The Sunday Mail
CHARLES MANYUCHI is itching to step into the ring and fulfill his long cherished dream of becoming a globally acclaimed boxer.
As the clock ticks towards Friday’s World Boxing Council Silver welterweight title against Russia’s Dmitry Mikhaylenko the Zimbabwean boxing star is bubbling with confidence.
The 26-year-old World Boxing Council International welterweight champion arrived in Yekaterinburg, Russia last Wednesday and weighed 66.6 kg, well within the 66.7 kg WBC welterweight limit.
Manyuchi whose last fight was in July last year, when he knocked out Italian Gianlucca Freeza, weighed 13kgs above the limit as he went into camp over a month ago.
The fight takes place at the DIVS Arena and the winner will claim the WBC Silver title vacated by Amir Khan and move a step closer to the WBC gold belt previously held by the retired American boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Speaking from Yekaterinburg on Friday, Manyuchi promised to come back home with the WBC Silver welterweight belt.
“Friday seems so far away for me, I can even fight him (Mikhaylenko) today. I want this belt and I will get it without fail,” Manyuchi thundered.
“I have always wanted to be a globally recognized boxer and this is my chance to move up the World Boxing Council ladder.
“The aim is to eventually go for the big one, the WBC gold belt but first I have to take care of Mikhaylenko.”
Manyuchi’s camp is not worried about the Russian’s impressive record of 21-0-0.
Just like Manyuchi, the 29-year-old Mikhaylenko is an orthodox and also has a height of 175cm.
The only difference is Manyuchi’s inferior boxing record of 17-2-1.
“We did some research on the Russian, we know his style and we have been working on perfecting the timing and ways of exploiting his weaknesses.
“A reliable game plan is in place, I am confident Manyuchi will be the WBC Silver champion,” Manyuchi’s trainer Mike Zulu, told The Sunday Mail just before their entourage departed for Russia.
Mikhaylenko, whose most recent fight was in January when he won the USBA belt in Canada, is also a confident chap and is looking beyond Manyuchi.
Reports say the Russian is keen to fight against new WBC welterweight champion Danny Garcia.
