Okuku also revealed that he wants to be the future Israel Adesanya who is a two-time UFC Middleweight champion.
Budding kickboxer Meshack Okuku alias Mr. Atomic is optimistic that engaging in the sport will one day open doors for him to salvage his family from poverty.
Okuku, a Form Four Student in Clevers High School in Shauri Moyo revealed that he takes boxing as a career and he believes there is light at the end of the tunnel for him.
08:00 - 02.05.2023
KICKBOXING How a back injury changed Aroka from acrobatics to a Muay Thai boxing
Muay Thai discipline is known as the "Art of eight limbs", as it is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
The youngster revealed that the situation at his home is what pushes him to invest his time into training as he looks forward to make a mark in the global.
“Training is very hard but I have to keep pushing. Whenever I look at where I’ve come from, I am motivated to try harder since I want to improve the status of my family.
I am not from a well-off background and I hope that one day, things will finally align and I will be able to support my family,” he told Pulse Sports.
Okuku also revealed that he wants to be the future Israel Adesanya who is a two-time UFC Middleweight champion.
He revealed that Adesanya’s life growing up is like his and he hopes that one day, things will align for him like they have for the 33-year-old.
“He (Adesanya) inspires me a lot. His background is just like mine and I’ve watched him work hard to get to the level he is now. I also want to work harder and get to his level,” he said.
12:30 - 30.04.2023
KICKBOXING World Kickboxing Federation of Kenya president shares plight facing boxers in the country
Despite all these challenges affecting the fighters who are mainly based in the country's informal settlements, hundreds have punched above their weight and risen above the odds.
Apart from wanting to uplift his family, Okuku said training has enabled him to keep fit and has enabled him to maintain discipline.
Okuku also narrated the tough balancing act between training and schoolwork. “Balancing is hard because I come from school at 5:00 p.m. and I have to come for training until 8:00 p.m. Most of the time I study past 9:00 p.m. and I end up sleeping late…I can’t give up though,” he said.
07:50 - 10.11.2022
UFC 281 What happened the 2 times Adesanya faced Pereira
Adesanya faces Pereira for the 3rd time, here is what happened the last 2 times they met.
Given a chance to address the Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, Okuku requested that he looks into the welfare of athletes who have bought glory into the country.
“There are many boxers here who have won many belts but are languishing in poverty. They deserve recognition and support. We also need effective training equipment,” he said.