Home boxer Nasirete fells Tanzania fighter to claim UBO title

Kenya's Rukia Nasirete on Saturday beat Asha Ngedere from Tanzania to narrowly win the vacant Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) International lightweight women’s title.

Nasirete claimed the victory on unanimous points decision after a in the 10-round bout held at Lodwar's Cradle Tented Camp in Turkana County.

Nasirete was given 98 points against Ngedere’s 91 by judge Alex Mwaniki, 100 against 89 by judge Charles Juma and 97 against 92 by judge Sasha Oduk in a contest witnessed by UBO Supervisor Emmanuel Mlundwa.

Both fighters looked tough before the well-attended fight in Turkana, watched by Governor Josphat Nanok, his deputy Peter Lotethiro, Loima MP Jeremiah Lomorukai and Turkana South MP James Lomenen. Each of the 10 rounds of the bout lasted two minutes.

Ngedere compensated for her lack of height with her stability in the ring to send ferocious blows towards Nasirete, but the home fighter tactfully dodged electrifying left punches and caught her opponent with blows on the face to accumulate vital points, sending fans into a frenzy.

While conceding defeat, the Tanzanian said the fight was well managed and promised to put more effort in her next fight.

"I’m obviously sad because I did not win the belt and Nasirete won but the spirit of the sport is that there must be a winner and I accept the results," Ngedere said.

Nasirete said she capitalised on home advantage to win the belt and thanked the county government for sponsoring the event.

"I want my next fight to be held here in Turkana County as I defend the belt in December," she said.

Nanok promised to ensure that all sports heroes and heroines from the county are supported.

"One of our star boxers in the country, Congestina Achieng, is unwell because we did not take care of her during her reign. We don't want to make that mistake in Turkana. I call upon all our leaders to take care of all sports heroes and heroines in their regions,” he said.

He thanked all boxers from neighbouring counties of Trans Nzoia, Busia, Kakamega and Kisumu who travelled all the way to showcase their talent.