NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan boxer Ferdinand Omondi, popularly known as Mbavu Destroyer, has filed an appeal at the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT), challenging the outcome of his recent bout against Portifas Odipo, alias Majembe.
The appeal comes days after Mbavu’s defeat in the widely publicised Vurugu Fight, held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. Majembe secured victory via a fourth-round knockout in a match that drew significant public attention and online debate.
However, the result has been contested, with both fans and sections of the boxing community questioning the legality of the decisive blow. Mbavu maintains that the punch landed below the legal striking zone.
“Nowadays, boxing has turned into hitting people in prohibited areas. There is no problem, but you could have also informed me so that I could do the same. This is not boxing,” he said after the fight.
According to filings before the tribunal, Mbavu is seeking urgent relief orders, including the annulment of the fight result and a reversal of the decision in his favour. He argues that officials made an incorrect call in awarding the victory.
The boxer is also pursuing the full winner’s package, which reportedly includes over KSh2.5 million in cash, a vehicle, a sport bike, and the championship belt awarded to Majembe.
The case names Majembe, event organiser Oga Obinna, and the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission as an interested party.
Key demands
In his petition, Mbavu outlines several requests to the tribunal:
- That the fight be declared a technical decision in his favour, naming him Vurugu champion
- That the decision be reversed and victory awarded to him
- That he be granted the winner’s prize package
- Alternatively, that the bout be ruled a technical draw and a rematch organised
Disputes of this nature are typically handled by the SDT, which has jurisdiction over sports-related conflicts in Kenya, including officiating controversies and contractual disagreements.
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While outright reversals of match outcomes are rare, the tribunal may order remedies such as rematches if procedural or regulatory breaches are established.
The case underscores growing scrutiny over the regulation of high-profile local boxing events, particularly those that attract commercial sponsorship and significant public interest through digital platforms.
The matter is scheduled for mention on Wednesday, April 15.
