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The famous ‘Hands of Stone’ is on the path to recovery and got a feel of the ring after years of suffering from a mental illness
Boxing legend Conjestina Achieng’s journey to full recovery is on after she participated in an exhibition bout against former WBC super-bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika in Mombasa on Sunday.
The fight, which took place at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Hospital, was aimed at giving the former World Boxing Association Middleweight champion a feel of the ring after years of suffering from a mental illness.
Conje, as she is popularly known, delighted the crowd with her upper and under cuts with Zarika taking all in her stride during the friendly contest that ended in a draw.
“The aim of the boxing challenge that happened at Mombasa women hospital, Miritini was to initiate Conjestina back to her passion and talent after undergoing treatment at the Mombasa Women Hospital,” said former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who sponsored the bout.
“Conje's story is one of a fighter's spirit that refuses to be extinguished. Despite facing personal challenges and setbacks in life, she has emerged back stronger and more determined than before.
“Throughout her rehabilitation journey, Conjestina has shown incredible strength, both physically and mentally. Her unwavering commitment to better herself has inspired a lot of youths that were almost giving up in life,” he added.
The boxer has been in rehabilitation at the hospital since July last year after being rescued from her home in Siaya County.
Achieng, popularly known as Hands of Stone, has been in and out of hospital since she was diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder in 2011.
The 45-year-old, whose record includes 17 wins (8KO), four draws and six losses, became the first African woman to hold an international title when she beat Ugandan Fiona Tugume to take the vacant WIBF Middleweight title.
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