▪️The Kenyan boxer describes Tanzania’s Feriche Mashaury as an awkward boxer with wild punches but through tact she contained her.
▪️Achieng has now called out Malawi’s Anisha Basheel and compatriot Judy Waguthii whom she says is so scared to fight her again since her controversial win in 2014
04/11/2025
There’s no doubt Sarah Achieng aka Angel of War is the face of Kenya women’s pro boxing.
With a dearth of promising female pro boxers, and former WBC world champion Fatuma Zarika in the twilight of her career, Achieng is still keeping the flame burning for the Kenyan female pro boxers.
Achieng showed her mettle once again when she used her technical brilliance to outpoint Tanzania’s Feriche Mashaury in a 10-round bout on November 2 at Red Room Lounge in Kilimani, Nairobi.
The unanimous points victory enabled Achieng retain her WBF world super lightweight title.This was Achieng’s first defence of the belt she won in 2023 with a points decision over a game Argentinian Edith Soledad in Nairobi.
Achieng has improved her record to 18-2-0, 9 KOs while Mashaury drops to 12-9-1 with 3 KOs.
It was Achieng’s 10th consecutive victory since her controversial loss to compatriot Judy Waguthii in 2014. She has severally challenged Waguthii for a rematch but the latter remains silent.
Achieng’s coach and manager Alfred Analo aka Priest described her two losses as “theft in the ring because she clearly won.”
The other defeat was in 2008 to Bena Kaloki in Achieng’s pro debut. “Bena funded the card so she had to win at all costs,” recalls Analo who was very impressed with Achieng’s victory.
“The Tanzanian boxer was hit hard severally by Sarah, that’s why she resorted to holding her to avoid the punches,” said Analo. “She is a good boxer, with a little bit of polishing she can make it.”
After her resounding victory over Mashaury, boxersworld.co.ke cornered Achieng for an interview.
Question: How was the fight from the first round?
Answer: From the first round, I knew it would be a tactical fight. I focused on controlling the pace, using my jab, and studying her movement. I had to balance between managing my breathing and staying composed under pressure, but I kept my focus on the plan.
Q: How was her general approach in the ring?
A: She’s a strong and an awkward fighter. She came forward aggressively, throwing wild punches and trying to disrupt my rhythm. I wouldn’t say she hurt me, but she kept me alert throughout the fight. I had to rely on timing and accuracy more than power.
Q: How do you compare her with your past opponents?
A:Each opponent brings something different. Feriche was unpredictable and physical, while others like Soledad pushed me mentally and emotionally.
Q: Who’s the toughest opponent you’ve met so far in your 20 fights?
A: So far, Soledad has been my toughest opponent. Her determination and endurance really pushed me to the limit.
Q: Which were your best rounds against the Tanzanian boxer?
A: I believe I dominated all the rounds; that’s why it was a unanimous decision. I felt fully in control from start to finish.
Q: How was she reacting to body punches?
A: She handled them better than I expected, though I could see the effect in her movement later in the fight. The body punches had taken their toll on her. She’s a tough boxer. Credit to her.
Q: Which strategy did you apply to maintain your domination?
A: After studying her style I decided to maintain compure. I stuck to straight punches and a few combos because I had an injury in my right hand, and my chest was burning so breathing became difficult. I tried my best to avoid unnecessary exchanges. The goal was to control the fight smartly, not emotionally.
Q: Away from your fight against Mashaury, I remember Malawi’s Anisha Basheel had said she wants a rematch after you beat her to clinch the* *Commonwealth super lightweight title in 2021 at Nairobi’s Charter Hall.
A: Anisha is a strong fighter and I respect her. If she wants a rematch, I’m open to it anytime but I believe respect and preparation go hand in hand. Let’s make it a fair, well planned fight that gives fans a real show of skill and discipline. She made a lot of noise before the fight but I silenced her.
Q: Anisha’ excuse for losing the fight was the short notice, therefore she was not fully prepared. Any justification in her complaint?
A: Every boxer has their own perspective, but as professionals, we prepare for opportunities anytime. I took that fight seriously, gave my best, and the result spoke for itself. There are no easy fights only prepared fighters. I’m happy she honoured the fight despite the short notice but nobody forced her to come to Nairobi. If she was not ready she should have declined. As boxers we should always accept defeat without coming up with lame excuses.
Q: Who is the toughest opponent you want to fight in Africa now?*
A:Africa has many talented women fighters. I’m open to face anyone who’s ready and willing. I believe in fairness no ducking, no excuses just pure boxing spirit.
Q:Back to your repeatedly made call to Judy Waguthii for a rematch. You said the* *judges robbed you a clean victory when you met in 2014. What’s your message to her this time?*
A: I still respect Judy, and I believe fans deserve that rematch. It’s not about rivalry it’s about giving the sport what it deserves: competition, respect, and truth in the ring.
Q: Why has it taken Waguthii so long to respond to your challenge. Is she scared of you?
A: Definitely she’s scared of fighting me again because she knows in the rematch the Angel of War will destroy her completely. She’s been quiet I don’t even know whether she’s still fighting or if she has hanged her gloves. Wherever she is my message is: Judy, fans have waited long enough for our rematch. I know you’re scared of fighting me but I urge you to gather courage to face me we give fans something to remember. I’m ready when you are. Let’s make it happen for the love of the sport.
