In preparation for his debut international fight, a flamboyant and gregarious Tanzanian boxer is in Kenya.
In East Africa, Karim Madonga is well-known for his extravagant boasts about his boxing prowess and goes by the moniker “mtu kazi,” which translates to “a fighter” in street Kiswahili.
He referred to his punch as a “heat-seeking missile” in his most recent fight. Prior to their fight on Saturday, he likened his punch to a “Ukrainian missile.”
The 43-year-old has drawn one fight, lost three, and won three fights.
He drew crowds as he walked around the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
“I have been received well in Kenya. I started boxing in 2002, and boxing has made me a brand. Boxing took me to the city. I am the only boxer who became a star after losing a fight. And when I am beaten, I talk about it, when I win, I talk more about it. In boxing, you have to know how to talk and fight. I know both. Wanyonyi will be beaten,” Mandonga told BBC Sport Africa.
His opponent, 39-year-old Daniel Wanyonyi, says Mandonga’s personality is good for the sport.
“His talk makes him popular. We love such boxers. I am good at boxing, he is good at talking. I am ready for the fight tomorrow, it will be 10 rounds. There is pressure because we are at home and everyone is expecting me to win… However, I am telling Kenyans to leave that to me, victory will remain at home,” Daniel said .
Their fight will serve as a curtain raiser for the main fight between Kenyan boxer Rayton Okwiri and Tanzanian boxer Ally Ndaro.
A total of 11 fights will take place at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC). Organizers are hoping that the event will raise the profile of the sport, which has waned over the years.