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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
AS he continues to bask in yet another milestone achievement in his boxing career, Charles Manyuchi has been hailed for his latest feat by former Commonwealth champion Alfonso “Mosquito’’ Zvenyika. Manyuchi became a World Boxing Council welterweight silver champion on a landmark day for Zimbabwe on Friday night when he beat Russia’s Dmitry Mikhaylenko in Yekaterinburg, handing the latter his first defeat in 22 professional fights.

It was the 27 year-old Manyuchi’s second straight win on European soil that thrust him into the elite club of boxers. Those exploits have not gone unnoticed and Zvenyika, who won his Commonwealth crown on European soil, yesterday took his hat off for Manyuchi.

Going into Friday’s fight, the records were in favour of the Russian boxer, who was undefeated in 21 fights but Manyuchi rose above the challenge to emerge the champion when he won the match on unanimous points decision after dominating the bout.

The judges scored 116-114; 118-110 and 115-113, all in favour of Manyuchi. Zvenyika said Manyuchi had proven he is the best boxer in the country at the moment. “For him I think it’s the best thing and it’s good for him and the country as well. When he went into that match, he knew he was carrying all of us boxers, supporters of boxing and the nation.

“He shocked the world because the guy who he fought is very good. “I myself saw that guy fighting and the way I was looking at him (Manyuchi), I didn’t think he could be like this. He showed and proved that he is the best boxer in Zimbabwe. And this is good for the country.

“In boxing you need the guts and the stamina. He is a real champion. He is the best,” said Zvenyika. Manyuchi trains under Zambian promoters, Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions, who have helped put his name on the world map.

Under their guidance, he has continued to shine and it appears the future is bright for him. However, Zvenyika yesterday said Manyuchi’s victory should inspire the corporate world to come on board and support local talent.

“The corporate world, the business people must support local talent because when you have the support you can go far. He is now in the hands of the Zambians, they have been supporting him and look now what he has done.

“Why are we not supporting our own children to grow in their talents? We are happy with what they achieve but we need to support them. We have to put our minds together and work together. Manyuchi has done us proud and that’s good for Zimbabwe,” said Zvenyika.

Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board’s board member technical, Patrick Mkondiwa, also commended Manyuchi for his victory. “First of all, on behalf of the board, we also want to congratulate him. Yes, it’s a big achievement considering his record and the Russian’s were different.

“It was really a close fight according to the scorecard. It means he managed to convince the judges that he is the better boxer. Being away from home it’s good news he can fight like this . . . especially in boxing, you can be intimidated by the crowd.

“I know he is being supported but if he gets more support he can go far,” said Mkondiwa. Manyuchi was accompanied by his manager at Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions, Christopher Malunga, coach Mike Zulu and assistant coach Greetings Kaunga. The Zimbabwean boxer is expected back home early today.