Kenyan-born Brian Agina clinches Australian Super Flyweight crown

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BOXING: Kenyan-born Brian Agina clinches Australian Super Flyweight crown

Festus Chuma 15:00 - 18.09.2023

Kenyan-born boxer Brian Agina dominates in Melbourne, securing the Australian super flyweight title in an electrifying bout against Pakistan's Syed Asif.

 Kenyan-born boxing sensation, Brian Agina, magnificently clinched the Australian super flyweight title at Flemington's Melbourne Pavilion on September 16.

Agina's superb conditioning, raw power, and laser focus earned him a unanimous 10-round points victory against Pakistan's Syed Asif. 

Agina, now boasting an unbeaten run of three fights with one KO, has quickly become the talk of the boxing world. Meanwhile, Asif faced his first defeat, with his record now standing at seven wins, one loss, and two KOs.

“Asif's boxing style is so hard to understand. He kept moving, trying to box me out, but I was better than him. I followed instructions from my corner and remained more focused to make him know I'm the champ,” Agina told former BBC journalist John Nene.

The first round was particularly telling, with Asif visiting the canvas twice, largely due to Agina's formidable right cross. By the 10th round, Asif was clearly on the ropes, once again being knocked down by Agina.

"I kept doing my best, dominating the fight. Asif is a tough fighter, but none of his punches hurt me. I'm so happy winning the Australian super-flyweight title,” Agina added.

Ricky Leonard, Agina's manager, could not hide his elation over the win. "Chris Folima had Agina absolutely primed for the fight. His defense was at a world-class level, and he completely outclassed his more experienced opponent," Leonard shared, emphasizing Agina's impeccable performance against a seasoned boxer like Asif, who had over 150 fights to his name.

Leonard provided a blow-by-blow account of the match, detailing Agina's consistent and aggressive approach, which kept Asif on the defensive. 

From the very beginning, Agina set the tone, knocking down Asif in the first round with a punch that would set the pace for the entire bout. 

"Round five saw Agina's amazing defensive effort, drawing Syed onto punches. His overhands were perfect,” Leonard added.

The match culminated in the tenth round with Agina pressing the offense, knocking Asif down once more. 

Asif's resilience was commendable, but he was visibly exhausted. Yet, as the bell signaled the end of the bout, it was Agina's moment of glory as he claimed the title with a unanimous decision.

Beyond the ring, Agina returns to his day job as a mechanic at Clinton Baulch Motor Group in Victoria. However, plans are already in motion for his next fight later this year.

Back in Mombasa, Kenya, where Agina's boxing journey began, the atmosphere was electric. 

His long-time coach Paul "Swaga" Mathenge, who introduced Agina to the sport in 2013 at Tudor Boxing Club, could not be prouder.

"We're all so proud of our boy Agina. He has done Mombasa proud, and we wish him more success.”

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