A flamboyant and loquacious Tanzanian boxer is in Kenya ahead of his first international bout.Karim Madonga nicknamed mtu kazi (translated in street Kiswahili as “a fighter”) has a huge following in East Africa and is known for his over the top boasts of his boxing ability.In his last fight he described his punch as a “heat-seeking missile”.
Now before Saturday’s bout, he compared his punch to a “Ukrainian missile”.The 43-year-old has won three fights, lost three and drawn one.
He drew crowds as he walked around the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.“I have been received well in Kenya. I started boxing in 2002, boxing has made me a brand. Boxing took me to the city.
I am the only boxer who became a star after losing a fight. And when I am beaten I talk about it, when I win, I talk more about it. In boxing you have to know how to talk and fight. I know both.
Wanyonyi will be beaten,” Mandonga told BBC Sport Africa.His opponent, 39-year-old Daniel Wanyonyi, says Mandonga’s personality is good for the sport.“His talk makes him popular. We love such boxers.
I am good at boxing, he is good at talking. I am ready for the fight tomorrow, it will be 10 rounds. There is pressure because we are at home and everyone is expecting me to win… However, I am telling Kenyans to leave that to me, victory will remain at home,” Daniel said .
Their fight will serve as a curtain raiser for the main fight between Kenyan boxer Rayton Okwiri and Tanzanian boxer Ally Ndaro.A total of 11 fights will take place at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).
Organisers are hoping that the event will raise the profile of the sport which has waned over the years.l