Manyuchi at the cross roads

Langton Nyakwenda
CHARLES MANYUCHI is at the crossroads after his three-year contract with Zambian handlers Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions lapsed on November 19.
The World Boxing Council International Welterweight Champion is keen to renew the marriage but has not been getting any joy in his efforts to contact Oriental boss Chris Malunga.
“I am still to hear from them (Oriental Quarries), the days are moving and I am getting worried,” said the 27-year-old.
“If they still want me they should show it. . . they hold the key. I had a fruitful three years under their stable and everybody knows that.
“Oriental Quarries built my career to where it is now. I also have the talent so the combination was perfect.”
A source close to Manyuchi, who recently rose to become WBC’s 12th best welterweight boxer, claimed that the Zambians have been ignoring the pugilist’s phone calls.
This has heightened speculation of behind-the-scenes friction between the two parties.
“Charle has been phoning them on numerous occasions but his calls are being ignored. We suspect there could have been a misunderstanding between the two parties, something serious, because the silence is shocking,” said the source.
Malunga did not respond to questions sent to him amid reports that he is preoccupied with preparing Zambian female boxing champion Catherine Phiri for a WBC bantamweight gold title fight set for Mexico next weekend.
Under Oriental Quarries, Manyuchi rose to become one of the best welterweight pugilists in the world.
He claimed the African Boxing Union welterweight title on June 28, 2013 after knocking out Patrice Sou Toke of Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.
He then landed the WBC International crown after flooring Ghana’s Patrick Allotey on March 15, 2014.
Manyuchi has defended his WBC title twice against Colombian Devis Caceres in November last year and Gianlucca Freeza of Italy in July this year, to leave his record at 17-2-1.