Fears over local boxers

Langton Nyakwenda

THERE are growing fears that a number of boxers might quit the sport for other jobs due to lack of action in the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

There has been no boxing tournaments since March 30 when Government announced the unprecedented health guidelines.

Some boxers are training on their own, while others are contemplating quitting the sport for other jobs, according to a veteran trainer.

Clyde Musonda of Delta Force stable is a worried man.

“We have now introduced shadow boxing matches where boxers spar in their backyards for a small prize.

“Some of the boxers are training on their own in line with the boxing programmes we have given them, but my fear is some boxers might be lost,” revealed Musonda.

Boxing, just like other sports, has been affected by the measures that ban gatherings and contact sports.

Renowned pugilist Charles Manyuchi should have defended his WBF middleweight belt in May but that match was knocked out by Covid-19.

Veteran promoter Stalin Mau Mau had planned an international boxing symposium but was forced to shelve the idea.

“We just wait and see. At the end of the day, life is more important,” Mau Mau said.

“We have a lot of plans when we are through with this fight against coronavirus.

“Our boxers are training to keep fit and we are also working with some in distributing free water in urban areas,” said Mau Mau.