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Charles Manyuchi

George Maponga in MASVINGO
WORLD Boxing Council welterweight International champion Charles Manyuchi last Friday wept uncontrollably over the apparent failure by the nation to recognise his boxing exploits that have helped fly Zimbabwe’s flag high.
Manyuchi, who defeated Ghana’s Patrick Allotey to claim the WBC welterweight championship belt in Zambia recently, bemoaned the lack of support for local boxing saying he never received anything here in the aftermath of his landmark win.

Speaking during a low-key homecoming ceremony held in his honour by Masvingo City Council, Manyuchi could not contain his emotions and wept as he appealed for more support to the local boxing industry which he said was brimming with talent.

Manyuchi (25), who fights under the Oriental Quarries boxing stable in Zambia, said he was pained by the lack of sponsorship in local boxing.

He was surprised that his country hasn’t embraced him as a hero despite his exploits.
“What pains me most my brother is that I am respected in Zambia more than in my own country here in Zimbabwe,” Manyuchi told The Herald.

“It pains me that for all what I have done for Zimbabwe by putting the country on the world boxing map I never received anything for my exploits.

“I never got even a single cent here for my win in Zambia and I am hurt. Is this the best way to honour our heroes?
“There is no support for local boxers at all in this country. However, I want to make it clear that there is a lot of boxing talent in this country which can only be developed if there is support.”

Manyuchi, who is trained by his father who is a former boxing great in his own right Ottis Manyuchi, said he was also hurt by the treatment that he is receiving from his Zambian handlers.

“To tell you the truth, the amount that I got for beating Allotey was just US$6 000 but a Zambian woman who fought and won at the same event pocketed a cool US$25 000 and on top of that a 12-roomed house is being built for her in Zambia.

“The Zambians are telling me that I should switch my citizenship to become Zambian if I am to be given better rewards,” said an emotional Manyuchi after sobbing for more than five minutes.

His next fight will be against Allan Kamote of Tanzania on May 5 where he will defend his other Africa Boxing Union championship crown.
“With God everything is possible and I want to assure all Zimbabweans that none of my two belts will ever be lost, I will never let them go,” charged Manyuchi.

He also threw potshots at unbeaten American world boxing champion Jimmy Floyd Mayweather Jnr saying the unbeaten boxing super star was his ultimate target.

“Mayweather will run, he will run like a rat because I want him and I will take him, One day he is going to be beaten for sure and I do not fear him.”

Masvingo provincial affairs minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti appealed to the corporate world to assist local boxers saying it was unfortunate that Manyuchi did not get a welcome that befitted his recent exploits.

Bhasikiti ordered that a bigger and better homecoming show be organised for Manyuchi in Masvingo since he was a true hero for the city and Zimbabwe at large.

“We want our boxers to be marketed so that their exploits are fully appreciated, we have to honour and recognise our heroes for continuing to fly high our flag and Charles Manyuchi is a true hero of Masvingo and Zimbabwe who deserves special recognition for his achievements.

“We are all at fault for not doing enough for this young hero who continues to write his own piece of history through boxing let’s give him the tribute that he deserves,” said Bhasikiti.

Masvingo City Council donated a residential stand to Manyuchi worth over US$5 000.