malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Online
AFRICAN Boxing Union (ABU) champion Aliyah Phiri says he is not under pressure ahead of his title defence against Saidi Mkola of Tanzania in Harare on Friday night.
Both boxers weighed in on Thursday morning and also faced off at the venue.
The 23-year-old Phiri is one of the fastest rising boxers in Zimbabwe.
“I am not under pressure at all,” says Phiri.
“In fact, it is Mkola who is under pressure because he wants the belt.
“I have prepared very well for the fight and I am going to win.”
Match commissioner Maureen Mulangira of Uganda arrived in the country on Wednesday, a day after Mkola jetted in.
“I want to teach Phiri a boxing lesson,” said Mkola.
The 30-year-old Tanzanian boxer is unbeaten in 10 professional fights, while Phiri has seven wins and two losses.
Phiri claimed the ABU lightweight title in December after defeating Israel Kamwamba of Malawi in Harare.
Bongani Ndlovu