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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
OTTIS Manyuchi, the man who trained his son Charles into a champion boxer, has criticised the local boxing governing board for their lack of support to the sport. Manyuchi said his son would have been in a better place today, and a bigger boxer internationally, if he was supported by local boxing authorities. “It’s so surprising that you’ve a boxing board which doesn’t know when their champion is coming and at what time,” Manyuchi said at a media conference in the capital yesterday.
“We started the journey long back but the lack of support from the association is letting several talents down.
“I also want to encourage the media to report factually, we were shocked (to read) that the Minister of Sport attended Manyuchi’s bout in Italy while he did not.
“I’m told there were a few people behind Manyuchi in Italy, who include the guys who came from Britain to cheer him up, against thousands of people.”
Manyuchi is now targeting Britain’s Amir Khan for the World Boxing Council (silver) welterweight championship.
Veteran boxing promoter, Stalin Mau Mau, said Zimbabwean boxing was slowly coming back to its feet and the exploits of athletes like Manyuchi were helping to boost the sport’s profile.
“I’m very happy with Manyuchi’s progress and with resources we can have many talented boxers like him,” said Mau Mau.
“It’s a matter of time before Zimbabwe boxing comes back on its feet again.
“Seeing Manyuchi grow you could see that he has the talent and I wish him all the best in his career.”
Manyuchi stopped his Italian opponent in the sixth round to successfully defend his WBC international boxing title on Saturday.
The Zimbabwean boxer, who now trains in Zambia, returned home to a hero’s welcome at Harare International Airport on Wednesday night.
Manyuchi believes he is on the right track to achieve greatness and has promised his growing army of fans that they should expect to see more, in terms of achievements, from him.
Online Reporter