▪️The Angel of War is back in action tonight to make the first defence of her WBF world super lightweight title against Tanzania’s Feriche Mashaury
As an upcoming boxer in 2008, Sarah Achieng aka Angel of War was doing her evening run in Buru Buru when out of the blue came a heavy slap that almost knocked her down.
At first she thought the man who slapped her was crazy. He was not. The guy was just an estate bully.
“I was young by then there was little I could do,” recalls Achieng.
“I was shocked why a grown up man would do this to an innocent girl like me.
“Did he take advantage just because I’m a small girl who can’t fight back?,” wondered Achieng as passersby comforted her.
“I was then learning boxing without any ambition but that painful slap was the turning point. I now told myself I want to become a champion to prove the bully wrong and also use boxing as self defence.
“I was ready to fight any man who bullied me again.”
By then Achieng was training at the SOS gym in Outering Estate under coach Alfred Analo aka Priest, the founder of the famous Boxgirls community-based organisation.
In the gym Analo, who introduced Achieng to boxing, was not aware what had happened to his boxer.
“Sarah never told me about the incident but I realised she was now training harder and more serious. Little did I know her aim was to revenge,” Analo told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.
Analo convinced Achieng in 2008 to take up boxing but she was not very keen on the sport at the time.
“I learnt of the slap incident later when she had boxed in several fights, her aim was to beat up any man who does that to her again,” says Analo who discouraged his boxers from engaging in street fights.
“I was totally against street fights, one can easily be shot dead because there are no rules in street fights.
“My advice must have sunk in her. The slap was however useful because it encouraged Sarah to take boxing more seriously.”
Indeed that unexpected slap was the cloud in a silver lining, inspiring Achieng to double up her efforts aiming at the top under coach Analo.
The Buru Buru bully inspired Achieng to become one of Kenya’s top professional boxers winning multiple titles.
Today Achieng is not only the Commonwealth super lightweight queen but also the reigning world super lightweight champion under the auspices of the World Boxing Foundation. (WBF) whose Kenya representative is a former star international boxer George “Kidi” Adipo. He’s also WBF Africa Coordinator.
This is the title Achieng (17-2, 9 KOs) is defending tonight, November 2, 2025, against Tanzania’s Feriche Mashaury (12-8-1, 3 KOs) at the Red Room Lounge in Kilimani in a Solid Rock Promotions card sanctioned by the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC).
Achieng is making the first defence of her WBF world title she captured in June, 2023, by outpointing Argentina’s Edith Soledad in a 10-round fight at the Charter Hall, Nairobi.
While Achieng is the red-hot favourite to win the fight, she’s not taking her opponent lightly.
“Every opponent deserves respect. I never underestimate any boxer,” says Achieng.
“I prepare for every bout like a championship fight because discipline and respect define who I am as an athlete. I respect the Tanzanian, agreeing to challenge me is a true spirit of a champion. Boxing is not only about records but also style, mindset and preparation.”
Achieng would have preferred defending her titles regularly to improve on her record and of course make more money but she understands the challenges facing promoters.
“I’m always ready to defend my titles but at times sponsorship challenges to promoters and suitable opponents complicates things, what matters most to me is taking part in fights that enhance my image and inspire other female boxers.”
Achieng never fought in amateur tournaments. She started competitive boxing as a pro boxer. Her coach and manager Analo tells us more on her first pro fight in 2008.
“I remember Bena Kaloki wanted an opponent in a card she was funding, so approached me seeking an opponent she can beat, I proposed she fights Sarah.
“She agreed but was not aware about Sarah’s abilities, I knew she’s in for a rough time, Sarah beat her proper but they robbed her victory.
“They did the same again against Judy Waguthi, she was badly beaten by Sarah but given the victory. That’s why they can’t fight my boxer again because they’re scared of her boxing prowess.”
Given lack of regular pro bouts in Africa, Achieng has so far taken part in only 19 fights since 2008 when she took part in her first pro fight.
Despite the meagre payment in Africa pro boxing, Achieng says she has reaped several benefits in the sport
“I’ve said it often financially the returns have not been huge in pro boxing but the experience has built a foundation for bigger opportunities ahead,” says Achieng who is a Brand Ambassador at Boxgirls.
“Life would definitely be tougher if I didn’t have a job at Boxgirls. Many boxers struggle hustling here and there because there’s little financial stability in our pro boxing.
“My role at Boxgirls keeps me connected to my purpose empowering upcoming female boxers and through this I get balance proving that boxers need to diversify and think beyond the ring.”
For Achieng, however, a fat purse is not everything in her pursuit for excellence in pro boxing.
“My inspiration goes beyond the purse. I fight to break barriers, to show young girls and boys that their dreams are valid no matter where they start.If they remain resilient and focused they’ll succeed.”
She is confident eventually the situation will change for the better in Africa’s pro boxing, and that’s why she’s still at it.
“I’ll continue fighting for the growth of African boxing to keep the fire alive until we build strong structures that reward talent fairly.
“With the right collaboration, media exposure and proper management things will improve. More people are beginning to appreciate the sport and investing in pro boxing. The more we push for change, the more we attract attention and investment. Every fight, every story told brings us closer to that breakthrough.”
Achieng, however, cautions all stakeholders that without unity of purpose nothing much will be achieved.
“I believe the future of African boxing depends on the solid unity of boxers, promoters, media, sponsors and federations working together to professionalize the system.”
That said, we wish the Angel of War the best of luck in the first defence of your WBF super lightweight title. Don’t rush to end the fight inside the distance. Entertain your fans and express yourself.
