Rising boxing star Oduor set for biggest test against Mukholo in SportPesa Boxing

Michael Oduor during training at the Pal Pal Gym in Gikomba/HANDOUT

Unbeaten prospect Michael Oduor face Mustafa Mukholo for the Kenya National Super Welterweight title in a featured bout at the high-profile SportPesa Boxing Night scheduled for April 3, in Nairobi.

The clash, part of the “5 Belts, 5 Champions” showcase at the Edge Convention Centre in South C, represents the biggest test yet for the Kasarani-based fighter.

The Boxing Night will feature multiple title fights across divisions, including a WBA Africa Gold Lightweight clash between John Juma and Charles Chilala, a super featherweight title bout between Fatuma Zarika and Flora Machela, a welterweight contest pitting Ricahrd Okoth against David Oluoch and a lightweight showdown between Javan Buyu and Athuman Nassoro.

But for Oduor, all focus remains on his own path—and the belt within reach.

The 23-year-old enters the bout with a perfect 3-0 professional record, built on a blend of early knockout power and growing tactical maturity. His latest outing came on January 29, when he defeated Oluoch via a six-round unanimous decision at the Boxing Rising Stars event held at Jamhuri Showground.

“I’m improving every time,” Oduor said. “I’ve had a knockout, I’ve won by unanimous decision—I’m learning.”

That performance marked a key step in his development. After stopping both Abednego Ngira and Justus Ndegwa in the second round in his first two fights, Oduor showed composure and endurance to go the distance, signalling a more complete skill set.

“I want to be a complete boxer,” he explained. “If I can be a good boxer, I can do everything in the world.”

Oduor turned professional in 2025 after an extensive amateur career that saw him fight 127 times, losing just 12. He credits those experiences—both victories and setbacks—for shaping his mindset.

“I lost 12 fights, after playing in 127,” he said. “That gives me motivation. I don’t want to feel like a loser. I want to build up and keep winning.”

Born and raised in Nairobi’s Kasarani estate, Oduor attended Dominic Primary School and later John Njoroge Secondary School, where his journey in boxing began.

“I started boxing around 2017 when I was still in school,” he recalled. “I was in Class Eight, then continued in Form One.”

Now training under veteran coach Julius Odhiambo, Oduor maintains a strict routine designed to build endurance and sharpen technique.

“I train two times a day. I do roadwork and boxing skills,” he said. “In the morning, I run about five miles, do press-ups and squats, then later I go to the gym.”

Recovery plays a key role in his preparation as he balances the demands of intense training.

“I sleep, I recover, then go back to training,” he said. “Boxing is very painful. Sparring, roadwork, skipping rope—you have to do it every day.”

His efforts have already delivered success beyond Kenya, including a gold medal at the Intercity Games in Kampala, where he represented Nairobi County.

“I fought in the Intercity Games in Kampala last year and won gold,” he noted.

Despite his progress, Oduor acknowledges the challenges facing boxers on the local scene, particularly the lack of financial stability and support systems.

“It’s difficult locally,” he admitted. “There’s no insurance. If you get injured, you’re on your own—that’s the biggest challenge.”

However, initiatives such as the Ultra Fight Series are beginning to provide more consistent opportunities.

“At least now we are getting fights every month,” he said. “You get something small—it helps.”

The upcoming title bout offers not just a chance at silverware but a pathway to greater opportunities, including potential international exposure backed by sponsors.

“My promoter (Maurice Odera) told me that if I win this title, he’ll give me a bigger one,” Oduor said. “SportPesa has chipped in and they want to promote boxing so that the boys can go abroad. So I’m going to put in work and wait for that fight.”

Odera, the UFS BXNG promoter, is keen to ensure a pathway for local and regional pros, especially now that sponsors have joined to help consistently host fight nights. 

"We have matched the pugilists well. Fans should expect a thrilling show. Fans should buy their tickets early (at ticketsasa.com) since there will be none at the gates. The gates will open at 5 pm with the first bout scheduled for an hour later, with action expected to go on until midnight," said Odera.

Apart from gaming firm SportPesa, under SportPesa Boxing, are joined by the likes of Reel Lens, Brand Afrika, Valr Capital, YDX and the governing body, Kenya Professional Boxing Council. 

Oduor remains driven by long-term ambition, setting his sights firmly on the global stage.

“I want to be a world champion,” he declared.

Inspired by both his local environment and international stars such as Terence Crawford, the young fighter continues to stay grounded despite growing attention.

“I look at my coaches and also at Terence Crawford,” he said. “They inspire me.”

For now, his focus remains fixed on the immediate task ahead.

“I’m just focusing on this moment,” he said. “I’m worried about winning a title first.”

Beyond boxing, he hopes to venture into business in the future, but insists that he can wait.

“For now, I’m enjoying life and doing my job in the gym,” he added.

“My life in boxing has just begun,” he said. “People should prepare for the new face of Kenyan boxing—it will be Michael Oduor. The fans should buy their tickets and show up early.”