Charles Manyuchi
ZIMBABWE boxing superstar Charles Manyuchi was at his usual bragging best yesterday morning and stocked the flames ahead of his fight against Jose Agustin Feria, declaring that he will teach the Colombian a boxing lesson on Friday night.
The World Boxing Council welterweight silver champion will square off against Feria (33) in a non-title 10-round bout at the Harare International Conference Centre.
“I am a man of few words because I am not a journalist or a marketer. I am not here to play, this (fight) is about my country; I am the champion and I will take him (Feria) as my student,” said Manyuchi at press conference held at Acting President Phelekezela Mphoko’s offices.
“I was preparing for a title fight, and I am still fighting for a title; that day (Friday) it will be a title fight whether there is a belt or not.
“I am a diplomat, and I will take him as one. But I will teach him (Feria) a lesson. The only word to the fans is come in numbers to see the windmill punch from Zambia, which I am now bringing to Zimbabwe,” said Manyuchi.
Feria, who is ranked number 562 in the world compared to Manyuchi’s 22 in the welterweight division, did not hide his respect for the Zimbabwean.
“I have to fight a very good boxer and hope that I win. I am hoping it will be a good fight and it is a pleasure to be in this country.
“I am grateful to Oriental Quarries for giving me this opportunity to be part of the event,” said Feria.
Five local boxers will also take part in the undercard of the WBC sanctioned event that will also see Zambia’s Lolita Muzeya fight Agnes Mtimakuanena for the vacant silver welterweight over 10 rounds.
Both pugilists are already in the country and sounded confident in separate interviews.
The other bouts will see Trevor Mpofu taking on Alick Gogoda of Zambia in a non-title heavyweight fight, Tinashe Madziwane squares off against Gibon Kamota in a bantamweight bout, while Tinashe Mutodza will slug it out with Mumbela Mukuni in a featherweight match.
Zimbabwe’s light heavyweight champion Wesley McDade takes on Donald Kampamba of Zambia, while Anyway Katunga will tussle against Alfred Muwowo in a flyweight bout.
Multi-talented Zambia national women’s soccer team player Barbara Banda has a date with Ellen Simwaka of Malawi in a bantamweight non-title fight. — Sportszone