Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Africa Boxing Union lightweight champion Aliyah “Lantso” Phiri still dreams of a brighter future, as he recovers from a traumatic period that nearly ended his career.
Phiri almost quit the sport after he was suspended for doping in November 2024.
He was banned for two years after testing positive for a prohibited substance Frosinone.
Phiri was also stripped of the ABU title which he had won in March 2024.
The ban expired in March last year, and Phiri has been recovering from those scars, and he says 2026 could be the year he bounces back with a bang.
He has one big wish.
“I want to fight my way back to the top and create opportunities for me to get big fights.
“I have to fight for the top World Boxing Council belts, and for me to get there I have to fight and beat the best in Africa,” Phiri told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Phiri fights under Otto Boxing stable, which will be host a boxing tournament at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale in March.
A tune-up fight is in line for Phiri.
“I wish to have many opportunities out there to show my talent, to show people what I can do.
“I can be the best in Africa once again.”
The 26-year-old boxer has eight wins in 11 fights and is one of the emerging boxing talents in the country.
His last fight was a unanimous victory against Osgood Kayuni at the 7 Arts Theatre in November last year.
“I am working hard in the gym. We keep working everyday.
“No jokes, no drama, I have to make it.
“This year we are having fights as a stable and I would like to use the next one to do away with ring rust.
“I feel better now, I have recovered from that ban,” said Phiri.
There was a time when he almost quit the game.
The ban had taken a huge toll on him.
“It was a hard time, you think of a lot of things, there was a time I thought I wouldn’t come back.
“But if boxing is in you, and fighting is in you, then you are driven to keep pushing.”
He has one advice to fellow boxers and athletes.
“Don’t take substances that you are not 100 percent sure about.
“This might ruin your status, your life and career.
“I have been down that road, I took a prohibited substance ignorantly and it could also happen to you,” added Phiri.
