THE complaints raised by boxing fans on the quality of boxers coming to fight World Boxing Council (WBC) champions, Catherine Phiri and Charles Manyuchi cannot pass without a comment.
When it was announced that Catherine will fight Bukiwe Nonina, who is the South African champion, for the WBC Silver bantamweight title and Manyuchi facing David Cacresse of Colombia for the WBC International welterweight belt, many Zambians got excited at the prospect of watching some tough fights with real contenders.
But alas, it was a joke in the end. Cacresse travelled all the way from Colombia to just make a few dollars lasting two rounds in the ring without offering any true challenge to Manyuchi as he retired before the third round got underway.
Cacresse, coming from a country that has produced some good talent in boxing, refused to get up from his seat for the third round, saying he had taken too many punches to the head and was in too much pain to continue.
Nonina seemed to have won the fight even before she fought going by her war of words in the media but she equally failed to translate her threats into blows as she was at the receiving end before quitting, citing pain endured from the punches of Catherine.
It is high time fans and sponsors ensure they get real value for their money from these fights. It may become difficult to start taking our boxers seriously going by the quality of opponents they face.
It is why people have refused to take seriously Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions’ (OQBP) future plans of trying to arrange a fight with WBC champion Floyd Mayweather because they are scared Manyuchi could be ‘killed’ inside the ring.
This is all because of the opponents that the boxer has been subjected to and no matter how good Manyuchi can be, it becomes difficult for many to believe he can trade punches with Mayweather.
Of course Manyuchi has a serious ladder to climb before he can storm the top 10, from his current 33rd rank to have a chance to face Mayweather.
But it is hoped that as he endures the long wait, he can face serious boxers who should provide the needed competition to enable him become the best to face the United States boxer as well as the likes of Amir Khan, the WBC Silver champion.
Or maybe as manager, Chris Malunga said Catherine and Manyuchi have greatly improved and their opponents found the going tough? Who knows.
Lastly, congratulations to Zesco United for winning the MTN-FAZ Premier League title to represent the country in the CAF 2015 Champions League and Power Dynamos for getting the Confederation Cup slot.
Other kudos go to Jassy Singh, who reclaimed his national rally title after winning the season closing Barn Rally.
Job well done to Kelvin ‘the Kelvinator’ Njovu and Sharon Chimfwembe for winning the Zambia Squash Open held last weekend.
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