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Charles Manyuchi

Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Boxing Board of Control chairman, Paul Nenjerama, has hailed welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi for successfully defending his African Boxing Union title in Zambia on Saturday.
Manyuchi beat Isaac Sowah from Ghana in Lusaka on Saturday to retain the title.
Nenjerama said they were happy with Manyuchi’s latest achievement and they hope he continues with his good performance in international competitions.

“As a board we are delighted with his achievements. It obviously augurs well for the future of boxing. Obviously, we are being let down by not having proper structures but as a new board some of our structures are beginning to bear fruit.

“I am happy that Manyuchi and his manager, Chris Malunga, are registered with us. He also has his father Otis who is registered with us as a trainer and my appeal to all boxers and officials is to register with us as we go towards our strategic planning,” said Nenjerama.
Nenjerama said the champion’s future looks bright and believes he stands a good chance to compete for the World Boxing Council title if he gets more exposure.

“It is our hope that now he has defended his title he will be going forward for the WBC. He will need to be exposed more and I am sure his handlers, both local and those in Zambia, should be aware of this that he has to be exposed to more fights and I don’t think he is looking at doing it this year or next year.

“He will need exposure and a higher level before he can make a crack at the World Boxing Council,” said Nenjerama. Nenjerama, however, said although they have been giving Manyuchi morale support and advice they have not been able to do much in terms of financial support.
He, however, said he was happy now that there was stand-alone sports ministry.

“I am one of those that were lobbying for a stand-alone sports ministry and we can’t wait to meet with the new minister.
“It is one of our tasks in the third quarter to meet the new minister and his deputy and see what we can get from the ministry,” said Nenjerama.