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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
TALENTED boxer Aliya Phiri has expressed confidence ahead of his African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight title showdown against Malawi’s Israel Kamwamba in Harare on December 8.
This is the 23-year-old’s first shot at a title and with the ABU strip opening avenues for a world championship, Phiri knows he can’t let the chance slip from his grip.
With a 6-2 record under his belt, the Ali “Otto” Phiri trained pugilist is walking with a spring in his step after he knocked out Zambia’s Alfred Kaziwa in September.
And he is confident of inflicting another knock-out defeat on his opponent next month.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Phiri said he is already targeting the world championship.
“I am already looking beyond this fight. Actually, what I can tell you is that you have a world champion inside this room,” said Phiri.
“I have two spaces in my boxing life. I work at the gym and apply the work in the ring even in a playful manner. I can tell you that Israel Kamwamba will not even last the 12-round distance on the day.
“I am eager to raise high the country’s flag and also build my profile. I am working very hard in the gym so that I can fight a bit easier in the ring. But I am promising fireworks and people should come in their numbers to witness this fight.
“I am someone who believes in his abilities. I know I am going to knock out my opponent and yes, expect a very good fight from me”.
The fight was put together by Otto Boxing Promotions who are some of the few stables who have been consistent in organising fights this year.
Besides Phiri, several other bouts will be on the undercard on December 8.
Rising star Tinashe Majoni will battle it out against Malawi’s Bilal Likande while Evans Usayihwevhu will face off against Alexander Likande also from Malawi.
Blessed Tagwirei and Lawrence Chiyangwa will face-off while Mike Mukariri and Tendai Avonie will battle it out in one of the eagerly awaited showdowns on the night.
In the only girls’ fight Happiness Sakambuyi will be up against Pauline Dzimati.
Bout Card
Aliya Phiri v Israel Kamwamba (Mal)
Shungu Kupani v Everson Musambudzi
Blessed Tagwirei v Lawrence Chiyangwa
Mike Mukariri v Tendai Avonie
Tinashe Majoni v Bilal Alexander (Mal)
Evans Usayihwevhu v Alexander Likande (Mal)
Anesu Motsi v Emmanuel Chikashe
Happiness Sakambuyi v Pauline Dzimati
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