malvernmugadzikwa
Sports Reporter
RISING Zimbabwean boxer Aliyah “Lantso” Phiri is a man of few words, as he prefers to do his talking in the ring.
But you can sense his confidence in those few words.
He was boastful on Friday when he addressed the media ahead of his upcoming African Boxing Union lightweight title fight against Israel “Money Machine” Kamwamba.
Phiri and Kamwamba will clash in Harare on December 8 in a battle dubbed “Rise of the Champions”.
The fight will be promoted by Otto Boxing Club.
The 23-year-old Phiri has a modest 6-2-0 record but he has shown potential and is now heavily tipped to clinch the coveted African Boxing Union title.
Many started to take him seriously when he stunned Namibian star boxer Harry Simon, who had a 20-0 record, in Harare on July 16, 2023.
His latest win was against Alfred Kaziwe of Zambia in September.
“You have a world champion in the house,” boasted Phiri.
Should he win the ABU title, Phiri will be rated by the World Boxing Council and qualify to challenge for the prestigious WBC belts.
“I want to thank my coach Ali Phiri; we have worked together for a long time and he has done a lot for me.
“He gives me bad days in the gym so that I have good days in the ring. The ring is my playing ground.”
However, in Kamwamba, Phiri faces a tough and experienced boxer who has fought 25 bouts.
He wrested the World Boxing Federation lightweight title from Evans Husayihwevhu in Chivhu in July.
He has won eight of his fights by knockouts.
“He (Kamwamba) is a very good boxer who has won against some guys but I won’t go far with him,” declared Phiri.
“You need to believe in yourself and I am certain I will beat him. We are not going to get to round 12.”
Online Reporter