment, Ombachi said that he is a “proud father”
“Proud of you my naughty boy, you’re finally Water Safe, less worries for us when you are out of our sight having successfully completed your water safety class. Happy graduation day,” he wrote on Instagram.
Since his early Monday morning post, the self-taught chef has been trending on Twitter, with over 5000 tweets being made about him, with netizens sharing mixed reactions.
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Athletics Kenya (AK) is impressed with the progress made by inferior athletes at the ongoing vacation camp.
The camps are aimed at preparing athletes for the World Under-20 tournament in Cali, Colombia.
AK President Jack Tuwei who was speaking in Kapsumbeiywo All4Running youth camp which is headed by former world
800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei, said he was impressed by the turnout of the youth in colorful camps.
“We have 26 camps across the country and we are happy because they are training well thanks to the government who have helped in funding them. As a federation we shall do our part and make sure we get some of the best from these camps,” Tuwei said.
Kenya will be seeking to retain the title for the younger team for the third time in a row in the tournament set for August after winning in Tampere, Finland in 2018 and again last time in Nairobi.
AK youth head trainer Robert Ngiserei said the early medication will enable the country to present a strong platoon across the all events.
“At the Youth Sub Committee, we have embraced this program as it will help us improve more on the development of talent which will ensure our country remains as an athletics powerhouse,” Ngiserei said.
Funding Partnerships and Grants Manager at Northern Rangelands Trust
Legal Counsel at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)
