Africa Zone 3 super heavyweight champion Elly Ajowi is into the finals of President Jamal Boxing Tournament (Nairobi edition), after thumping Willy Busili of Kibra in the semis at the Charter Hall in Nairobi on Friday, November 19.
The Kenya Police officer, through his win, set a date for himself and his fellow law enforcer David Njuguna for the finals on Saturday, November 20.
David Njuguna outclassed Ken Ogutu of Thika on unanimous points decision to sail through.
Ajowi, however, chose to remain cautious ahead of the finals.
“I'm happy I'm through to the finals. Like I said earlier, we expect tough opposition in this competition given every boxer has come with eyes firmly fixed on a national team slot.”
“I'm not going to make it easier for anyone. They must battle tooth and nail if they intend to fly the national flag,” Ajowi stated.
However, given the intensive nature of the selection process, booking a slot in the national team will not be a walk in the park.
Hit Squad head coach Benjamin Musa said they would choose the top six pugilists in each category to move on to the Kisumu edition, which will take place early next month.
“The six in each category will have another opportunity to prove their mettle in the second edition of the competition planned for Kisumu. We will then select the top two in each category to comprise the provisional Hit Squad.”
“It's thereafter that we will hold a training camp and pick our final squad for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,” Musa highlighted.
Ajowi's Hit Squad teammate, Joshua Wasike, will flex muscles with David Njuguna in the final of the heavyweight category.
Shafi Bakari will lock horns with Mwinyi Kombo of Kongowea in the bantamweight after they won against Dennis Muthama (KDF) and Moses Mathuku (Prisons).
Joseph Shigali of Kenya Police will battle it out with Remmy Thiong'o of Muranga in the welterweight category.
Abednego Kyalo (KDF) will settle scores with Abdala Charo from Mombasa in the 48 kgs category after they cruised past Kibra's Joshua Maina and Silas Onyango of Nairobi in that order.