TOP Zimbabwean boxer Charles Manyuchi, who recently won the African Boxing Union (ABU) welterweight title in Burkina Faso in June, says he is not lining up any preparatory fights before making his first defence of the continental title in September.
SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER
The Masvingo-based boxer, who is also the national welterweight champion knocked out Burkina Faso champion Patrice Sou Toké in the fifth round of the 12-round bout to claim the continental welterweight title. In an interview yesterday Manyuchi said he was training alone, as he prepared for his title defence which would put him in the frame for the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title.
“My fight to defend my title will be in Zambia on September 28. I am still waiting for the promoters to tell me who I will be fighting and the contract as well. It is not mandatory for me to first defend my title before I contest for the WBC title, but I want to defend it first,” he said.
ABU president Houcine Houchi recently stated that Manyuchi will face South Africa’s Tsiko Mulovhedzi in his title defence fight on September 28.
Houchi stated that the continental governing body had appointed Mulovhedzi a few weeks ago and was awaiting contracts from both parties.
Mulovhedzi (26) has a record of 16 fights, six victories with three via knockouts, three draws and seven losses. Mulovhedzi’s recent fight was in October last year when he knocked out compatriot Kyle Smith to win the national welterweight title.
Manyuchi (26), contracted to Zambia-based Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions, has a record of 14 fights with 11 victories, five via knockouts, a draw and two loses.
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He is expected to defend his title alongside female champion Catherine Phiri who will be fighting for the ABU title against South Africans Gibisele Tshabalala.
Manyuchi will be hoping to avoid the same problems faced by other local boxers Tineyi Maridzo and Thamsanqa Dube, who were stripped of their titles after they failed to defend them within the stipulated times.
