Hit Squad captain Boniface Mugunde reckons he possesses the mojo to bag a medal at the Africa Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships in DRC, Congo.
He made the remarks after putting up a masterstroke performance to punch a semi-final ticket following a deserved win over Anderson Manzongo of the DRC in a spectacular demonstration of skill and strategy.
“I’m excited I’m advancing to the semis and my target is to win the country a gold medal,” he said.
Mugunde, who is renowned for his quick reflexes and accurate punches, occasionally let his guard down but maintained his composure the entire time.
Mugunde maintained control of the fight throughout the three rounds as Manzongo, unable to match the Kenyan’s speed and technique, threw punches at nothing.
Mugunde will now take on Abidine Amroug of Morocco, who advanced after defeating Saidi Kanenda of Tanzania in their quarterfinal.
Robert Okaka also advanced to the semi-finals after outwitting Yassir Rigui of Morocco in the light-heavyweight class.
Okaka dominated the fight with his powerful punches and won by unanimous decision.
He started the fight cautiously, but in the second round, he threw a barrage of strong blows that knocked Rigui to the ground.
“I am ecstatic to have won this battle. I showed him I am a tough Kenyan after taking my time to figure him out in the first round,” Okaka said.
The 25-year-old will dare Namibia’s Gebhard Ipinge to a vicious duel in the semifinals.
Shaffi Bakari, a featherweight competitor from Kenya, defeated Wisdom Barnor of Sierra Leone to advance to the semi-finals as well.
In the upcoming round, Bakari will now face Mwengo Mwale of Zambia.
Vincent Ochieng booked a semis slot and will take on John Paul Masamba of South Africa, after defeating Traore Fousseyni of Mali in another quarterfinal match.
Despite Kenya’s victories, heavyweight boxer Peter Abuti was disappointed after losing a hard-fought quarterfinal to Mouandat Njinnou of Gabon on points.
Abuti joined Silus Onyango and
Faith Nafuna in leaving the competition early after failing to earn a spot
in the semifinals despite making a
ton of clean shots.