NEW: Boxer Aliyah Phiri told not to underestimate Tanzanian opponent

Online Reporter

ZIMBABWEAN boxer and African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion Aliyah Phiri has been warned against taking his opponent lightly ahead of Friday’s blockbuster championship fight.

Phiri will defend his ABU belt against Saidi Mkola of Tanzania in Harare.

Mkola arrived in the country on Tuesday afternoon and declared war on the Zimbabwean star pugilist.

“I am ready to fight and I will show him (Phiri) that he is not a boxer,” declared Mkola soon after his arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

“I am here to teach Aliyah Phiri real boxing. He just uses power without skill.”

Mkola was in the company of his manager, Amos Mukiza.

“We are ready to fight and the boxer is ready,” said Mukiza.

“We are here to box and not fight. We saw Phiri’s videos; he is not a boxer – he is a fighter.”

Mkola is a 30-year-old boxer with an eye-catching record of 9-0-1.