Dubious decision costs 'Harish' title
By STEPHEN ONGARO
Daily Nation of Kenya

Veteran David "Harish' Ouma lost his super lightweight fight via a
controversial decision to former world championship contender Ugandan Justin
"Destroyer" Juuko in Kampala yesterday.

But a questionable stoppage of the fight in the sixth round resulted in a
heartbreaking loss for the 38 years old Ouma, (18-4-1), when the Juuko, 29,
( 33-1-1) was declared the winner of the World Boxing Council (WBC)
elimination-cum- Africa super lightweight title fight on the eve of New Year
at the Nakivubo Stadium.

Two other Kenyan boxers, Charles Owiso registered a unanimous points win
over the fast-fading Moses Sentamu to capture the Africa lightweight title
while super welterweight Shadrack Kipruto defeated Meddy Serunyonji on
points in a non-title bout

Ouma's scheduled 12-round fight was stopped in the sixth round when Juuko
sustained a deep cut on the right eye after a series of hard blows by Ouma.
The ring physician examined the home fighter before ordering the referee to
end the bout.

Juuko was awarded the verdict on grounds that he was a head on points in all
the three judges score cards by the time of the stoppage.

But yesterday, the chairman of the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission
(KPBC) Reuben Ndolo told the Nation after receiving the results of the fight
that he was not happy with the verdict.

Ndolo said he was surprised and shocked. He said: " Ouma should have been
awarded the fight because of his persistant attack which resulted to the
fight being stopped."

Owiso captured the Africa lightweight title with a unanimous points victory
over Sentamu who had very little to offer. Owiso's victory has now brought
the number of Kenyan boxers with Africa titles to three.

The other duo are heavyweight Joseph Akhasamba who won title with a seventh
round stoppage of compatriot Christopher "Teofilo" Sirengo and
super-lightweight Nasser Athumani.

Other Kenyans with Inter-Continental titles are Denmark-based light
middleweight Ashira Oure and super flyweight James Wanene..

Meanwhile, super feathwerweight Godfrey Munica and manager Paul Otieno jet
out on Tuesday night to Accra, Ghana, for the Commonwealth elimination fight
against Ghanaian James Armah.

The winner will get a shot at the Commonweath title against champion Mike
O'Mallery of Australia late next month.

Does that satisfy you?