Boxing: Manyuchi resumes preparations

ZIMBABWE’S World Boxing Council International welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi steps up his training this week in preparation for an August 30 bout against Tanzanian pugilist Fabian Lyimo.

The non-title fight is meant to afford Manyuchi some match practice ahead of his mandatory WBC title defence square-up against South American boxer Vivian Harris later this year.

Manyuchi, who clinched the WBC International belt in March after beating Patrice Allotey of Ghana, is pencilled to clash with Harris on November 22 at the Government Complex of Lusaka.

However, there are reports that plans are underway to have the fight moved to the United States of America.

Manyuchi’s Zambian handlers, Oriental Quarries, have also confirmed overtures from Europe.

The stable’s manager, Chris Malunga, outlined Manyuchi’s training programme, saying that they will be leaving no stone unturned in their quest to propel the Zimbabwean into international boxing stardom.

“Charlie (Manyuchi) resumes camp next week (this week) before his warm-up fight against Lyimo here in the Northern Province (of Zambia).

“The main focus, though, is on the WBC fight, which is a make-or-break bout for our boxer. The plan has always been to get as close as possible to the main title, which is currently in the hands of Floyd Mayweather . . . this fight is part of the grand plan.

“We are privileged because Manyuchi is already rated among the contenders for the WBC title, so we are almost there.

“Manyuchi’s stock has been rising; there was an offer for him to fight in Russia, but we didn’t like the conditions so we turned it down,” said Malunga.

The 31-year-old Lyimo is rated among the best welterweight boxers in Tanzania, with a record of 13 wins, 4 losses and a single draw.

He should give Manyuchi some form of test ahead of his WBC fight.

Manyuchi is rated the 26th best welterweight boxer in the world by the WBC and is one of the main contenders for Mayweather’s belt by virtue of him being the International champion.

Great Britain’s Amir Khan, who holds the WBC Silver title, is the number one contender and was tipped to fight Mayweather in September, but the American boxing king will instead fight Marcos Maidana whom he narrowly defeated in May.