President William Ruto has congratulated Portifas Odipo alias Majembe on his Vurugu Championship victory over Ferdinand Omondi popularly known as Mbavu Destroyer, praising both fighters for an exciting bout.
In a statement, he said the bout has reignited national interest in boxing and pledged to support the sport, invest in talent, and create growth opportunities across Kenya.
“Both of you put up a spirited fight, delivering an entertaining match that kept us on edge, too close to call. This match has reignited the passion for boxing across the country, restoring fan belief and excitement in the sport,” Ruto said.
The Head of State further pledged continued backing for local boxing development in Kenya.
“We commit to sustain this momentum by supporting the sport, investing in talent, and creating opportunities to grow boxing across the country,” he said.
Majembe won the Vurugu bout after scoring 30 points against Ferdinand Omondi’s 27 in both Round 1 and Round 2, establishing an early lead in the highly anticipated fight at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
The fight took a dramatic turn in Round 3 after a knock to the vital area, with Majembe still extending his lead to 32 points against Mbavu’s 27.
The incident appeared to unsettle Mbavu, shifting momentum and sparking debate among spectators.
In Round 4, Mbavu raised a fault claim over the incident, arguing that the blow was unfair. However, referees reviewed the situation and ultimately upheld the result, declaring Majembe the winner based on his consistent performance and points advantage across all rounds.
Following the win, Majembe will receive a brand new Toyota Noah and over Sh2 million in cash, marking a significant milestone in his boxing career.
The match, which had captured national attention for over two months, showcased two amateur fighters from low-income Nairobi neighbourhoods using the platform to advance their careers.
The fight’s hype drew comparisons to the 2023 showdown between Karim Mandonga and Daniel Wanyonyi, underscoring the growing appeal of high-profile amateur boxing events in Kenya and highlighting the opportunities these contests provide for emerging fighters to make a name for themselves
