Manyuchi raring to go

Ngqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
WORLD Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight international champion Charles Manyuchi is raring to get into the ring to defend his title against Columbian boxer Devis Casseres at the Government Complex in Lusaka, Zambia, today.

Manyuchi’s manager Chris Malunga said the Masvingo-born pugilist went into camp in preparation for the fight in September, but did not take part in any preparatory fights as there were fears that he could be injured.

The title bout will be the undercard to Zambian Catherine Phiri’s WBC bantamweight silver women’s title defence against Bukiwe Nonina from South Africa.

The Zambian manager yesterday said Manyuchi was ready for the challenge.

“The boxer is ready to defend his title,” Malunga said.

If Manyuchi wins he will be going for the silver belt while his female counterpart will be going for gold.

Manyuchi won the WBC belt when he beat Ghana’s Patrick Allottey in Zambia early this year.

He faces Casseres who has won 17 and lost four fights and of the 17 wins 12 being through knockouts while Manyuchi has won 14 times (eight on knockout), drawn twice and lost once according to a boxing website boxer.

Malunga said the boxers will dedicate their fights to the late Zambian President Michael Sata.

“Catherine and Charles should be physically and mentally prepared to defend their titles not only for themselves, but also for Zambia and in honour of late President Micheal Sata who was a great leader,” he said.

Malunga emphasised the importance of discipline in today’s fights.

“In sport, discipline is very important and I am appealing to the athletes to be disciplined and practice sportsmanship.”