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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
WORLD Boxing Council international welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi has penned a new five-year contract with his Zambian promoters Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions (OQBP), who have already set up a fight against Russian Dmitry Mikhaylenko. According to the boxer’s manager Chris Malunga of OQBP, the fight is set for May 6 in Russia.
Manyuchi, who has not been in the ring since July 2015 when he defended his title against Friuli-Venezia Giulia of Italy, signed the new deal in Zambia on Tuesday. The pugilist had fallen out with the Zambians for unexplained reasons last year and their reconciliation only occured last month.
“Manyuchi arrived in the country (Zambia) on Tuesday, March 15th. He has signed a contract of five years under OQBP. The next fight for Manyuchi is WBC welterweight silver title against Russian boxer Dmitry Mikhaylenko on the 6th of May in Russia,” said Malunga in a statement sent to Chronicle Sport.
“The contract for the fight has been signed by both OQBP and the boxer and he (Manyuchi) remains in Zambia camping until departure for Russia.”
Manyuchi became international WBC king in December 2014 when he floored Ghanaian Patrick Allottey in the eighth round. A month later, he also floored his Colombian challenger Devis Cassares in the third round. His victory over the Italian boxer in July last year saw President Mugabe giving him a $50,000 present.
His Russian opponent has 21 victories under his belt consisting of nine technical knockouts. Manyuchi has registered 11 knockouts from 21 fights.
derick.khumalo