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Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S popular boxer, Charles Manyuchi, will face a familiar opponent, Limbani Lano of Malawi, in a non-title heavyweight fight set for Harare at the end of the month.
International boxing returns to 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on March 29, with two international title fights on the cards, plus the added incentive of having World Boxing Federation president Howard Goldberg in the house.
Manyuchi’s fight is one of the major draw cards for a boxing tournament that will be staged by Otto Boxing Stable.
The former World Boxing Council Silver Welterweight champion was initially pencilled in to fight against Annos Temfuma of Zambia but will now face Lano in a repeat of their contest in July 2023, won by Manyuchi via a fifth-round TKO in Chivhu.
Manyuchi’s eight-round duel with Lano is one of the interesting fights on the undercard of a boxing bill that will see 26-year-old Tinashe “Jones” Majoni gunning for the vacant WBF Super Flyweight belt in the main fight of the night.
Majoni will become the latest Zimbabwean international champion if he gets the better of Malawian Aubrey Masamba.
Hassan Milanzi will defend his WBF Super Bantamweight title against Abdul Kubira of Tanzania in the main supporting bout.
Otto Boxing Stable manager, Ali “Otto” Phiri, confirmed the slight changes on the original bout card.
“Preparations for the tournament are going on well, as usual we anticipate a huge crowd at 7 Arts Theatre come March 29.
“It’s an interesting bill with big names like Charles Manyuchi; he is now fighting Limbani Lano of Malawi, and we expect fireworks from that fight,” said Phiri.
He added, “Having Manyuchi on the bout card is a good move because we all know the boxer is very popular.”
Former African Boxing Union Light Heavyweight champion, Aliyah “Lanso” Phiri, will also be in action against Mbaraka Mtangembunda in his first fight after serving a one-year doping ban. Phiri has also recovered from a nagging knee injury.
“As you all know, Aliyah (Phiri) has been out of action for quite some time, but he is back now.
“He has been training hard and is looking forward to a good comeback,” said Ali Phiri.
Both Aliyah Phiri and Majoni hail from Otto Boxing Stable.
“Majoni is focused and is raring to go.
“He wants to become the latest international champion from Zimbabwe.
“Winning titles motivates boxers, and I am sure we will have more champions from Zimbabwe,” said Ali Phiri.
Nyasha Hwata will also defend his national light welterweight title against Evans Husayihwevhu.
Online Reporter