Kenyan Boxer Wanyonyi Vows Revenge Against Madonga

Kenyan boxer Daniel Wanyonyi on Sunday, April 2 promised that it will not be business as usual against Tanzania’s Karim Madonga alias Mtu Kazi ahead of their return fight later this month.

In January, Madonga technically knocked out Wanyonyi in the fifth round of the show after Wanyonyi declined to return to the ring for the next round handing Mandonga victory.

Speaking to the media, Wanyonyi revealed that he had not trained for a long time prior to his meeting with Madonga, adding that the Tanzanian's win against him was because Wanyonyi was "rusty".

When he made a comeback in January against Tanzania’s Karim Mandonga, he had only one week to train, something he attributes to the loss.

Kenya boxer Daniel Wanyonyi. /KENYAN PRO BOXING.TWITTER

"It was tough fighting against Madonga. I was just pushing myself. I had not trained for long due to Covid-19. Things were also tough on my side. I had lost my Gikomba business through fire.

"Boxing was the last game to be re-opened (after Covid-19) and by the time I played Madonga, I was not fit. When we fought he was at his peak, while I had not fought for over four years. He fears me now," he said.

Wanyonyi, who runs a clothing business at Gikomba market, revealed that his previous records in boxing across several boxing duels could not allow him to lose another fight against Madonga.

He was speaking after he landed a sponsorship deal with Kenyan betting company Bet Nare, which he signed on Friday, March 31 at its offices and which will cover all his training expenses and stipends.

"This will be a big comeback. For now, I can focus because I've got a sponsorship from Bet Nare. My work is winning now. You will see a different Wanyonyi.

"Normally I do not go beyond two rounds. Madonga cannot beat me. I have fought better boxers. I will teach him boxing, something's has never been taught. I will teach him for free, briefly," he added.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Bet Nare's Terrence Mutongerwa exuded confidence that Wanyonyi would “get back to his feet” after the sponsorship.

“Wanyonyi was the best person for us to support. He lost his stall in Gikomba and therefore this was the right thing to do. We want to nurture him and grow with him. We started the relationship, he lost (against Madonga). He won (against Charles Kakande of Uganda) we still kept the relationship. The journey which we are on is showing the Kenyan people that we are a caring brand by supporting him,” Terrence said.

“When we decide that Bet Nare is no more, that’s when we stop but we are also looking for more talent.”

In February, Bet Nare came to the aid of cash-strapped Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Vihiga Bullets, after being stranded at the Nyayo Stadium after their match against AFC Leopards and had to send an appeal for help to raise money for fuel back to western Kenya.

The latest deal comes days after Wanyonyi floored Ugandan opponent Charles Kakande in a six-round non-title middleweight bout at the Moi Stadium Kasarani Gymnasium.

Currently, Madonga has five victories, three defeats, and a draw ahead of his return meeting with Madonga on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Boxing coach Julius Odiambo, Daniel Wanyonyi and Betnare's Terrence Mutongerwa after Wanyonyi signed a sponsorship deal with the company. /BUSINESS TODAY