Ellina Mhlanga Harare Bureau
CHARLES Manyuchi’s manager, Chris Malunga yesterday said it will take a lot of investment for the boxer to remain on top after claiming the World Boxing Council silver belt on Friday.
Manyuchi won the WBC silver belt after he beat Russia’s Dmitry Mikhaylenko.
The 27-year-old arrived back home yesterday where he was greeted by scores of fans at the Harare International Airport.
Speaking at a press conference at the Rainbow Towers which was also attended by the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhosini Holongwane, Malunga said the level at which Manyuchi has reached has more demands before paying tribute to the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe for their support.
“It took a lot of investment from Oriental Quarries for Manyuchi to get to where he is. No promoter can survive without the government’s support. We have been standing because of the two governments,” said Malunga.
He added that there was need to respect the relationship between the two countries and the five-year contract between the Zambian promoters and Manyuchi.
“I will rest when Charles fights for the WBC gold, which will bring forex to both countries,” said Malunga.
Malunga said they would want the next fight to be held in Zimbabwe when Manyuchi defends his titles in honour of President Mugabe, who hailed the pugilist after defending his WBC international bronze title last year.
Manyuchi attributed his success to teamwork and expressed his gratitude to his promoters.
“The journey was very tough but i persevered.I would like to thank Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotion. We worked as a team and we won this title as a team,” said Manyuchi.
Manyuchi thanked the Minister for mending his relationship with his Zambian promoters after a fallout last year.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sport held a dinner for the boxer yesterday at Rainbow Towers.
The function was also graced by Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs, Miriam Chikukwa.