AFRICA’S EMERGING STARS:
Mathias Munyaka, who is a member of Mbotela Boxing Club, is an outstanding Kenyan boxer knocking on the door to stardom
He boxed with tact, style and confidence and won the hearts of fans at the Umoja Gym during the finals of the Nairobi Junior and Youth Tournament on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
Mathias Munyaka is one of Africa’s Emerging Stars whose future in the ring is bright provided his potential is nurtured well and monitored constantly by the national selectors.
Munyaka put up a brilliant show to outpoint equally impressive William Mugalia of Kasarani Youth Boxing Club in an entertaining featherweight bout.
He is now looking forward to the National Junior and Youth Boxing Championships which will be organised by the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK).
Mbotela Boxing Club coach Raphael Kamuya aka Kamwana was satisfied with the performance of his boxer Munyaka.
“He boxed according to my instructions. He was patient and did not rush at his opponent and perfect timing in his punches, I’m sure he’ll eventually join the national youth team,” said Kamwana.
Equally impressed was Kibra Boxing Club coach Hassan Salim. “The boy is very good, he’ll go far. He’s an all-round boxer able to switch from orthodox to southpaw with amazing effectiveness,” said Hassan who is also the Assistant Competition Secretary of Nairobi County Boxing Association.
The 17-year-old Munyaka moves to fourth form at Uhuru High School when schools re-open next week.
What’s his major goal for now?
“I want to be one of the best boxers in Kenya and represent my country,” said Munyaka who started learning boxing in 2020 under the tutelage of Kamwana, one of the successful grassroots coaches in Nairobi. Among the top boxers he has groomed are internationals, heavyweight Peter Abuti of Kenya Defence Forces and lightweight Ethan Maina of Kenya Police. Others include KDF’s big-hitting light-middleweight Alvin Oduor and talented welterweight Joshua Clive.
Like most grassroots coaches in Africa, Kamwana’s nagging problem is lack of equipment.
“We have a shortage of punchbags, skipping ropes, speedballs, sparring gloves, training kit and competition uniform,” said Kamwana, appealing to sponsors to support his progressive club.
“There’s a lot of money in Kenya I see being splashed by politicians and funeral contributions when sportsmen pass on, that generosity should be extended to us and other clubs because Kenya has a lot of potential in boxing,” said Kamwana who also also needs an operation budget to assist him in transport and food for his boxers during competitions.
Full results of the finals of Nairobi Junior and Youth Boxing Tournament held on January 4 at Umoja Gym.
*11-12 yrs 35-36kg:* Ramsey Wahu (Kibra Youth) was stopped in round one by Mukuru’s Lawrence Kirima
*13-14 yrs 33-34 kg:* Joseph Kamau ((Kariobangi) outpointed Jericho’s Morgan Omondi
*9-10 yrs 24-25 kg:* Teruii Opondo (Jericho) outpointed John Muthee (Mukuru)
*17-18 yrs 57kg:* Mathias Munyaka (Mbotela) outpointed William Mugalia (Kasarani Youth)
Brian Arinda (Mukuru) outpointed Elvis Lincons (Kasarani Youth)
*17-18 yrs 54 kg:* Vincent Wamboi (Kasarani) outpointed Chris Maina (Kasarani)
*13-14 yrs 56kg:* Keth Edmon (Kayole W) outpointed Ellyada Mabior (Jericho)
*17-18 yrs 67 kg:* Charles Odhiambo (Mukuru) outpointed Ian Oyaro (Mathare)
*11-12 yrs 40kg:* Elvis Karanja outpointed Mbogwa David (Jericho)
*15-16 yrs 50kg:* Morgan Baraka (Kangemi) beat Douglas Omondi (Kasarani Youth) RSC abandoned third round
*14-16 yrs 46-45kg:* Goodshepherd Muchiri (Jericho) outpointed Geremy Kangethe (Kasarani)
*9-10 yrs 45-46kg:* Festus Kiprono (Jericho) beat Paul Otieno (Kariobangi) RSC round one
Tevin Mwaura (Jericho) outpointed Emmanuel Kosgey (Jericho)
Stefany Wamboi (Jericho) lost on pts to Janet Wairimu (Mukuru) pts
*9-10 yrs 26-27kg:* Jamal Said (Mathare) stopped Rahim Mahmud (Kariobangi) round one.
*Ladies 13-14 yrs 48kg:* Grace Atieno (Mukuru) stopped Grace Apio (Kariobangi) round one.
boxersworld.co.ke
