Gicharu, Okwiri punch their way into the round of 16

Kenya’s Benson Gicharu and Rayton Okwiri launched their quest for the bantamweight and welterweight titles respectively in style with convincing wins after braving nervous first round starts.

The bubbly Gicharu , who was the first in the ring lived up to his promise to outclass lanky Imran Khan unanimously at the Secc Hall.

Okwiri would then hound out Merven Clair for the second time this year with another unanimous decision.

Gicharu, who won silver at the 2010 Delhi Games but in flyweight category, scored 30-27, 30-27 and 29-27. The 29-year-old father of one will now battle Nigerian Sikiru Ojo on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.

The 27-year-old Okwiri, who wasn’t happy about his performance despite the success, chalked 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27 victory. Okwiri will next meet Tulani Mbenge from South Africa in the pre-quarters.

“I dedicate the victory to my daughter Olympian, who is now one year and seven months old,” said Gicharu. “I told her I will do this for her after I failed to sparkle at the 2012 London Olympic Games, the year she born.”

Gicharu, who was cautious in the first round owing to Khan’s good reach, worked his way out with good body punches from down upwards in the first round amidst astute defense. “I had spurred with him once at an international tournament in Kazakhstan last year and I knew what to do,” Gicharu said.

“I frustrated him by avoiding him in the first round considering that I had not warmed up well after arriving at the venue late.”

Despite his inferior reach, Gicharu’s long distance assault proved effective with good combinations before taking control in the second and third rounds.

“Even though I am comfortable at my new weight I will need to work on my endurance before the pre-quarter battle with the Nigerian,” said Gicharu.

Clair looked like he would claim revenge against Okwiri, who beat him early this year on his way to Africa Championships victory, but the Kenyan was to up his stakes with a firm display in the last round.

“Clair was my main worry but I have scaled that hurdle even though not convincingly,” said Okwiri, the 2011 All Africa Games bronze medallist. “I will have to improve on my footwork and arm speed.” Two other Kenyans Elly Ajowi (light heavy) and Simon Mulinge (fly) were due to take the ring last evening. Ajowi was up against Thabang Motsewabeng from Botswana while Mulinge was to exchange blows with Immanuel Shapaka from Namibia all for a place in the quarterfinals.