The Sunday Mail
Charles Manyuchi is expected to defend his World Boxing Council International welterweight title against South American boxer later this year in an intercontinental bout set to boost the pugilist’s global appeal. Although Manyuchi’s Zambian handlers Oriental Quarries could not pre-empt the identity of the opponent, The Sunday Mail has gathered that 36-year-old Ivan Vivian Harris of Guyana, who is ranked 26th by the WBC, has been lined up for the November 22 bout.
Manyuchi’s international stock rose in March this year when he clinched the WBC International Bronze title at the expense of highly rated Patrick Allotey of Ghana.
He has also attracted interest from boxers in Canada and Italy, but his promoters are reported to have settled for the New York City-based Harris.
Initial indications are that the fight will go down at the Government Complex in Lusaka although Manyuchi’s promoters are likely not to oppose any intentions to have the high-profile bout staged in Zimbabwe.
Oriental Quarries manager Chris Malunga confirmed the fight and the nationality of the opponent, but could not confirm his name before “tying up some loose ends.”
“Yes Charlie will defend his WBC title against an American boxer, but I can’t name his opponent right now because we are finalising the contracts.
“A number of international boxers especially from America, Canada and Italy had shown interest, but we have settled for this boxer.
“This will be a milestone for our boxer because it is the first time he will fight a pugilist from outside the continent,” said Malunga.
Manyuchi is expected to go into camp next month before he takes on a Tanzanian boxer in August as part of his preparations.
Meanwhile, recognition continues to pour for Manyuchi who received another medium-density stand from the Masvingo City Council last week.
“This offer is in recognition of you as Masvingo’s Sporting Ambassador after having won the World Boxing Championship title.
“This outstanding achievement has put not only Masvingo but the country as a whole on the international map,” reads the offer letter from the city council.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa has revealed plans to organise a platform for Manyuchi to present his WBC belt to President Mugabe.
The developments follow widespread outcry that the boxer is not getting enough national recognition despite his achievements.
