By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA –
THE long-awaited return of Esther Phiri into the boxing ring has been put on ice following the delayed completion of a broadcast agreement that would have seen the former champion fight Jennifer Faccio this weekend.
Organisers of the fight, Exodus Boxing Promotions (EBP) and the official broadcast partners, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) are the two parties ‘delaying’ the comeback fight that was set to happen on September 20.
Esther was expected to make a return to the ring for the first time in two years against Faccio of Uruguay.
EBP proprietor Anthony Mwamba confirmed the development, saying that the new dates for the bout would be announced as soon as the broadcast contract is finalised.
Mwamba revealed that during the meetings, it was discovered that the broadcasters, sponsors and organisers needed to synchronise their activities in order to maximise their media value.
He, however, remained hopeful that the parties involved should be able to reach an agreement this weekend with the new dates to be announced soon.
This non-title international bout will have five supporting bouts with a welterweight duel between Sheriff Kasongo and Jocob Maganga of Zimbabwe expected to produce fireworks.
Other supporting bouts will have Anos Tembuma fighting Zimbabwe’s Admos Takawila while Joel Mwewa takes on Habius Silupungwe in the light-welterweight category with Linah Kasweka facing Patience Masitala of Zimbabwe in the bantamweight bout. There will also be a super-bantamweight fight between Bernard Mwango and Tom Chisenga.