Albert Marufu in LONDON, England
ENGLAND-based Zimbabwean boxer Tamuka Muchapondwa has declared 2018 as his year ahead of the rescheduled February 16 British welterweight title final eliminator against Irishman John O’Donnell at The O2 Arena in London.

Twice, the 10 round bout has been cancelled with O’Donnell pulling out, citing a cocktail of reasons, frustrating Muchapondwa in the process.
“Preparations have started well and we are in the second week of training camp and everything is on schedule. I am feeling fit, strong and sharp. We have been working a lot on power punches because I’m looking to take out John O’Donell and make a statement that I’m back and better than I was before.

“I expect that is going to happen, but my only worry is that John O’Donnell won’t turn up for the fight like what he did in the past but either way I’ll be prepared for him or whoever they have to replace him,” said Muchapondwa. He added that it is disappointing that he has gone for so long without a fight because of O’Donnell’s actions.

“I have gone for more than seven months without a fight because O’Donnell has been chickening out. By continuing to pull out of the fight, he is denying me the opportunity to fight for the British title and this time I will not let him do that. If he pulls out, there are a number of boxers ready to step in,” said the 24-year-old pugilist, who was born in Harare before he moved to England at the age of 11.

“Being 32 years old, I think he (O’Donnell) is scared of facing a young man like me. He knows that if he losses this fight, it will be difficult for him to bounce back. As for me, I am only 24 years old and still has a future in this sport. So he should avail himself for the fight in which I will give him a thorough beating,” Muchapondwa added.

Muchapondwa also thanked his compatriot Derrick Chisora, who treads leather in the heavyweight division, for linking him with top boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.

“A lot is in store for me in 2018. I just have to beat O’Donnell, which is not a problem at all basing on my preparations. I am grateful of the support I am receiving from everyone, my family, my sponsors and the Zimbabwean community here in England. Derrick Chisora has linked me up with top promoter Hearn who promised me good fights. If Mr Hearn is a man of his words, then 2018 is going to be my year,” said Muchapondwa.

Team Zimbabwe UK chief executive officer Marshal Gore urged Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom to support one of their own during his February 16 with O’Donnell.

“He is a young man with a lot of potential. The Zimbabwean community here in the UK should support him,” Gore said. Muchapondwa has won 16 of his 17 professional bouts since turning professional on July 7, 2012. His only loss was at the hands of Serge Ambomo on May 10, 2017. His opponent, O’Donnell, who turned professional in 2004, has won 32 of his 34 professional fights.

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