George Onyango (L), KPBC President Reuben Ndolo and Benjamin Mchunguzi (R) during the Nightmare in Nairobi fourth edition/ TEDDY MULEIFormer national light welterweight champion George Onyango has fired a chilling warning to Tanzanian rival Benjamin Mchunguzi ahead of their explosive East and Central Africa super welterweight showdown tonight (Friday), insisting the visitor will not withstand the power of his punches.
The highly anticipated 10-round title fight will headline the fourth edition of the Nightmare in Nairobi boxing extravaganza at Mass House, Ngong Racecourse, under Kalakoda Promotions.
The hard-hitting Onyango, from Umoja, cut a confident and menacing figure as he sent a strong message to his Tanzanian opponent.
“I am sure my opponent can’t handle my two fists. I don’t see him lasting all ten rounds. Either he quits or the referee saves him,” Onyango declared.
The Kenyan bruiser promised fans an all-out assault once the opening bell rings, predicting a brutal night for Mchunguzi.
“It will be total punishment, a knockout. To my fans, keep showing the love, support and energy,” he said.
Onyango revealed that he has already studied Mchunguzi’s fighting style through video analysis and believes he has identified weaknesses he intends to exploit under the bright lights.
“I have watched some of his fighting clips and judged his fighting style from the first round. Tomorrow after the opening round, I will have fully studied his gameplay,” he said.
The 28-year-old also hinted at the possibility of extending the punishment before going for the finish.
“It will depend on my mood. If he gets me angry, I don’t see him lasting long.”
Onyango heads into the bout carrying impressive momentum in the Nightmare in Nairobi series.
Since making his professional debut in October 2017, the Kenyan has fought 16 bouts, winning 12, losing three and drawing once.
Mchunguzi, meanwhile, arrives with a smaller résumé, having fought seven times, recording five wins and two defeats.
The Kenyan slugger has also built a reputation as a nightmare for Tanzanian opponents, winning his last two bouts in the Nairobi series in devastating fashion.
“This is my third fight with Kalakoda, but my first title bout,” Onyango noted.
His first victory in the Nightmare in Nairobi series came during the second edition on November 25 last year when he stopped Tanzania’s Barika Solomoni.
He followed that up with another commanding display at the third edition on February 26, flooring another Tanzanian opponent, Ernest Kapinga, to extend his winning streak.
Onyango believes victory tonight could catapult him into the continental spotlight and open the door to a future Commonwealth title fight.
“This is a very important bout for me because it will open the doors for the next Commonwealth title fight,” he said.
The Kenyan boxer added that his preparations have been gruelling, sharpening both his physical strength and endurance ahead of what he expects to be a war.
“My preparations have been good. The camp has been intense and my training partners have really pushed me. Now I am just looking forward to the war,” he said.
He revealed he has spent the last three months training at Vision Plaza, focusing heavily on strength and conditioning.
“I have improved more on my strength and conditioning,” he added.
But Mchunguzi has refused to be intimidated by Onyango’s confidence, firing back with verbal jabs of his own.
“The Tanzanians who have come here don’t know how to box. I am here to show everyone what I can do and I will silence my opponent,” said Mchunguzi.
Apart from the headline title clash, fight fans are also set for a stacked card featuring several explosive match-ups.
Kenya’s Martin Achebi will square off against Uganda’s Abaasi Sseguya in a welterweight contest expected to produce fireworks.
Achebi carries a formidable professional record of eight wins and one loss from nine bouts, while Sseguya has registered six victories from eight career fights.
The women’s super welterweight division will also take centre stage as Olympian Elizabeth Andiego faces Tanzania’s Nelusigwe Charles Mdemu.
Andiego announced herself in the professional ranks in emphatic fashion during the March edition of Nightmare in Nairobi, stopping Tanzanian Sabrina Mbwewe on her professional debut.
