ROAR IN THE RING 2 IGNITES NAIROBI WITH EXPLOSIVE BOUTS
▪️ Daniel Wanyonyi captures national super middleweight title
What a thrilling marathon fight night it was as the roar returned to Nairobi on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Nairobi’s packed Charter Hall.
The cheering was deafening. Roar in the Ring II delivered a night of pure boxing brilliance that thrilled fans, spotlighted raw talent, and made history with the inclusion of para-boxing (wheelchair boxing) for the first time in Kenya.
From the first bell in the packed card, the atmosphere was electric. Organised by MELK Promotions, the event featured 14 professional bouts and two para-boxing matches, bringing together fighters from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Each bout was a showcase of grit, resilience, and unrelenting spirit—proving once again that East Africa is quickly emerging as a force in the global pro boxing scene.
The main event of the night saw crowd favourite Daniel Wanyonyi put on a commanding performance against Daniel Okoth, stopping him with a powerful TKO in the second round at 2 minutes and 57 seconds to win the national super middleweight title. Wanyonyi’s victory wasn’t just about winning—it was a statement of dominance and a reminder of his place at the top of Kenya’s boxing ranks.
Another standout was Uganda’s middleweight James Ssebalumu who closed out a grueling contest with Tanzania’s Kelvin Masanja by securing a TKO in the eighth round, capping off one of the evening’s most dramatic and technically impressive fights.
But perhaps the most groundbreaking moments came from the para-boxing bouts. In a first-of-its-kind Kenyan event, George Atito faced off against Augustus Kamau, with Kamau taking the win on unanimous points. In the second para bout, Emmanuel Agavihi and Evans Odhiambo fought to a thrilling draw, highlighting not just their skill and determination, but also the growing momentum behind inclusive sports in the region.
The night was full of highlights:
Uganda’s Africa Boxing Union bantamweight champion Catherine Nanziri TKO’d Tanzania’s Halima Bandola in round 2. The Tanzanian boxer said she was surprised Nanziri was not cautioned for a rabbit punch even when she had turned her back signalling she could not continue fighting following a left wrist injury.
Boneface Nzangi, Fredrick Omondi, Stanley Museve, Dennis Ashley, Nicholine Achieng, Owen Kibira (Uganda), Stanley Mugerwa (Uganda), and Dennis Okoth all walked away with decisive wins.
Collins Nyakwaka TKO’d David Ochieng in the second round of the light-heavyweight bout, while Kenya’s Nick Mwangi aka Makaveli and Tanzania’s Abdulrazak Mwenga battled to an exciting draw in the super lightweight division. The Tanzanian boxer, fighting out of his country for the first time, said he was robbed of victory, sentiments echoed by some fans.
Throughout the night, fans roared, cheered, and sang as Charter Hall vibrated with every punch thrown and every decision announced. Coaches urged their fighters on from the corners, while the referees ensured fair, clean contests. The audience was treated not just to boxing, but to a full-scale sporting experience that fused entertainment, athleticism, and inclusivity not to mention the tantalising show from the elegant ring card beauties.
After the final bell, MELK Promotions Director Ezekiel Mwabili thanked fans, boxers, coaches, and all supporting partners for making the event a resounding success.
“Tonight, we witnessed the very best of what boxing can be,” he said.
“Roar in the Ring II was more than an event—it was a declaration that East African boxing is here, and it’s only getting bigger. The introduction of para-boxing is a milestone for our sport and reflects our belief that the ring belongs to everyone.”
Mwabili confirmed the next edition of Roar in the Ring returns in October 2025 on a date to be announced soon. With expectations already rising, fans can only guess what the next chapter will bring—but one thing is certain: MELK Promotions is building a boxing legacy, one punch at a time.
