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Tadious Manyepo, Sports Reporter
BOXER Charles Manyuchi will hold on to his World Boxing Federation title while waiting to defend the crown.

This follows the decision by the sanctioning board that no boxers will be lose their belts in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Manyuchi had been scheduled to defend his belt in a unification bout, which also included the WABA Supreme title, against Uganda’s Muhamad Sebyala at the Harare International Conference Centre on April 3.

WBF world champions are required to defend their title within six months.

And, having won the crown against Argentine Diego Gallardo last September, Manyuchi had been scheduled to fight challenger, Sebyala, early next month.

But the global coronavirus pandemic, coupled by President Mnangagwa’s ban on gatherings of more than 100 people, the Charles Manyuchi camp, in consultations with the WBF leadership, decided to shelve the showdown.

And the WBF have since told the former World Boxing Council silver welter-weight title not to panic as all their champions won’t be stripped of their titles during the coronavirus period.

“No WBF champions will be stripped during this coronavirus outbreak,” read the message from WBF secretary-general, Howard Goldberg, at the weekend.

Manyuchi, along with all the boxers from his academy who were supposed to fight in the undercard on April 3, have decided to continue training in camp until the WBF furnish them with a new date.

The pugilist told The Herald yesterday he will not be breaking camp as he wants to keep his weight in check.

“The fight has been postponed but you never know how the situation will be going forward,’’ he said.

‘‘The WBF will be issuing another date for the fight so I have just decided not to take any chances and break camp.’’

‘‘All the fighters are still in camp as we all have to keep our shape.’’

“We have abandoned gym workouts but we are keeping shape and making sure we keep safe. ‘‘

‘‘You just never know when the WBF will announce a new date so we have to be in the best shape.’’

“I am happy that I won’t lose my belt, it’s unfortunate the pandemic has brought everything to a standstill but it is necessary for safety.”

Manyuchi said the postponement of his duel against Sebyala had some costs attached to it.

“We had paid a lot in advance and we have been getting pledges and support from corporates and individuals.

‘‘The fight presented a huge opportunity to break to the next level and some financial rewards but all this that is being done is in the best interest of the people’s health.’’

Manyuchi’s boxers, Hassani Milanzi, Tinashe Majoni and Evans Husavihwevhu, were all scheduled to fight for titles on the undercard and they have remained in camp with coach Ali “Otto” Phiri.