Majembe, the reigning champion of the inaugural Vurugu boxing event, has officially confirmed he will not participate in the upcoming Vurugu 2.0. The boxer broke the news during an interview on the 2mbili TV YouTube channel, ending weeks of speculation regarding his absence from the promotional posters.
The athlete, who rose to fame after winning the first edition of the tournament, cited a breakdown in negotiations with the event promoter. He revealed that the primary sticking point was a conflict between his personal sponsors and the requirements of the Vurugu contract.
The Sponsorship Standoff
The dispute appears to centre on branding rights. Majembe explained that he has a binding agreement with a local flour company. According to the boxer, the promoter demanded that he wear different branding during the fight.
“After being lined up for Vurugu 2.0, I began training as usual but then a conflict arose between my camp and the promoter. There are some things we didn’t agree, and so I pulled out,” Majembe revealed.
Majembe stated that the promoter insisted on dealing directly with his sponsors, a move his team found unacceptable. Despite his manager attempting to renegotiate the terms, both parties reached a deadlock.
“If I go to play any game, I wear the clothes of the flour people because they are my sponsors. You as the promoter, you say I should not wear that and if I do, then my sponsor must have an agreement with you first. So, that’s what led to a standoff.”
The tension escalated to the point where Majembe claims the promoter has now blocked him on mobile and social media platforms.
“Obinna has blocked me because of the contract disagreement. I haven’t even tried calling him. It’s like he took it personal after trying to explain to him my side,” he added.
Lack of Match Fitness
With only 11 days remaining until the event, Majembe admitted he is no longer physically prepared to enter the ring. He stopped his intensive training sessions about a week ago after realising the contract talks had failed.
He expressed concern that competing while “unfit” would be a disservice to his supporters. “I don’t want to let down Kenyans,” he said, noting that it takes at least a month of rigorous training to be fully prepared for a professional bout.
Vurugu 2.0: New Faces in the Ring
While the defending champion will be watching from the sidelines, Vurugu 2.0 is set to feature a fresh lineup. The event will see Uganda’s Shakib Cham take on musician Arrow Bwoy. Additionally, the ring will host a clash between bodybuilders Gachau and Phil.
Majembe remains optimistic about his future in the sport, hinting at potential matches against Shakib Cham or a rematch with his rival, Mbavu, later in the year.
