adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe National Boxing Control Board secretary-general Patrick Mkondiwa is hopeful Charles Manyuchi’s landmark title defence bout set for September at the Harare International Conference Centre will be a turnaround for the local boxing fraternity.
Manyuchi, who is the WBC welterweight silver champion, is expected to take on Frenchman Damien Martin on September 30 in his first fight at home in defence of a world title.
Manyuchi has fought for titles and succeeded in Italy, Russia and Zambia; and Mkondiwa said having his maiden title fight in Zimbabwe could be a turnaround for the sport that has over the years struggled for recognition.
“This guy has been fighting away from home, people are eager to see him in action. It’s good for the nation and for boxing. You never know, this might be the opportunity for things to change for the better for boxing.
“If things are okay, sponsors may come on board, they will see the opportunity to advertise and there is mileage because Charles is now a brand. So everyone would want to be associated with him.
“The upcoming youngsters would also want to emulate him if they see him fighting. They know he has done well. He is now a role model and there are some talented boxers out there who were not taking the sport seriously but now because of Manyuchi, they know one can make a living out of boxing,” said Mkondiwa.
Manyuchi is scheduled to leave for Zambia next week to intensify his preparations for the bout.
Speaking to The Herald on Monday, the WBC welterweight silver champion said he will take on Tanzania’s Ibrahim Class in a warm-up match on August 27.
“I am going to Zambia next week. I will get the actual date this week. But definitely next week I will be leaving for Zambia. I will be fighting on August 27, then I will fight on September 30.
“In August it will be a non-title bout, it’s a warm-up fight against Ibrahim Class from Tanzania. He is a World Professional Boxing Federation champion.
“I am having light training here in Zimbabwe with Ali Phiri and my father ahead of the preparations in Zambia. I will come back just before the September 30 title bout. This is an important match for me,” said Manyuchi.
The voluntary title defence against Frenchman Martin on September 30 is the highlight of several other WBC and African Boxing Union matches lined up on the day.
Six bouts have been lined-up for September 30 and Zimbabwe’s Anyway Katunga will also be on the roster as he dates Alfred Muwowo of Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions in a non-title flyweight fight.
Barbra Banda clashes against Zimbabwe’s Kudakwashe Chiwandire in a non-title flyweight bout while Gibon Kamota from Oriental Quarries’ takes on another Zimbabwean boxer Tinashe Madziwana in a non-title bantamweight match.
The ABU match is between Oriental Quarries’ Mbiya Nkanku and Mahammed Lassoued from Tunisia in a super welterweight match.
Online Reporter