NEW: Boxing star Aliyah Phiri promises to defend title, lift Zimbabwean flag high

The Sunday Mail

Online Reporter

AFRICAN Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion Aliyah Phiri has promised to defend his ABU belt and lift the Zimbabwean flag high.

The 23-year-old made the promise to Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Kirsty Coventry at her offices in the capital.

“It’s not every day that one gets to meet the Minister but she spared time for me. It gives me great strength and it’s a sign that Government is fully behind my title defence,” Phiri said.

The boxing champion will defend his ABU lightweight belt against Saidi Mkola of Tanzania at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on March 22.

“I thank Zimbabwe for being with me during this journey. I promise you I am going to lift the Zimbabwean flag higher,” said Phiri.

The boxer also got a token of appreciation from Minister Coventry, who went on to rally Zimbabweans to support him.

Minister Coventry revealed that she is pushing for boxing equipment to be availed in all centres across the country.

“We need to figure out ways in which we can be sustainable because we have seen facilities being built, but with no plans on how they can be maintained,” she said.