The Sunday Mail
LTHE much-awaited rematch was dubbed “Chaos in Lagos” and it indeed ended in chaotic fashion for Zimbabwean cruiser-weight champion Chamunorwa “Sting” Gonorenda who lost his WBF African title via a sixth round TKO to Nigeria’s Tony Salam on Friday night.
The 35-year-old Salam cried foul after he lost to Gonorenda by a controversial unanimous decision at the Harare International Conference Centre on August 31, and the Nigerian got his revenge on home soil with a technical knockout at the Federal Palace.
After holding on for five rounds, 34-year-old Gonorenda lost balance in the sixth and Salam forced him onto the ropes before unleashing a barrage of punches that forced the referee to stop the match.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Sport from Lagos yesterday morning, a defiant Gonorenda blamed fatigue and Nigeria’s humid conditions for the defeat.
Friday night’s defeat was Gonorenda’s the first in six bouts, and his record now stands at 12-13-0. Southpaw Salam improved his record to 12-2-0.
“I lost my balance and he (Salam) took advantage, obviously under normal circumstances one would certainly grab that opportunity but I thought the referee was too protective.
“Yes, I lost the fight but I am not defeated. I would want to fight Tony Salam again, anytime and he knows it,” declared Gonorenda.
The fight was promoted by South Africa-based Kalakoda who, according to Gonorenda’s camp, hinted at a thrird installment of the saga.
“I like what Kalakoda is doing but it’s so hard to travel a long distance, rest a single day and then fight under very humid conditions.
“The weather had a negative impact on me, the conditions were not favourable for me to win the fight. I know I should not be saying this because people will see me as a cry baby but the place is very hot and humid so I should have come and acclimatised. Anyway, it’s just a matter of time before I reclaim my belt,” said Gonorenda.
