NEW: Phiri, Simon Junior fight set for arbitration

Online Reporter

FAST-RISING Zimbabwean boxer Aliyah Phiri will know the fate of his disputed win against Harry Simon Junior of Namibia early next week, after the local boxing board finally set the arbitration date.

Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board acting chief executive officer Priscilla Kadungure has written to both parties advising them that the arbitration will be conducted in Harare on April 9.

“This letter serves to notify you that the arbitration of Aliyah Issah Phiri and Harry Simon Junior’s disputed bout will take place on April 9, 2024 at a venue to be advised at 9am,” said Kadungure in a letter dated March 28, 2024.

“Kindly note that for parties that will not be physically available at the venue, a facility for virtual participation will be available.”

Phiri, who also holds the African Boxing Union lightweight belt, defeated Simon Junior via a unanimous decision in Harare last July, but the latter’s handlers immediately filed an appeal against the verdict, citing various reasons.

Simon Junior is contracted to Lion Heart of United States, while Phiri belongs to Otto Boxing of Harare.

Lion Heart’s major argument was that standard requirements as expected prior to and post professional boxing events were not fulfilled.

The boxer-promoter agreement lacked the signature of a boxing board official.

No purse money was submitted to the board and Simon Junior had not received his dues by January 2024.

Edward Mendy of Lion Heart wrote to the board soon after the fight arguing that the agreed opponent was not Phiri.

Simon Junior, who was undefeated in 19 fights before facing Phiri, had been billed to face Tranos Zihove (3-3-0) as a tune-up fight.

But he ended up fighting and losing against Phiri in that non-title fight.

As a result, Mendy wanted the match to be reduced to an exhibition fight.

Lion Heart wrote several correspondences to the local boxing board between July 2023 and January 2024.

One of their arguments included that the boxers were in different weight categories.

Phiri weighed 63kg at lightweight, while Simon Junior weighed 66kg at welterweight.

Their request for an arbitration has now been heeded.

“Yes, we have written to both parties, that is Lion Heart of America and Otto Boxing Club of Harare, advising them of the arbitration date,” confirmed Kadungure Wednesday.