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THE sun is shining for boxing champion Charles Manyuchi, who continues to land more sponsorship deals ahead of his World Boxing Council International welterweight title defense bout against Russian champion David Avanesyan in Lusaka on March 28.
Squaring up against a European boxer, who is ranked the seventh best welterweight by the WBC, will be one of Manyuchi’s greatest achievements since he turned pro in 2009, but the Masvingo-bred pugilist’s ultimate wish remains to meet President Robert Mugabe.
“I am dying to meet Gushungo,” he said.
Manyuchi, who is ranked 28th in the world and fights under Zambian boxing promoters Oriental Quarries, is expected in camp anytime this week to prepare for the biggest fight of his career against a Russian pugilist who is unbeaten in his last 19 fights.
The 26-year-old Avanesyan, whose impressive record stands at 19-1-1, has not tasted defeat since August 2009
Manyuchi who is now at 15-2-1 following his last victory against Devis Caceres of Colombia in November last year, is undefeated in his last 13 matches.
“All this support that is coming my way is actually amazing; it makes me want to achieve more for this country. I also appreciate the gesture from the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture; it shows Zimbabweans are behind me.
“I want to promise that I will not disappoint. Yes, my opponent from Russia has what looks like a scary record, but when he steps into the ring on the 28th he will realise he has met a true champion.
“My wish, though, is to meet His Excellency President Mugabe before I defend this WBC title. I want to personally present these belts to him and get his blessings before this crucial fight,” said Manyuchi.
The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture arranged a send-off function for Manyuchi during the week amid talk that the pugilist’s meeting with the President is being organised.
Previously, Manyuchi has been sponsored primarily by Oriental Quarries and well-wishers like Masvingo businessmen Edison Zvobgo Jr and Member of Parliament Daniel Shumba.
However, his rise to stardom has seen him lure sponsorship from organisations such as Mr T35, Hala Select Selous Hotels, Body Active Gym, Absolute Sports, Kenlink, Emperic Marketing and Celebration Ministries.
Mr T35 recently donated a motor vehicle and purchased a residential stand for Manyuchi, while his full training gear, accommodation and gym facilities have been catered for by the abovep-mentioned companies.
The 25-year-old boxer rose to international prominence in March last year when he clinched the WBC International title after defeating Patrice Allotey of Ghana almost a year after he had won the African Boxing Union crown at the expense of Patrice Sou Toke of Burkina Faso.
“Staying at the top of one’s game is usually what defines a good boxer. I will work hard to defend this title and possibly get closer to a dream fight with the world’s best.
“I have the feeling Zimbabwe will soon be counted globally when it comes to boxing and with the God that I serve everything is possible,” said Manyuchi, whose other wish is to fight the world’s best pound for pound welterweight boxer Floyd Mayweather before the undefeated American superstar hangs his gloves.
Online Reporter