Manyuchi gets recognition

HIGH-FLYING World Boxing Council International welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi has clinched his first local endorsement deal as his exploits on the international scene continue to gain more recognition.

The reigning Sportsperson of the Year, who defends his WBC International title against Russia’s David Avanesyan on March 28, was handed a car by a local truck repair and sales company, Mr T35, last Friday.

The company also bought a residential stand for the two-time world champion, who is riding high after successfully defending his title in November last year when he knocked out Devis Caceres of Colombia in Lusaka, Zambia.

“Everyone wants to be associated with success, but few want to be involved in building it. We have worked with Charles (Manyuchi) for a long period, before he even had a world title.

“We believe in his capabilities and today (Friday) we are handing him this car so that he will not have problems shuttling between his house and the gym, he deserves it, he is a world champion.

“We will continue supporting him in his endeavours and we wish him all the best when he defends his WBC crown in March,” said Martin Beula, Mr T35 sales manager.

Manyuchi, whose ‘I am not given enough recognition’ song would have gone platinum in real showbiz, was on cloud nine and pledged to repay the faith by defeating the Russian champion.

The 26-year-old has a tough task ahead of him as Avanesyan is ranked 8th on the latest WBC ratings, 22 places above the Zimbabwean pugilist.

But a defiant Manyuchi is not reading much into the Russian’s ring record.

“I don’t care about his record; I will floor him in Lusaka. My victory over Caceres of Colombia, which was my first against an opponent outside Africa, boosted my confidence and I am ready for any challenge.

“A jab is a jab, whether it is landing on a European or an African it doesn’t matter, it will floor you.

“The support I’m getting locally from companies like Mr T35 will boost my morale.

“It gives me strength, going into the ring knowing that people back home are behind me.

“This company has helped me a lot; this is not the first time.

“With all this backing all I can say is ‘bring on the Russian’,” declared Manyuchi.

The Masvingo-born boxer, whose record now stands at 15-2-1, comes up against Avaneysan, who is now on 19-1-1 after defeating Laszlo Fazekas of Hungary in London last December. Manyuchi has already begun his preparations for the showdown and is sparring with Congolose welterweight boxer Mbia Nkaku, who is currently in the country while local boxers Silas Mandeya and Nicola Mutonhora are also providing the test.

Meanwhile, Manyuchi’s proposed International Boxing Federation fight against a West African opponent that had been set for February has been put off.

“It (the bout) is no longer on, at least from what I am hearing from my handlers.

“For now I am setting my eyes on defending my WBC title,” said Manyuchi.