Siwo ready to reclaim his name in Kenyan boxing showdown against 'The Destroyer'
Kenya’s boxing underground is heating up, and at the centre of the storm is Alfayo Siwo, Kibera’s own prizefighter and entertainer.
Weeks after a punishing loss to Majembe in a gritty Boxing Day battle, Siwo is refusing to dwell on defeat. Instead, he has set his sights on a new target: Mbavu the Destroyer. For Siwo, this upcoming clash is deeply personal.
“I want Mbavu across from me in that ring,” he said. “I’m not chasing hype. I’m chasing respect — the kind earned when two fighters settle their issues face-to-face.”
The dispute centres on identity. Mbavu has adopted the nickname “Dimanga,” a name Siwo claims belongs to him.
“It carries my sweat and my journey. The real Dimanga is me. I can’t allow someone to rebrand themselves with my name and expect silence from me,” he explained.
Born Alfayo Okoth, Siwo is more than a boxer. He is a musician, certified Level One rugby coach, and actor — skills he says all contribute to his presence in the ring.
“Music gives me rhythm, coaching teaches discipline, acting sharpens confidence. All of that shows up when I step into the ring,” he said.
Siwo’s professional journey spans three years, but his connection to boxing goes back to high school. His fight with Majembe elevated local interest in the sport, despite him entering the ring while under suspension and not at peak physical condition.
“The moment was bigger than me,” he reflected. “I chose to take that risk.”
The grassroots event, funded by Siwo and fellow boxers with Sh130,000, sparked a surge of excitement in Kenya’s boxing scene. Majembe’s victory and viral chant, “Challenge, challenge!!” only amplified the spotlight on the sport.
Now, as attention turns to the April 4 showdown between Majembe and Mbavu, Siwo is preparing to defend his legacy, name, and reputation.
“Boxing isn’t a sprint to instant success. Losses don’t define you. What defines you is how you respond when tested,” he said.