The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
CHARLES MANYUCHI’s chances of landing a mega fight at this week’s annual World Boxing Council Convention in China have improved remarkably following his latest surge towards the top 10.
Manyuchi, who successfully defended his WBC International welterweight belt against Italian Gianluca Freeza in July, is now ranked the 12th best WBC boxer.
The 26-year-old now sits five places behind former champion Andre Berto, who lost to boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr., in the undefeated legend’s swansong bout on September 12.
Manyuchi’s stock has been rising since July 17 when he stopped Italian challenger Freeza in round six in Friuli-Venezia Giula, Italy.
Before the Italian job, Manyuchi was ranked 19th and he moved four places up in August before climbing a place higher to 14th in September.
Manyuchi’s Zambian handlers, Oriental Quarries, are bidding to land a massive fight for the Mutoko born boxer and they will arrive in Kunming today armed with bargaining power.
Oriental Quarries want WBC Silver champion and number one Amir Khan, but the 28-year-old Briton is however targeting Philippines star Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.
If Khan doesn’t get “Pacman”, he will possibly go for the likes of World Boxing Association champion Keith Thurman, World Boxing Organization title holder Timothy Bradley or International Boxing Federation titlist Kell Brook.
Oriental Quarries manager Chris Malunga did not respond to questions sent to him but he has always highlighted the importance of Manyuchi’s ranking ahead of the WBC convention.
According to the WBC official website, the 53rd WBC annual world convention will be on for this entire week and is expected to attract the biggest names in boxing.
Manyuchi, who is taking a rest in Chivhu town where he is setting up a boxing academy, feels his improved ranking could be a perfect tonic.
“I feel encouraged by this rise, it shows it’s possible for me to box against the best in the world. I have always maintained that there is nothing special about boxers like Khan, I have been fighting boxers who are ahead of me ever since the days I was ranked outside 100 so I fear no one.
“If I get a fight against Khan, I have an equal chance as him. My aim is to reach the top level, achieve like Floyd (Mayweather) or my icon Sugar Ray Leonard,” he said.
