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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
ICONIC boxer Charles Manyuchi carved his own niche in the world of professional boxing under the wings of globally-acclaimed promoter Chris Malunga of Oriental Quarries in Zambia over a decade ago.
He enjoyed tremendous support from Zambians, obviously benefiting a lot from the fact that Zambians love boxing as much as Zimbabweans love football.
It didn’t matter that he was a Zimbabwean athlete doing wonders under a Zambian stable as they gave him their heart.
He didn’t disappoint either, winning several titles including the African Boxing Union belt and the World Boxing Council silver stripe as his stock rose significantly over a short period of time. Of course, he eventually decided to come back home and he has added several feathers in his cap on his way to underlining his status as a boxing legend in this country.
The 34-year-old has since announced his plans to retire and he is doing that in a special way-having exhibition farewell fights across the country before he officially leaves the ring.
And this weekend, Manyuchi will be at the Lusaka Government Complex in Zambia, taking on Zambia’s Donald Kampamba in a bill put together by his former manager Malunga.
“I am heading to Lusaka, Zambia where my farewell series continues with a fight against Kampamba at the Lusaka Government Complex on Saturday,”said Manyuchi.
“I have got so much respect for Malunga who nurtured me into the boxer and person that I am today.
“So fighting on his bill is something that excites me a lot. I will also have the opportunity to say goodbye to my Zambian fans who used to pack venues whenever I was fighting back then. “I am very happy to take this farewell series to Zambia. That is where I first made my name. I promise nothing but fireworks for the fans in this bout”. Malunga said it was an honour to have worked with Manyuchi as a boxer and having him in his bill feels great.
“I am happy to host Manyuchi here in Lusaka, Zambia this weekend. He is such a big drawcard. He is loved here in Zambia and I know fans will throng the Government Complex to see him in action. It has been long since he last had a fight here,”said Malunga.
“I am also happy that he is now also a promoter. I am happy for him. He is part of me and I am part of him. We will always support each other”. Manyuchi will be accompanied by students from the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy, who will also fight under the same card. Rising prospect Tatenda Biningu will take on Mumbela Mukuni of Zambia while Clever Sithole faces off against Aleck Mwenda also of Zambia with Lloyd Mujibilikwa coming up against Alfred Kaziwo and Brendon Denes coming face to face with DR Congo’s Sheriff Kasongo.
Oriental Quarries bout card involving Zimbabweans:
Tatenda Biningu v Mumbela Mukuni (Zam)
Clever Sithole v Aleck Mwenda (Tan)
Charles Manyuchi v Donald Kampamba (Zam)
Brandon Denes v Sheriff Kasongo (DRC)
Lloyd Mujibilikwa v Alfred Kaziwo (Zam)
Online Reporter