Commonwealth Games flyweight bronze medalist Christine Ongare and national bantamweight champion Elizabeth Akinyi lost their opening bouts of the Konstantin Korotkov Memorial International Boxing Championships in Russia on Wednesday 12.
Ongare went down to Diana Gorishnaya of Estonia on a unanimous points’ decision in the first fixture which lasted only three rounds.
Akinyi who is the national bantamweight champion lost her match against Domnican international Maria Moronto only lasted two rounds after the Kenyan got injured forcing the referee to call off the fixture.
The hit squad tactician Benjamin Musa expressed his sentiments after the two bouts and stated that Christine was not aggressive enough on her opponent who eventually caught up with her in the third round. As for Akinyi the fight ended as a precautionary measure due to a mouth injury that left her bleeding.
Africa Zone Three super heavyweight champion Elly Ajowi and the 2015 Africa Boxing Championships lightweight gold medalist Nick Okoth will have their first fights on Thursday 13, in the heavyweight and featherweight men's categories respectively, where they will be looking forward to redeem the Team Kenya Hit Squad in Russia.
A total of 31 female and 68 male boxers are in pursuit for the gold medal in the competition with 26 female and 58 male boxing fixtures lined up for action in the one week competition that will end on May 16, in Russia.
The Kenyan boxing Head Coach is however happy with his team taking part in the competition in Russia, narrating that it is the best way for the team to prepare for the Olympics showpiece in Tokyo.