Manyuchi farewell boxing series in motion

Langton Nyakwenda, in CHIVHU

IT was good while it lasted.

FORMER boxing champion Charles Manyuchi will wave goodbye to his fans in Chivhu after taking on Limbani Lano of Malawi at Phil Jen Lodges tonight.

It’s the first of a trilogy of farewell fights by Manyuchi who announced his retirement from the game in March.

The former World Boxing Federation middleweight champion will also fight in Masvingo and Harare before he officially spikes his gloves.

“It’s joy and pain at the same time as on one hand I am proud of my career and on the other I am sad that I am leaving the sport after almost 15 years,” Manyuchi.

The former World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion is however convinced Zimbabwe has talented boxers who can pick up the baton.

One of them is Evans “Vanso” Husaihwevhu who defends his WBF lightweight title against Israel Kamwamba in one of the undercard bouts.

“This fight is very important for me and I will give it my all.

“I will do my best to defend this title,” said Husaihwevu.

The fight night is promoted by Prosper Chibaya, the only female promoter in the country.

“I want to thank my manager Mai Chibaya, my mentor Charles Manyuchi, I love you man,” said Husaihwevhu.

The youthful boxer hopes Manyuchi will rethink his decision to quit boxing.

“Charles is leaving but we will persuade him to come back.

“He has taught us a lot and we are learning both ring life and even personal life.

“He is also a father figure; he guides me a lot.

“I am not happy to see him retiring because I am yet to learn all the tricks.”

His opponent Kamwamba sounded confident after yesterday’s weigh in.

“I have prepared very well,” he said.

“I want to thank the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy promotion for giving me this opportunity which I will not take for granted,” said Kamwamba.

Tonight will also be crucial for Tinashe “Chairman” Madziwane who makes a return to the ring after a 17-month hiatus.

Madziwane will take a shot at the WBF Intercontinental super featherweight title against Yobe Kamnyonyo of Malawi.

“I want to thank the promoter Chibaya for this opportunity and credit also goes to my team Delta Force Academy,” said Madziwane.

“It has been since I last stepped into the ring, but I was panel beating some aspects of my game.

“So, I want to encourage all my fans to come and witness the Chairman doing his thing.”