The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
CHARLES MANYUCHI has begun preparations for his World Boxing Council International welterweight title defence fight against Mexican Silveiro as corporate support for the talented boxer continues to pour in.
Manyuchi, 25, will fight 32-year-old Ortiz at the Government Complex in Lusaka, Zambia on April 25.
He flew back to his training base in Lusaka last Wednesday amid high expectations.
Manyuchi has already defended his WBC crown once, when he knocked out Devis Caceres of Colombia in November last year and a victory over the 21st ranked Ortiz will position the Zimbabwean for money spinning bouts.
Manyuchi, who is currently rated the 22nd best welterweight boxer by the WBC, goes into camp buoyed by growing support from local companies who are suddenly falling over each other to support him.
“I leave the country a happy man, but I am also under pressure to deliver because I have to justify the support that I am getting from local companies.
“I am not a boxer who reads much into an opponent’s record because I believe with God by my side no one can stop me, especially in Lusaka.
“I would have loved to face David Avenesyan of Russia because he has a higher WBC ranking, but he pulled out as you know and now I have to focus on Ortiz,” he said.
Avenesyan, who is ranked seventh, pulled out of the bout that had been scheduled for last Saturday, paving the way for the fight with Ortiz who will enter the ring holding a 34-14-0 record in a career spanning 15 years.
Manyuchi is now on a 15-2-1 record and is flying high after receiving sponsorship from local companies mainly his principal sponsor Mr T35 and Bopela Group who catered for his travel expenses as well as training allowances.
Sportswear company Absolute Sports have availed the boxer’s training gear.
With such support Manyuchi continues to dream big.
“My main aim has always been to get closer to world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr, the other wish is to meet President Mugabe but first I have to deal with the Mexican.
“One day, I would love to showcase my talent in front of Zimbabweans, here in Harare. Zimbabweans deserve to watch their own live in action but that is the job of promoters,” he said.
