African Boxing Union (ABU) middleweight champion Rayton “Boom! Boom” Okwiri has penned a five-year lucrative deal with American boxing promotions Raynelo Management.
The Olympian will be paid Sh1 million (USD10,000) per non-title fight and at least Sh5 million (USD50,000) for a title duel.
“This is like a dream come true. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I want to use it correctly,” Okwiri told Standard Sports from his base in Florida, US.
“I’m determined to show the world that I’m Okwiri who used to be lethal during my days in the AIBA Pro-Boxing series,” he said.
At the same time, Okwiri has rejected a sparring deal worth Sh500,000 per month with the same promoter, saying he only wants to concentrate on his preparations for his upcoming title fight in Kenya.
The Kenya Prison pugilist arrived in Florida a few weeks ago to prepare for a World Boxing Organisation (WBO) title fight against a yet to be named Russian opponent.
The slug-off to be staged in late August or early September in Nairobi will be graced by former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Tyson will engage in an exhibition show to curtain raise for Okwiri.
“Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) and WBO are finalizing everything. They will soon release the details of the bout,” says Okwiri.
Okwiri is engaging in strength and conditioning exercises in the Raynelo state of the art gym while being monitored by his coach David Kiilu who is a former World Boxing Union and World Boxing Federation champion.
“My training camp in Florida has started well, I hope to gain as much as I can especially in the sparring department,” he said.
Kiilu believes the boxer will return to Kenya sharper and ready to deliver the coveted belt.
Ahead of his WBO fight, Raynelo Management has planned for Okwiri a warm-up fight in the US.
“This engagement will help to remove cobwebs, it will help me to gauge myself. You know, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I have not fought for one and a half years,” he said.
Okwiri’s training and stay in the US is being supported by 22Bet Kenya.
He thanks KPBC President Reuben Ndolo and Secretary-General Franklin Imbenzi for helping him to nail the sponsorship and management deals that are on the verge to make him among the most top paid professional boxers in Africa.
–standardmedia.co.ke
