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It looked as if Matumla, now 20-6 (11) and a
former IBO World Champion, would have an easy
night, as Ochieng, 7-3-2 (1), started the bout
very cautious and retreating in the first round. A
right hand made the challenger kneel and take a
count, but he got up and came out for round two as
a revived fighter.
From that point on it was a very entertaining
fight, as the two boxers stood toe-to-toe and
traded punches. Most of the middle rounds were
even and hard to score, and after nine
back-and-forth rounds it was anybody’s guess who
would come out victorious.
However, in round ten Matumla took over and proved
his class. The Tanzanian had lots of success with
his power-punches, and Ochieng started to look
like a spend force. In the eleventh Ochieng was
knocked down again, this time by a sharp
right-left combination from the Southpaw champion,
and the visitor received massive applause from the
spectators for getting up and making it through
the round.
In round twelve Ochieng again looked like a new
man, and came out all guns blazing, knowing he
likely had to stop Matumla to win the title.
Matumla managed to fend him off, and it turned out
to be too late for the hungry Kenyan.
The three judges had Matumla winning by scores of
114-112 (Hassan Mwingira), 116-113 (Jalus Ligongo)
and 117-112 (Billy Kiremi). Referee was Anthony
Ruta. |
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