The Sunday Mail
Tadious Manyepo
ALIYA PHIRI is building a big name in the world of boxing.
He is being touted as the next biggest thing to happen in this game since Charles Manyuchi.
At only 23, Phiri has already captured the African Boxing Union (ABU) welterweight belt in a feat that has seen him being rated the best boxer in that weight category on the continent by the World Boxing Federation (WBF).
After claiming the stripes following his quick-fire win over Malawi’s Israel Kamwamba last year, Phiri is preparing for the defence of his title against Saidi Mkola of Tanzania in Harare on March 22.
If he wins that fight, Phiri will be eligible to challenge for World Boxing Council (WBC) titles.
“That’s my dream, if you ask me,” said Phiri. I am focusing on the job at hand. I want to win the fight at all costs and move to the next level of my career.”
But at a time when boxing has literally stagnated in the country due to the high costs associated with it, Phiri has been a shining example of how a good brand can do for one.
He has an all-weather sponsor, an individual who answers to the name Lindsay Earle, who has made sure he concentrates on his game while she does the rest.
Earle came on board after noticing the professionalism displayed by Phiri’s elder brother and trainer Issah, who was her fitness trainer.
“I’ve known Issa Phiri for about 16 years; he was my fitness trainer and taught me some boxing, at the time.
“We would talk about boxing and joke that if I had been a bit younger, he could have turned me into a boxer.
“My grandfather was an amateur boxer and I have always followed and watched international boxing.
“Since 2018, alongside my King of the Ring partners Stuart and Sophie Irvine, I worked closely with Issa in preparing amateurs for the fund-raising boxing event,” Earle said.
Two years ago, Aliya came along with his father.
He was displaying some top-notch boxing skills.
“Watching Aliya in a ring really was like seeing poetry in motion; his agility, his precision, his speed and his strength are top of the shelf. Even the most uninitiated would recognise his brilliance.
“Issa and I would often discuss the local boxing scene and the depth of talent that exists in Zimbabwe and where someone like me could fit in and do some good. It was Issa and Ali who then encouraged me to become a boxing promoter.
“Like everything you embark on, you have to have the big dream, the ultimate vision.
“For me, the dream and the vision is to see Zimbabwe hosting The Rumble in the Jungle.
“For Zimbabwe to be fielding the African lightweight boxing champion against the best in the world and winning, to raise our flag and to have the continent supporting an African champion.”
She also spoke about her grand plan for Aliyah.
“I endeavour to see Aliyah succeed in boxing. I want to do my best so that I can serve my family, my community and my country.
“So, my real motive boils down to intense national pride in seeing our flag held high in victory or the pursuit of it and in being part of a story that started with a single step that could lead to history, making greatness for a person.”
Issah, who doubles as the coach and manager for his younger brother, hailed Earle.
“Aliya is good because of the support he gets from Earle. I am very happy that we have found unconditional support from her. We are looking forward to doing well in our next assignment on March 22 and build from there until we conquer the world,” said Issah.
