Deposed Onyango Keen To Recapture WBF Title

NAIROBI, Kenya- Deposed World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Welterweight champion, James Onyango is keen to retain the vacant title when he trades blows with South African Jason Bedeman in Sun City, South Africa on September 21.

The belt was declared vacant after Onyango’s opponent and Chikondi Makawi of Malawi, failed to show-up at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi on July 14 for a scheduled title fight.

“I was set to guard the crown against Chikondi but he withdrawn from the fight at the 11th hour. According to WBF, any title that goes beyond six months without being defended is declared vacant,” Onyango underlined.

Onyango was crowned WBF Welterweight champion at the same venue on December 2, 2017 after he beat Saidi Mundi of Tanzania on an unanimous points decision, with the judges scoring 118-114, 120-107 and 116-109.

The former Africa Commonwealth Welterweight champion is stepping up training at the Kariobangi Social Hall ahead of his duel with Bedeman.

“The good thing is that I had done all the donkey work in training before the aborted Chikondi fight. So I don’t have to spend more time in practice in preparation for my new opponent.

“My schedule is very light. I do pad work and punches on Monday. Tuesdays are reserved for sparring.

“I do a lot of skipping on Wednesdays which I combine with more pad work and punches while Thursdays and Fridays are reserved for sparring,” Onyango underlined.

Fast rising 

The fast rising pugilist is also sturdying Bedeman’s YouTube videos to establish the South African fighting pattern.

“I have noted that Bedeman is good with his punches, most of his bouts has been won with a combination of crisp upper cuts and hooks, so I’m working on my guard to counter that,” highlighted Onyango who is being coached by veteran pugilist, Alfred Analo.

Onyango is grateful to promoter, Ejay Mathews, of Bigger Than Life Entertainment, for helping him to secure an opponent.

“Mathews is also aiding me to get my visa, I hope to be well set for the trip in the next two weeks,” he accentuated.

Olympians Benson Gicharu and Rayton Okwiri have gone ahead to encourage the boxer to go for the   belt with great focus saying his win will be a victory for Kenya.

“I wish you all the best champion, I believe you will make it in South Africa,” emphasized Gicharu who hanged his gloves after the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.

“Kindly finish this job as soon as possible, we need the belt at home,” former Kenya Professional Boxing Commission Secretary General, Shaban Ogola, wrote on Onyango’s Facebook page.

“As usual tuko nyuma yako (We got your back). Go and make us proud desk-mate,” wrote Josia Garves who was Onyango’s classmate back at Usenge Boys High School in Siaya County.

“Thanks for the encouraging messages. What I need from you guys are prayers since I will be fighting a native boxer, you know prayers can move mountains,” Onyango wrote to thank his legion of fans who flocked on his social media accounts to motivate him ahead of the encounter.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Name: Jason Bedeman

Country: South Africa

Weight: Welter

Fights:27

Wins:18 (Knock-Outs:15)

Losses: 6 (Knock-Outs 2)

Draws:3

Name: James Onyango

Country: Kenya

Weight: Welter

Fights:27

Wins:24 (Knock-Outs 19)

Losses: 11 (Knock-Outs 3)

Draws: 2