Chiyangwa backs Manyuchi

Tedious Manyepo Sports Reporter
ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa, who has promoted boxing in the past, has backed World Boxing Council welterweight silver champion Charles Manyuchi to beat his French challenger Damien Martin at the Harare International Conference Centre on September 30.

Manyuchi has intensified his preparations ahead of the showdown and on August 27 he showed his intentions of retaining the crown by beating Tanzania’s Deogratias Samuel in a non-title bout winning by a unanimous decision.

Chiyangwa is convinced the country’s boxing Golden Boy can beat Martin in the big duel on September 30.

“I believe that Manyuchi can turn the fire on his French opponent on September 30. He is a good fighter who knows when to throw the punch and when not to.

“His tactics are just world-class and with the way he has been posting results of late one cannot help, but admit that the boxer could reach places.

“He is a rare breed of boxers who combine skill and strength perfectly well and I am sure that he will raise the Zimbabwean flag high on the day,” said Chiyangwa.

The Harare businessman, who also pledged a residential stand to the boxer when Manyuchi returned from his triumphant assignment in Russia, has since pledged “something special” should the boxer retain his title.

“I am definitely going to give Manyuchi something very special if he manages to emerge victorious in the bout.

“I know the fight will be tough, but it is my hope and belief that with what the boxer has been doing of late in terms of performance, he (Manyuchi) will win and if he does so then I am definitely going to give him something special for the achievement,” he said.