WORLD Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight international champion Charles Manyuchi is raring to get into the ring for his title defence against Columbian boxer Devis Casseres at the Government Complex in Lusaka, Zambia, this Saturday. SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER
Manyuchi’s manager Chris Malunga said the Masvingo-born pugilist went into camp in preparation for the fight in September, but did not take part in any preparatory fight as there were fears that he could be injured.
The title bout will be the undercard to Zambian Catherine Phiri’s WBC bantamweight silver women’s title defence against Bukiwe Nonina from South Africa.
The Zambian manager yesterday told Southern Eye Sport that Manyuchi was ready for the challenge.
“The boxers are ready to defend their titles,” Malunga said.
“Their opponents are arriving in Zambia on Tuesday (tomorrow). We have done well in order to ensure that the fights will go on well. The boxers are well prepared for their title defence fights.
“If Catherine wins, she will then go for gold. If Manyuchi wins he will be going for the silver belt. The boxers know what is expected from them so we hope they will do well.”
Manyuchi won the WBC belt when he beat Ghana’s Patrick Allottey in Zambia early this year.
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Meanwhile, Malunga was recently quoted by Zambian media saying that the duo should win their fights in honour of the late Zambian President Michael Sata.
“Catherine and Charles should be physically and mentally prepared to defend their titles not only for themselves, but also in honour of late President Micheal Sata who was a great leader,” he said.
“In sport, discipline is very cardinal and I am appealing to my boxers to remain disciplined. They should not underrate their opponent.”
Manyuchi has won 14 times (eight on knockout), drew twice and lost once according to boxing website boxrec.
He faces Casseres who has won 17 and lost four fights.
Of the 17 wins 12 have been through knockouts.
