Ni Mbayaa! Majembe Stops Mbavu Destroyer to Claim Inaugural Vurugu Boxing Title

By Gedion Nzyoki - 

• Majembe claimed the inaugural Vurugu Boxing title with a fourth-round TKO over Mbavu Destroyer
• The event featured thrilling knockouts from several fighters across divisions
• Controversial referee decisions sparked debate among fans, adding drama to the night

NAIROBI, KENYA — April 4, 2026 — The inaugural Vurugu Boxing Event delivered fireworks at the iconic Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Indoor Arena on Saturday, culminating in a dramatic main event where Portifas Odipo, aka Majembe, knocked out Ferdinand Omondi, aka Mbavu Destroyer, to clinch the first-ever Vurugu title.

A photo collage featuring Mbavu Destroyer and Vurugu Boxing champion Majembe. (Photo: Courtesy)

The event began at 7:00 p.m. with a heartwarming exhibition bout featuring athletes living with different abilities. 

Oliver Thambo and George Atito showcased skill and determination, with Thambo emerging victorious, setting a high-energy tone for the night.

Thrilling Bouts Across Divisions

In the heavyweight division, Lawrence Owino edged past Jeremiah Abuko over six grueling rounds, demonstrating tactical brilliance and endurance.

A controversial clash followed between Munaswar Abdalla and Allan Aska (Mr. Clear the Air). Initially stopped due to an alleged foul by Munaswar, fan uproar prompted a rematch, in which Munaswar ultimately secured victory after the referee insisted the bout continue, though Allan chose not to resume.

Other bouts kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Philip Odoyo, popularly known as Phiji, showcased his precision and stamina, earning a technical knockout over James Oduor (Mbalimbali) in the third round. 

Shortly after, Salim Amoit delivered a stunning second-round knockout against Ranger James, landing a powerful strike that left his opponent unable to continue. 

Adding to the evening’s drama, Rodgers Otieno secured a first-round victory over Jared Amianda after the referee stepped in to halt the fight amid a heated dispute in the fans’ section.

Main Bout: Majembe vs. Mbavu Destroyer

The headline fight lived up to the hype. Ten minutes past 11:00 p.m., Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer entered the ring to deafening cheers. The first three rounds were intense, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows and testing each other’s defenses.

In the fourth round, Majembe landed a decisive—and controversial—punch that left Mbavu Destroyer struggling for breath and unable to continue. 

Mbavu Destroyer and Majembe in action during the Vurugu Boxing Event at Kasarani Indoor Arena. (Photo: Courtesy)

Debate erupted among fans, with many questioning whether the strike hit a legal target or the lower abdomen, which would have constituted a foul.

Despite prompt medical attention, Mbavu Destroyer could not resume, and the judges awarded Majembe a unanimous victory by technical knockout (TKO).

“Mbavu Destroyer cannot continue with the fight; we are now going back to the scorecards. Judge 1: 30 for the red corner, 27 for the blue corner. Judge 2: 30 red, 27 blue. Judge 3: 30 red, 27 blue. The winner by TKO is the red corner, Portifas Odipo, also known as Majembe,” announced the match commissioner to the packed arena.

Mbavu Destroyer Responds

Hours after the fight, Mbavu Destroyer, speaking from what appeared to be a hospital, criticized how the match was handled. 

He claimed he had been struck in prohibited areas and insisted he should have been warned to defend himself properly.

With thrilling knockouts, controversial decisions, and inspiring exhibitions, the Vurugu Boxing Event has cemented itself as a new stage for local fighters to shine.