Boxers promise gold

NATIONAL boxing coach Kennedy Kanyanta says he has picked pugilists who will reap the country three gold medals at the Congo Brazzaville 2015 All-Africa Games slated for September 4 to 19.
Kanyanta said in an interview that he had capable and focused boxers who would come back with three silver medals on top of the gold.
He said he knew what it took to win medals at such a tournament and that he had adequately prepared the boxers to ensure they came back with medals.
“I am confident my boxers will triumph because I picked the best team and we have had a good time training so I am confident we shall perform well,” he said.

The team to be led by Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Ben Muziyo also has the likes of Russell Mwamba (bantamweight), Bwalya Lumbwe (light flyweight), Nkumbu Silungwe (lightweight) and Peter Mukenuka (light heavyweight).
Others in the team are Chilufya Chikwanda (welterweight), Caristo Bwalya (flyweight) and Charles Lumbwe (light welterweight).
Meanwhile, Zambian boxer based in the United Kingdom, Oriance Lungu says her dream is to represent the country at international competitions and that she hopes to turn professional in three years.

Lungu, 24, who was born in England where she resides with Zambian parents, arrived in Lusaka on Tuesday afternoon ahead of her two-day trials with Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions (OQBP).
She said in an interview yesterday that her dream was to represent Zambia at tournaments like the World Championships, Olympic and Commonwealth Games and win medals.

Lungu, who has a Masters degree in Physics, is accompanied by her mother Catherine and younger sister Sandra. Lungu, who fights for Haringey Police ABC, boasts of a record 25 fights from which 20 are wins, two via knock outs, and has five defeats.
“I was born in Zambia and I would want to represent my country at international competitions. I am here to attend trails at Oriental and if I get signed on then I would love to turn professional after three years,” she said.

OQBP manager Christopher Malunga said the signing of Lungu, if she impressed, would add value and competition to the stable.
Malunga was impressed with Lungu’s combination of education and boxing which will be a motivation booster to the World Boxing Champion (WBC) bantamweight silver champion, Catherine Phiri, who is doing her Grade 11 schooling.
Catherine said Lungu’s education had encouraged her to work even harder in her education.