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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
WORLD Boxing Federation (WBF) middleweight champion Charles Manyuchi has intensified his preparations ahead of his title defence to be staged in Beitbridge late next month. The Chivhu-based fighter faces-off against Sherrif Kasongo of the Democratic Republic of Congo on October 29.
This will be the first time the border town hosts a title bill of such magnitude and Manyuchi said he can’t afford to let the folks there down with a defeat.
The 33-year-old former WBC silver welterweight champion managed to retain his belt in July last year when he defeated Muhhamed Sebyala of Uganda at the Flamboyant Hotel in Masvingo.
That was also the first time a fight of such size was held in the ancient town.
Unfortunately, the showdown between Manyuchi and Sebyala was the only one that had to be held on the bill given the Covid-19 pandemic in the country during that time.
Spectators were also limited as another round of the Covid-19 was just taking off.
But, as it stands, the Beitbridge folk will not be affected by such restrictions and they are expected to grace the fight in their numbers.
And Manyuchi, who has always wooed with his unorthodox fighting style in front of the home crowd, yesterday said he was ready for the fight.
“I have already started camp. I am often at the gym, working out on different aspects of my boxing.
“I want to make sure that I get into the best shape that I can going forward. I have a lot of work to do before the date of the fight and I am sure I am going to win,” said Manyuchi.
“I am working well in the gym. I will be looking for sparring partners in the next couple of weeks so as to perfect my ring-craft.
“I was last in the ring on July 3, 2021 in the fight against Muhhammed Sebyala in Masvingo. I am a bit rusty and I need to shake all that off before I plunge into the fight against Kasongo.
“I don’t know much about him but what I know is that he can be a handful. So I need to prepare well for the bout and see what happens.” Manyuchi is training under the watchful eyes of coach Ali “Otto” Phiri as well as his Zambian mentor Greetings Kaonga.
The bout card for the day is still being finalised with several boxers based in Beitbridge expected to be part of the bill.
Online Reporter