Owen Kibira eyes knockout victory over Tanzania’s Musanja in Nairobi showdown

Uganda’s knockout specialist Owen ‘Matrix’ Kibira has boldly declared his intention to floor Tanzania’s Kelvin Musanja on November 2, as he looks to extend his unbeaten streak in professional boxing.

Kibira, who retired earlier this year from Uganda’s national boxing team—the Bombers—will face Musanja in an eight-round non-title bout at Adlife Red Room Plaza in Nairobi, Kenya.

The 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games quarterfinalist and reigning Uganda Boxing Champions League welterweight champion enters the ring with full confidence, aiming for his third consecutive knockout in the paid ranks.

“Nairobi is like my second home because all my professional fights have been in Kenya. I’ve been in camp at MAA Hotel in Nairobi for the last two weeks. Come what may, I’m winning this fight with a knockout,” Kibira told Vision Sport in a WhatsApp conversation.

Signed under 12 Sports Round Promotions, Kibira views this bout as a crucial stepping stone, not only to improve his professional record to 5-0-0, but also to position himself for regional title opportunities.

“My aim is to compete for regional and continental belts starting next year. That’s why I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ve trained well and I’m ready to go,” he affirmed.

His coach, Warren Kanyike, echoed the confidence, noting that their preparations have gone according to plan. “We’ve trained well, focusing on speed and power since last week. I can confidently say my fighter is more than ready to rumble.”

Musanja will be Kibira’s fourth Tanzanian opponent, following knockout victories over Abdallah Yoba, veteran Ally Hamisi Mzee, and Mohamed Faki Bakari. Adding to Kibira’s advantage, Musanja’s last bout against a Ugandan fighter ended in an eight-round knockout loss to James Ssebalamu.