UNDERDOG WATCH: KENYAN BOXER UPSETS RUSSIAN IN SHOCKER

In track and field, it’s unheard of to hear a Kenyan runner mentioned in the same sentence as an underdog. Kenyans have dominated long distance running for decades.

In boxing, however, things are different. In true underdog fashion, Rayton Nduku Okwiri, a Kenyan boxer, produced an outstanding performance on Sunday 7^th after he upset Russia’s welterweight and in a split decision.

Okwiri was disregarded by many who didn’t give him a sliver of a chance. Andrei Zamkovoi, the Russian who won bronze at the London games, in their welterweight category, was a clear favorite.

During the fight, Russia’s boxer was booed by the fans. It’s safe to say that it may have to do with the fact that 11 of the country’s fighters were cleared to compete in the Rio Olympics following Russia’s doping scandal.

After the win, the boxer showed world class sportsmanship and thanked the crowd for its support.  They chanted “Kenya! Kenya!” as the East African fighter floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee.

On the fight plan, Okwiri said, “we were prepared and we had a good game plan with the coaches, and everything went as well as we had prepared.”

Kenya has three boxers for the Rio Olympics, and they are Peter Mungai Warui (light flyweight), Rayton Nduku Okwiri (Welterweight) and Benson Gicharu