Tanzania Hot Shot Mwakinyo Delivers Classy Gonzalez Knock Out

23rd March 2019

Fifth round stoppage enhances reputation of unbeaten winner in non-title eight round Nairobi Fight Night 2 main undercard

Tanzania boxer, Hassan 'Champez' Mwakinyo (left) fights Argentine Sergio Eduardo Gonzalez during the main undercard of Nairobi Fight Night 2 on Saturday, March 23. PHOTO/Brian Kinyanjui/SPN
Tanzania boxer, Hassan 'Champez' Mwakinyo (left) fights Argentine Sergio Eduardo Gonzalez during the main undercard of Nairobi Fight Night 2 on Saturday, March 23. PHOTO/Brian Kinyanjui/SPN
SUMMARY
  • Tanga-based Mwakinyo, who trained alongside boxing queen Fatuma 'Iron Fist' Zarika in the United Kingdom ahead of his grand debut in Kenya, justified his bulging reputation when he braved a stern test to his credentials from the 40 year-old opponent from Buenos Aires
  • In the third, the veteran of 31 wins a, 23 loses and four draws started well and evaded all what Mwakinyo threw at him but the turning point came in the final minute when the Tanzanian sprung a left hook before following it up with a hard right that had Gonzalez scrambling to the ropes before the bell came to his rescue
  • Mwakinyo set off to seal his victory when he floored Gonzalez with a devastating left uppercut that dazed 'El Tigre' followed by a combination of punches that compelled Gonzalez land on his knees before going out for the count



NAIROBI, Kenya- Tanzania boxing sensation, Hassan 'Champez' Mwakinyo sent seasoned Argentine Sergion Eduardo 'El Tigre' Gonzalez to retirement with a fifth round technical knockout during their men Super Welterweight contest that was the main undercard of Nairobi Fight Night 2 on Saturday night.

Tanga-based Mwakinyo, who trained alongside boxing queen Fatuma 'Iron Fist' Zarika in the United Kingdom ahead of his grand debut in Kenya, justified his bulging reputation when he braved a stern test to his credentials from the 40 year-old opponent from Buenos Aires.

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Dressed in a black hood with a doleful tune ringing around the arena, Mwakinyo whose record stood at 14 wins and two loses followed Gonzalez to the ring looking a picture of deadly calm.

With seconds out, the Tanzanian, 24, set upon his seasoned 40 year-old opponent in this scheduled eight-rounder and in the middle of the opening round, Mwakinyo opened up the Argentine with a combination that connected, exciting his band of supporters.

Left hook

The second followed the pattern of the first, as Mwakinyo landed a left hook but the experience possessed by 'El Tigre' began to show in the latter stages of the round when he backed the Tanzanian to a corner and landed a few punches of his own.

"My opponent had experience but I was ready for the challenge. I felt and carried the weight of a lot of people back home in Tanzania, especially those from Tanga but it inspired me in the fight.

"I'm not afraid of (Rayton) Okwiri but I want him to improve on his ranking first. What is next for me is to challenge for the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation titles," the elated Mwakinyo remarked following his latest victory. 

On the other hand, Gonzalez announced he was done immediately after the fight.

"I have officially announced my retirement today (Saturday) because age no longer allows me to box. I would have wished to be a world champion before retirement but I'm glad I became a Latin American titleholder.

"I would be happy if Mwakinyo went on to become a world champion on my behalf," the tiger declared.

In the third, the veteran of 31 wins a, 23 loses and four draws started well and evaded all what Mwakinyo threw at him but the turning point came in the final minute when the Tanzanian sprung a left hook before following it up with a hard right that had Gonzalez scrambling to the ropes before the bell came to his rescue.

Charging out of his corner, Gonzalez took charge of the fourth, pinning Mwakinyo in a corner and landing with a few upper cuts as the Tanzanian started tiring, perhaps the punishing elevation of Nairobi 

taking effect, as the two combatants took turns at inflicting body blows in an attempt to knock the wind out of the opponent.

Then it happened. Inside the opening minute of the fifth it was all over.

Mwakinyo set off to seal his victory when he floored Gonzalez with a devastating left uppercut that dazed 'El Tigre' followed by a combination of punches that compelled Gonzalez land on his knees before going out for the count.

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