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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
GOVERNMENT has thrown its weight behind boxer Aliya Phiri ahead of his historic Africa Boxing Union welterweight showdown against Malawi’s Israel Kumambwa in Harare next month.
This is the first time for the country to host an ABU title fight. That the winner of the duel earns the right to challenge for a World Boxing Council belt, makes the December 8 event an all important one for Zimbabwe.
Yesterday, Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Emily Jesaya, took time to visit Phiri at his training session in Borrowdale.
Also present were staff from the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board.
Deputy Minister Jesaya said the Government was fully behind Phiri before, during and after the ABU fight.
“What we are doing as Government is to formulate strategies which will create an enabling environment for sport to flourish as a business.
“We know the potential that boxing has as a sport. As a country, we are hosting a very big boxing event; the African Boxing Union fight between our own Aliya Phiri and Malawi’s Israel Kamwamba on December 8.
“We are very confident that Phiri will deliver the belt to us.
“As a Ministry, we have decided to come here and see Aliya training just to get an appreciation of how his regime is like. To get to know him in terms of his personality and passion.
“As Government, we are very happy to have met him and discussed so many things. He has promised to deliver gold for us and we have reassured him of our maximum support as well.
“We are calling on Zimbabweans to come together on December 8 and support our boxer,” the Deputy Minister said.
Phiri promised victory for the country.
“I am very humbled to see the Government taking time to come and see how my preparations are going.
“With this gesture, I cannot afford to disappoint the nation. I will throw everything into the fight and make sure that I win the duel,” said Phiri.
“I am aiming to be the world champion, so winning this ABU title will pave the way for me and the country.
“I know I will be carrying the hopes of millions of Zimbabweans and on home soil, losing is not an option.
“I would like to thank my backroom staff, including my brother Ali “Otto” Phiri and my father who are running around to make sure that I am in the best possible shape.” ZNBWCB acting chief executive officer, Priscilla Kadungure, hailed the Government for the support.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter