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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
FRESH from successfully defending the African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight belt, Zimbabwean boxer Aliya Phiri is already calibrating for a more challenging contest within the next three months.
The 24-year-old beat Tanzanian challenger, Saidi Mkola, on points to retain his crown, in Harare last weekend.
And, he will take just a two-week break before he resumes preparations for the scheduled World Boxing Council (WBC) intercontinental challenge.
His management is already combing the files to see if it is possible to bring the contest to Zimbabwe.
Phiri’s promoter/coach/manager Ali, who is also his brother, said the talented pugilist will have a busy year as he tries to navigate his way up the sport’s ladder.
“We have very limited time to celebrate the victory that we scored over the last weekend,” he said.
“Our boxer has been placed in a two-week recovery period.
“He is taking that deserved rest for the next 14 or so days.
“As management, we are taking that time to address logistical issues to do with the upcoming fight.”
He added:
“We have set our sights on the WBC intercontinental belt and we are running around to ensure that we put together the fight.
“We want to climb up the ladder in this game. So there isn’t much time to rest on our laurels. In a period of two weeks, we will be going back to the gym and starting the grind again.
“We need to maintain the shape, the strength and also keep the weight in check.
“We are looking around for a vacant belt or to put up a challenge on any which is being held by someone else. We need to go for that.”
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu