🏆 _The Golden Era
UGANDA PIPS KENYA BY JUST ONE POINT TO WIN 1972 AFRICA BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS
▪️ Heavyweight Benson Masanda’s win over Nigeria’s Fatai Ayinla lifts tough Ugandans
In what turned out to be an East African domination, Uganda pipped Kenya by just a point to win the 1972 Africa Elite Boxing Championships at the Railway Club, Nairobi.
Commonwealth Games heavyweight champion Benson Masanda’s points win over Nigeria’s Fatai Ayinla gave Uganda the Nasser Cup with 19 points followed by Kenya on 18 points.
With the Nasser Cup in the bag, Uganda agreed Kenya takes the Ghana Shield despite both countries finishing with five gold medals each. The Ghana Shield was normally awarded to the team with the most number of gold medals. Uganda also bagged two silver medals while Kenya got one silver through Peter Dula and a bronze by light-welter Alex Omwomo aka Jack Maloi
Egypt’s flyweight Mohamed Selim was the only non-East African to win a gold medal following his points win over Nigeria’s Quarsi Martins.
Uganda’s five gold medals came via light-flyweight James Odwori, lightweight Alex Odhiambo, light-welter Mohammed Muruli, middleweight Abdullah Abuka and heavyweight Benson Masanda.
Kenya’s five gold medallists were the Best Boxer of the tournament, featherweight Sammy Mbogwa, bantamweight John Nderu, welterweight Dick “Tiger” Murunga, light-middleweight David Attan (captain) and lethal body puncher light-heavyweight Steve Thega.
📸 Kenya’s bantamweight John Nderu hovers over Egypt’s El Fatah who made two trips to the canvas but survived the onslaught to lose on points.
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