Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
A RUSAPE-based heavyweight boxer, Anesu Motsi, has challenged star pugilist Charles Manyuchi and wants a fight with the former World Boxing Council champion “as soon as yesterday.”
Manyuchi, who reached the pinnacle of his career in the welterweight division, now fights in the heavyweight category while Motsi is a greenhorn boxer who has been struggling to get match-ups in the division.
Once likened to the legendary Zimbabwe and African champions, the late Proud “Kilimanjaro” Chinembiri, Motsi is one of the few heavyweight boxers contesting in the country.
He turns 35 tomorrow.
“Lack of fights has hampered my career. As you know, heavyweight boxers are scarce in the country.
“It gets worse if you imagine that the country hosts about two tournaments a year,” Motsi told Zimpapers Sports Hub from his base in Rusape.
Motsi has, however, ensured he stays active by contesting in a few bouts outside the country. But he is yearning for a local match.
And he thinks Manyuchi could be an ideal opponent.
The 36-year-old Manyuchi has already fought six heavyweight fights, since his switch from the welterweight division, which gave him his international fame.
He is a former WBC Silver welterweight champion.
“Heavyweight boxing in Zimbabwe is surely on the canvas but I have strong faith I can revive it.
“I am happy that Manyuchi is now in the heavyweight category but I believe I own this category. “I want to welcome Manyuchi to this division and this fight has to happen fast,” declared Motsi, who weighs 115kg. Bulawayo’s Elvis “Bomber’’ Moyo was another prominent heavyweight boxer to emerge on the domestic scene. Moyo has, however, since transitioned to mixed martial arts after a career as a professional boxer, in which he won titles such as the WBF All-Africa heavyweight title in 2013 and 2017.
Now without opponents to test his mettle against, Motsi can only look at Manyuchi for now. Interestingly, Manyuchi’s management appear excited and said the bout could materialise. “We should have the second Trabablas Gloves On tournament early December, so yeah, if Motsi is serious then there is a possibility Manyuchi could take on Motsi there,” said a representative of the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy.
“I am sure Manyuchi would want that fight so that he settles this debate,” added the representative. The Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy, in conjunction with Delta Force, promoted the inaugural Trabablas Gloves On tournament in Chivhu last weekend.
Clever Sithole, who was bred in Chivhu, became the inaugural winner of the Trabablas national belt after defeating Lawrence Chiyangwa.
