Kickboxing: Okiror is too good

By Gabriel Esiku in Kumi

It took Dan Okiror, the Eastern region celebrated kickboxer, just seven minutes in the third round to knock out Hungarian-born fighter, Antal Lavente Gal in Kumi on Saturday.

After a promising start where Antal managed to land a kick onto Okiror, the Ugandan was plotting a sucker punch.

Indeed, it was to come moments later. The bald-headed fighter from Teso sent two kicks in a ruthless attack as the Hungarian attempted to fight back with a weak right kick.

At this time, Okiror counteracted with a right kick and a strong jab that narrowly missed the target, before a left cross sent his opponent to the canvas.

Antal stayed down and appeared dazed as he struggled to catch his breath. The first aid team rushed to the ring to treat the Hungarian as Okiror danced to the tunes of the cheering crowd.

“I thank God for this victory and all the people of Uganda who wished me victory, not forgetting President Yoweri Museveni for the prayers,” Okiror shouted.

“The person with the best weapon always wins. I did not go to Kapchworwa for nothing. I thank the kickboxing officials, my trainers, my promoter, the fans and the media. For this victory, Okiror becomes the new World Kickboxing Federation (WKF) K1 champion in the lightweight category.

A kickboxing fan Gabriel Okello, who watched the fight at Kumi’s Boma ground, hailed Okiror for the brave move of going for a knockout.

Uganda kick-boxing president, Hassan Ssekirime described Okoror’s victory as ‘a well-timed strategy’.

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