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Solid Rock Promotions yesterday confirmed that the much-anticipated Kassim Ouma vs Rayton Okwiri fight will not happen as expected after the Ugandan withdrew.

Speaking exclusively to People Daily, CEO Frankline ‘Kuka’ Imbenzi confirmed that on Tuesday afternoon, his team received the information from Uganda.

“I think Kassim’s team has chickened out as they won’t sign the contract to fight in Nairobi as had been planned. They did not give any reasons as to why, but we just know that they are not coming for this grudge match,” said Imbenzi.

Kenya Professional Boxing (KPBC) acting Secretary general Julius Odhiambo confirmed that Kassim’s place has been replaced by little-known Tanzanian Shabani Ally.

The 27-year-old Arusha-born boxer also known as ‘Ndaro’, has had six professional fights since 2018 of which he has won four by Technical Knockout (TKO), lost once and tied once.

His Kenyan counterpart, 36-year-old Rayton Okwiri has had 10 professional fights since 2017, winning eight of them by TKO, losing once and drawing the other.

“I have spent a lot of money preparing for Kassim Ouma’s fight for the last three months, almost a million Kenyan shillings. So, for that fight not to happen is a big disappointment, but I accept that it is life,” retorted the agitated Kenya Prisons Boxer who added that the Ugandan Promoter Stephen Ssembuya of 12 rounds Promotions should be arrested for being a con.

Okwiri also known as ‘Boom Boom’ last fought in Johannesburg South Africa on June 30th 2022 against DRC’s Emmany Kalombo who he lost by TKO.

Tanzania’s Ndaro recently won on boxing day, December 26th 2022 by unanimous decision against Shabani Kaoneka at the AICC, lake Nyasa hall in Arusha Tanzania.

Now the two will square it out at the famous KICC, In Nairobi on 14th January for a ten-round non-title fight, curtain raising the mouthy Karim Mandonga vs Festo Botumbe fight.

KPBC also added that tickets will range from Sh500 to Sh1000 as boxing fans in Kenya are eagerly waiting for the clash of East Africa titans.