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WILL Charles Manyuchi shine again?This is the question that boxing enthusiasts are asking themselves as World Boxing Council (WBC) international welterweight champion Manyuchi defends his title against Colombian boxer Devis Casseres in Zambia tomorrow.
SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA
SPORTS REPORTER
The bout will give the boxer yet another chance to prove his mettle on the international scene as he raised the country’s flag high when he won the international title against Ghana’s Patrick Allottey in March.
He knocked out Allottey in the eighth round at Lusaka Government Complex in the Zambian capital.
Tomorrow’s boxing bill will be held at the same venue.
Manyuchi will go into the ring first before the main bout pitting WBC (bantamweight) silver champion Catherine Phiri from Zambia who is defending her title against South African boxer Bukiwe Nonina.
Manyuchi’s manager, Chris Malunga from Zambia’s Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions, said all was set for tomorrow’s fights.
“Everything is okay and going according to plan. Catherine and Manyuchi are ready to defend their titles. Their opponents arrived in Zambia on Tuesday. Manyuchi is looking forward to defending his title. He will then be closer to the main title,” he said.
The weigh-in is scheduled for today in Lusaka.
Manyuchi holds the African Boxing Union (ABU) title he won in June last year when he knocked out Burkina Faso champion Patrice Sou Toke before he defended his title against Isaac Sowah in Zambia two months later.
A tough task lies ahead for the Zimbabwean boxer who has fought 14 times winning eight on knockout, drew twice and lost once, according to boxing website boxrec.
He comes up against the Colombian boxer who has won 17 and lost four fights. Of the 17 fights, 12 have been knockouts.
Meanwhile, veteran boxing coach Phillip Striker Ndlovu says he is confident that Manyuchi will again rise to the task.
“I have worked with Manyuchi before. He is indeed a good boxer who is determined. He will win the fight and defend his title. He has been working extremely hard in preparation for the fight.
“Colombians are very good boxers, but I am confident that Manyuchi will prevail. He is a disciplined boxer and that could work in his favour. Despite his achievements, he has not grown a big head. He has continued to work very hard. He will make it,” he said.
Manyuchi went into camp in Zambia in September in preparation for the contest.
Credit : https://www.newsday.co.zw/2014/11/21/manyuchi-faces-tough-title-fight/
