Mixed fortunes for Kenyan boxers at African Games as Amina Martha advances, Peter Abut exits

Kenya's bantamweight boxer Amina Martha. Photo: AFBC

BOXING Mixed fortunes for Kenyan boxers at African Games as Amina Martha advances, Peter Abut exits

Joel Omotto 08:47 - 17.03.2024

Kenyan boxer Amina Martha kept alive her medal hopes by advancing to the quarter-final while Peter Abuti suffered a disappointing loss at the African Games in Accra, Ghana.

Kenya's boxing contingent at the African Games in Accra, Ghana, experienced contrasting fortunes, with Amina Martha shining brightly while Peter Abuti faced disappointment on Saturday.

Martha showcased her skill and determination, securing a commanding 5-0 points victory over Ghana's Sarah Apew in the bantamweight category.

With this impressive win, Martha advanced to the quarter-finals, where she is set to face Botswana's Phekie Bele, a formidable opponent who clinched the bronze medal at the 2022 Africa Games.

If Martha continues her winning streak, she will potentially face either Sierra Leone's Sara Haghighat-Joo or Nigeria's Shukura Kareem in the semi-finals.

Martha's journey to success is particularly inspiring, considering her challenging upbringing in a violent and broken home. Her progress is a testament to the dedication and guidance she received from her mentor, two-time Olympian Benson Gicharu, at the Mukuru Fight-4-Life club.

On the other hand, Abuti encountered tough luck in his bout against Nigeria's Adam Olaore, the reigning Africa heavyweight champion.

Despite putting up a valiant effort, Abuti suffered a resounding 5-0 defeat. Olaore dominated the fight, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

Nevertheless, Olaore commended Abuti for his resilience and toughness, acknowledging him as a worthy opponent.

"The Kenyan is a good tough boxer, I have a lot of respect for him, he's a strong man but we all are in this weight. I enjoyed the rounds we shared. I am now looking forward to the next fight," Newcastle-based Olaore told AFBC Communications.

Olaore now looks ahead to his quarter-final clash with DR Congo's Landry Kankonde Matere, who received a walkover in his previous match against Juan Marcos of Equatorial Guinea.

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