Lukyamuzi displayed guts but emotion showed in bizarre monologue
Tanzanian boxer Karim 'Mtu Kazi' Mandonga grinded out a splendid points victory over Uganda’s Kenneth 'Da Mexico' Lukyamuzi to win the Pugilist Syndicate of Tanzania (PST) title.
Mandonga had the judges on his side, as they scored the fight 77-75 twice for him and 74-78 just once for Lukyamuzi.
There was very little in it through most of the rounds as both fighters threw punches to the head and body in an eight-round bout at Moi International Sports Centre, Gymnasium.
However, some ringsiders were of the opinion that the challenger had done enough to edge it and take the title.
Mandonga, who is now 5-3 with two knockouts, has a rematch clause in their contract that he can pursue if he would like. Lukyamuzi said he would "100 percent" return to the ring to face him if he chooses to do so.
In Super middleweight category, Kenya’s Daniel Wanyonyi bounced back from Mandonga’s setback to defeat Charles Kakande from Uganda.
In other bouts, Kenya’s former World Boxing Council (WBC) International bantamweight champion Nick “Kanyankole” Otieno took his first defeat this year, losing a split decision to Tanzania's Hassan Ndonga in the Super Bantamweight category.
Otieno went into the bout with 48 fights under his belt, 31 wins including 13 knockouts and 17 losses (31-17-0) while Ndonga had seven wins, two losses and a draw (7-2-1).
Kenya’s Albert Kamairo edged out George Bonabucha of Tanzania on points to win the eight round Pugilist Syndicate of Tanzania (PST) belt in the men's Middleweight category.
In the women's category, Tanzania’s Fatuma Yazidu defeated Kenya’s Consolata Musanga to lift her maiden PST Bantamweight title.
At the same time, Kenyan Placedus Oduori defeated Tanzanian boxer Zawadi Kutaka in the eight-round duel on a Technical Knockout.
14:10 - 24.03.2023
BOXING Boost for Mandonga as DSTV to beam live fight in Nairobi
The Tanzanian will face Uganda’s Kenneth Lukuyamuzi in Nairobi.
Mandonga was making a return to Nairobi two months after his victory against Kenya’s Daniel Wanyonyi whom he silenced in a fifth round technical knockout.
The 43-year-old boxer has made a call for a rematch with Wanyonyi after he saw him beat Kakande in another light heavyweight contest.
"I am ready to fight Wanyonyi anywhere on this continent...he won't last three rounds and it is not a bet. I will beat him any time and any day, “said Mandonga.