South Sudan’s Abednego Thon (Wizzy) knocked out Kenyan Steve Biko to be crowned the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champion as the East Africa Challenge came to an end at the Nyakuron Cultural Centre, Juba, on Saturday.
South Sudan, however, got a disappointing result in the Muai Thai category, with James Majok Gau being knocked out by Ethiopia’s Rabik Sani.
This year’s challenge was the third edition and was organized by the South Sudan Kickboxing Federation (SSKF) under the theme: The Road to Thailand.
The event was aimed at identifying the region’s finest for the World Muai Thai Championship, scheduled to take place in Thailand from March 4 – 18.
Gau, Wizzy, and Sky Okony will represent South Sudan.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj following the event, SSKF president and head coach Puro Okello Obob, congratulated the winners and said the event was a success.
“In every game, there is a winner and a loser. Gau unexpectedly lost because he lowered his guard by underestimating his opponent. Wizzy knocked out his opponent and that is how the match is,” he said.
The SSKF president urged South Sudanese to support kickboxing and insisted that his team was ready for Thailand in March.
Wizzy said his win established South Sudan as MMA leader.
“We are not here to just take in kickboxing, but to lead Africa,” he said.
Kenyan Biko said he accepted the result and would prepare for a rematch.
Ethiopia’s Sani said his victory over Majok was not an easy one and that he was inviting his rival to Ethiopia for an away match in the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.
This year’s East Africa Challenge was supported by the Smart Capital Limited, a Juba-based financial institution, which recognizes the potential of sports in driving unity and development.
Company General Manager Silphano Oluoch expressed his commitment to kickboxing in the region.