LAST week’s column titled “Reaction to Anthony Mwamba’s comments” in which I responded to various accusations made against me by Exodus Boxing Promotions director Anthony Mwamba has triggered more reactions from readers of the column. I’m grateful for the kind words.
To recap, Mwamba had accused me of being ignorant about boxing and to stop misleading fans and the general public through what he termed “poor analyses”, among other allegations.
Concerned boxing follower of Lusaka wrote: “Mr Mwale, I read your boxing write-ups with lots of passion; first to learn something about the sport and second because I have known you as a journalism expert for a long time.
“I have also read the editions on Esther Phiri’s most recent fight against some Kenyan opponent picked days before the fight because the original opponent withdrew (Heavens know why). I also saw  Mwamba’s reaction to your observations and your seemingly profuse apology to Anthony. That was a very professional way of handling a column, otherwise you would have chosen to ignore everything so that your original write-up sticks.
“Why is Anthony complaining? His comments are absurd and perhaps an indication that he believes he is the only (one) literate in boxing. Does he really want his boxer’s fights unmasked so that truth be known? No, Mr Mwamba, (the) fact that you can go scot-free even after a denigrating comment against your fellow promoters does not make you immune to media critcism. No! This is the same Mwamba who was banned and unbanned by a known minister two years back. Reason? I am sure everyone knows. Maybe that’s why he feels untouchable!
The fan continued, “Mwamba must respect other people’s views and understand that such views will sometimes be negative. He must take them on his chin because there is no malice intended. If he does not want criticism, he should hold his boxing fights to the exclusion of the media. In other words, he must hold them at his home (private property), but I am sure even his maid will criticize him if the quality of the opposition is questionable.   Zambia is not interested in shady and shoddy boxing bouts anymore.”
John Ziba of Lusaka wrote: “Simon, I am appalled by Mwamba’s unwarranted outburst against your write-ups on the recent Esther Phiri bout.
“First, I would like to remind Anthony that not too long ago he used to bring in ‘fodder’ to fight Esther for so-called “world” title bouts! And he thinks we should be grateful? My foot!
Second, with the coming of young Catherine Phiri we are now in a position to compare the two Phiris fighting craft (sic), (and) no doubt the younger one has  far superior fighting craft (sic) and she has easily outshone Mwamba’s fighter…and could this be a sign of frustration?”
“Third, Exodus Stables were thriving because of Peter Cottan and National Milling, when they under wrote most bouts, and those were properly organized notwithstanding the ‘fodder’ we were fed! Now, with Oriental (Boxing) Promotions attracting blue chip sponsors and almost flawless organisation, I cannot fail to notice a tinge of jealousy when Mwamba’s comments on Catherine’s last opponent and fight, while barely a month later he himself feeds us the same menu?”
“Simon you a renowned boxing commentator. I can vouch for that. You and my late friends’( James Mulenga and Charm Chiteule’s) knowledge of the noble art is second to none and no one can take it away from you.”
Ziba advised me to forgive Mwamba for “his tantrums because I suspect that he is failing to handle challenges facing him now. Is he able to adapt to the changed scene, with Oriental and its band of splendid boxers looming large? I wish to write more, but I thought it better to spare Anthony as well, he’d better (edited to read) keep quiet if he has to retain some respect from the public.”
Humphrey Mumbi of Kitwe said he and his friends were keen readers of the column and were shocked at Mwamba’s commentsa. “Your column is our source of information on important boxing issues and we are very disappointed to read those negative comments from Mwamba.” Mumbi urged me not to be discouraged, but to “continue reporting the truth as you see it.” mwale.simon@yahoo.co.uk   0966 755574/0953744074