Boxing

Achieng vs Basheel: Long-awaited boxing bout finally goes down

The long wait is over as the vacant Commonwealth Light Welterweight title is up for grabs on Mashujaa day in Nairobi when Kenya’s Sarah Achieng takes on Anisha Basheel at Charter Hall, Nairobi.

The bout was postponed thrice due to logistics leading to the withdrawal of Achieng’s previous opponent Ruth Chisale, but now she is set to fight another Malawian who has a pedigree in boxing.

Anisha Basheel and her coach Clyde Musonda arrived in Nairobi on Monday morning ready to take on Achieng who has clearly expressed her frustrations at how long it has taken for her to get into the ring.

“Although I have never met her in any fight before, I have taken my time to study her clips that has enabled me to know some of her tactics in her previous fights, which could help me in tomorrow’s match,” Achieng’ said.

“People don’t know how frustrating it is to postpone a fight three times after one has invested in time and finances and only for match officials to easily cancel the fight without much ado,” Achieng’ added.

Basheel will not be a pushover for Achieng’ as her record speaks volumes. Out of her nine bouts, she has won all of them with six KO’s. Her impressive run was however brought to a halt by Briton Chantelle Cameron who defeated her in the World Boxing Council Silver Lightweight title in Brentwood in 2019.

A confident believes that her familiarity with the Nairobi environment will help her outwit her much fancied Kenyan opponent.

In December 2017, she floored Kenyan boxer Consolata Musanga to bag the Africa Boxing Union Super Feather title at the same venue.

“Nairobi is not different from Malawi, and I feel at home. My preparations have been okay, and I know that I’m going to win,” said Basheel.

Achieng’ has assured her fans that the title will remain at home as she was ready to floor the Malawian whom she has never met in any professional fight before.

“It will not be an easy fight but be assured the title will remain at home in this big fight that is coming after two years following the coronavirus pandemic that stopped boxing activities,” Achieng said on Tuesday.

Other bouts lined up for the day:

Light welterweight: