12.7.2005: Originally it was supposed to be the second instalment of the “Showdown at Shark Palace” boxing series, at the Shark Palace Hotel, and the main event was to have been a grudge-match between UBO Intercontinental cruiserweight champion Joseph Akhasamba and compatriot Christopher Sirengo, but the venue is now changed, and Sirengo has pulled out..
So, when Akhasamba promotes on Saturday July 16, in cooperation with Risum Boxing, Fight Production, Pro Team Ashira Oure and the Professional Boxing Federation Of Kenya, headed by chairman Mike Kanyago, it will instead be at the Bahati Shopping Center, and with Akhasamba versus Lucas “Lucky Boy” Omondi headlining in a non-title fight.
In the co-feature, lightweight David Kiilu will face journeyman Bob Obala over eight rounds, and cannot afford to loose if he wants to stay on course for a new title opportunity later in the year. Last December, the former Kenyan champion, 19-6-2 (9), lost a controversial majority verdict in Hungary to Laszlo Bognar for the IBC title, and have since racked up two victories on home soil. He must make it three straight to stay in the picture.
Super welterweight Stanley Katibi also sees action on the bill, and will face debutant Ben Alando. Katibi will be looking to secure his second victory in a row since loosing to WBF middleweight king Arsen Khachatrian in France last year. Katibi rebounded from that defeat on May 28, when he knocked out Charles Juma in two rounds to take his record to 6-3-1 (2).
In a six-rounder made at a catchweight, Tanzanian globetrotter Joseph “Hungry Lion” Marwa will fight Kenyan Bob Harrison. Marwa, 16-6-1 (5), is a true veteran of the game, having won Tanzanian titles at middleweight and cruiserweight, the African (ABU) title at super middleweight, the PABA belt at cruiserweight, and something called the IBF Continental Africa title at super middleweight. In loosing efforts, he has challenged for the WBC International title at middleweight and light heavyweight, the WBC Youth title at light heavy and cruiserweight, and the WBF Intercontinental light heavyweight title.
The show is dubbed “Bahati Bangers”, and Kenyan boxing fans will be able to watch for free, as the promoters have decided that there will be no admittance charge. The first fight of this afternoon show will commence at 2 PM.