Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
As he celebrates 15 years in professional boxing, former World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion, Charles Manyuchi, has one last wish.
He wants to leave a legacy in boxing development.
Regarded by many as one of the finest boxers to emerge from Zimbabwe, Manyuchi is nearing retirement after almost 20 years in the ring.
Since turning professional in February 2009, Manyuchi has won 30 fights, lost five and drawn one.
At his peak, Manyuchi was rated the third-best welterweight boxer in the world by the reputable sanctioning body WBC.
That was after he clinched the WBC Silver welterweight title in 2016, a belt that was one rung lower than the one which the legendary Floyd Mayweather held.
Manyuchi says he is still willing to fight “a few more fights”, but his heart is now more into development and promotion.
“I am always thinking about the next generation of boxers,” Manyuchi told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
He is currently based in Masvingo and turns 37 in November.
Before that, the former World Boxing Federation champion intends to hold a boxing tournament in Chivhu next month.
Dubbed the “Knockout For A Cause”, the tournament will be staged at Phil Jen Country Lodges on October 31.
A number of local boxers, including Tinashe “Chairman” Madziwane, Clever Sithole and Jeremiah “Jingo” Mhere, will fight on the night.
Boxers from regional countries which include Malawi and Zambia will also take part.
Manyuchi says he has a special connection with Chivhu.
“I grew up in different parts of Zimbabwe because my father was a soldier who would be deployed in different areas.
“I was raised in Mudzi, Triangle, Masvingo and even Bulawayo but I just fell in love with Chivhu after I turned pro,” revealed Manyuchi.
The boxer is currently pushing to have land to build a boxing academy in the Mashonaland East town.
“If you look at my age, I am into the twilight zone, although I still can go strong for a few more years.
“We have a number of boxers also reaching the twilight zone, so my thinking is we should build a base for development.
“So that we create a platform that discovers and nurtures boxers from a young age.
Also known as “Busy Bee”, Manyuchi is now fighting in the heavyweight category.
He still wants more victories in the ring but his other focus is on unearthing and developing talent.
With a proud record of 30 wins in 36 bouts, Manyuchi is a former World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion.
He also held the World Boxing Federation middleweight world title as well as the Global Boxing Union titles.
The pugilist also runs the Charles Manyuchi Academy which is home to some unheralded boxers including John Andrew and Clever Sithole.
“We have already paid sanctioning fees for the upcoming tournament.
