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CHARLES MANYUCHI’S handlers have revealed that they’re angling for the boxer to take on British star, Amir Khan, to bring him closer to his dream of becoming the undisputed welterweight champion in the world. American superstar, Floyd Mayweather Junior, who is undefeated, is currently the world welterweight champion but he is expected to retire in September after one last fight.
Mayweather has the gold title, in the WBC welterweight ranks, Khan has the silver title and Manyuchi owns the bronze title.
The Zimbabwean star returned to a rousing welcome in Lusaka yesterday after his successful defence of his WBC international crown when he stopped Italian challenger, Gianluca Frezza, in the sixth round on Saturday night.
Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions manager, Chris Malunga, said he will be travelling to China in November to begin the process for the bid to fight Khan.
“I’m happy Manyuchi is in the green belt, the same category as Floyd Mayweather and I’ll be going to China in November to bid for him to fight Khan,” Malunga told The Times of Zambia.
“Manyuchi is not only raising the Zambian flag high but putting the entire continent on the map.”
Manyuchi, the WBC International champion, said he was now ready to face any boxer in the world.
“I successfully defended my title and I’m now ready to fight any boxer in the world,” Manyuchi told The Times of Zambia on arrival in Lusaka.
“I fought a good boxer, Frezza is a good boxer and well respected in his country but, for me, I don’t respect him.”
Malunga also spoke about the offer given to Manyuchi by former Sports Minister, Chishimba Kwambili, to get honorary Zambian citizenship, which the boxer turned down.
“When we signed Manyuchi, we wanted to add value and competition to the stable,” said Malunga.
“Not only does he represent Zambia and Zimbabwe but the entire Africa.
“We shall handle the matter of citizenship carefully as you know he is a Zimbabwean and we don’t want to have problems with his country.”
Three years ago, Manyuchi told The Herald that he declined Zambian citizenship because he was proud to be a Zimbabwean.
“I was offered citizenship though I couldn’t accept due to the fact that I’m a Zimbabwean and I wouldn’t want to change that because I love my country.”
Manyuchi is expected home today.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom, who flew to Italy to support Manyuchi, have praised The Herald newspaper for the way it treated the champion’s victory with a story being splashed on the front page.
“Big thank you to The Herald for the coverage. Charles Manyuchi you deserve this#TeamManyuchi#GloryToGod,” Marshall Gore, one of those who went to Italy, tweeted.
“Congratulations goes out to Charles Manyuchi for retaining the WBC Title in Italy. #ProudlyZimbabwean #CharlesManyuchi #Champion #WBC#Boxing#Team Zimbabwe.
“Congratulations to Charles Manyuchi for retaining the WBC Title in Italy. #TeamManyuchi, we’re moving forward.”
Former Zimbabwe football star, Frank Nyamukuta, said Manyuchi was “going places.” — Sports Reporter/Times of Zambia.
Online Reporter