Okolla proud of his mark as teams prepare for Kenya Open Championships
Also known as “Hercules” in boxing circles, he went to toe against Czech national giving as much as he received in a thrilling figh
Kenya’s heavyweight boxer Morris Okolla was in a good mood despite a recent loss away in Prague, Czech Republic against homeboy Lukas Fajk in a four round bout on Sunday.
The veteran boxer, who is attached to Kenya Police, lost on points but was still upbeat and proud of his effort far away from home against a solid opponent. Okolla also known as “Hercules” in boxing circles went to toe against the Czech national giving as much as he received in a thrilling fight attended by hundreds of boxing enthusiasts.
Okolla,42, has now dropped to 13-5-0 in his record and still has more ambition on the ring despite his advancing age. The southpaw boxer, who made his debut 15 years ago, has 18 professional fights under his name with a knockout record of 77 per cent. After the fight where he received cheers and standing ovation from the Czech fans, Okolla was a happy man.
“Unfortunately I lost but all in all I gave it my all and I am happy with how I performed. Onto the next but it was a great and tough match. My fight was tough; he was almost giving up in the second round. I thought I did well and losing on points might be painful but it is what it is,” said the heavy puncher who weighs 90 kilos on scale.
Kenya Professional Boxing Commission Secretary-General Franklin Imbenzi lauded Okolla for his valiant efforts praising his never-say-die attitude. “It was a total war and I am proud of Okolla. He had a very good plan and executed it well. He might have been unlucky but credit to him for showing a gallant display,” he stated.
Meanwhile, 14 boxers have been selected from Mombasa and Nakuru region to battle out in the Kenya Open Championships from April 16-19 in Nairobi. Eight boxers have been selected to represent Mombasa with Nakuru Amateur Boxing Club fronting six.
The eight from Mombasa took part in the Mombasa Open tournament held on April 13 at the Bombolulu Petrol Station. Seven clubs – out of the 16 affiliates under Mombasa County Boxing Association – took part in the Mombasa Open.
On the other hand, Nakuru region is reviving its dwindling standards and therefore using platforms like the Kenya Open Championships to resuscitate their glory days. Announcing Nakuru’s team for the four-day tournament, the Secretary-General of Nakuru County Boxing Association, Musa Noor said they have selected some of the best boxers they have at the moment .
“The time for politics is over, let’s focus on the growth of our boxers in order to redeem our Nakuru team.”
