Zambia’s boxer Catherine Phiri 20 Saturday evening came out strong knocking down her opponent Toma Hawa Babirye 26 of Uganda in the eighth round during African Boxing Union (ABU) bantamweight belt title held in Lusaka. wins a welterweight championship
Our Staffer Chimuka Moono Hanyama covered the event and filed us this report.
The bout scheduled for 10 rounds started wih a lot of fire from Catherine Phiri who visibly was looking for an early kill, though her wishes were not hastily granted. The Ugandan boxer who was willing to engulf the pain kept her step, before disintegrating in the seventh and eighth rounds. The Zambian boxer managed to land critical punches while wasting a number of them in the body.
The Ugandan boxer, came back with some energy in the fifth and sixth round although her blows were without power or any reasonable impact on Catherine. She barely managed to survive in round seven before she staggered to the referee’s rescue in the eighth round.
In a post match interview, the Ugandan boxer admitted she under preformed due to lack of power. She admitted Catherine was loaded with too much power which she could not swallow any more. However, she promised to come back for a rematch when she gets enough power.
In the male category, Manyuchi won on retirement to the Ugandan boxer, Sowa. Sowa who looked under pressure retired from the fight in the fourth round when he was given a hook which he claimed was under the belt. In the post march interview, Sowa promised he would come back for a rematch. However, Manyuchi said his win was a stepping stone.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Sports reiterated the support government is giving to Sports in the country. Stephen Masumba said government was committed to support all forms of sports in the country without bias. He said it was not true that government was only concentrating on soccer.
Great perfomance Cathrine.
Congratulations Catherine but you must improve your defense and know how to pace yourself.
Catherine,
The last few months haven’t been pleasant for Zambia: we lost too much on the sports front; the losses were now taking a heavy toll on the morale of the nation, as evidenced by the grumpy temperament the country was beginning to exhibit.
Zambians only needed one entity to boost their spirits: victory! And that’s where you come in. You did it girl! You’re the best!
I will give you the same advice I gave ‘mukazi munzako’ Esther—your elder sister: keep working on your straight-punch. Your stance is excellent: you know how to position your legs. Your speed is tactical: it stops your opponents in their tracks. You’re a markswoman: dead accurate. Your fist is lethal: bang!
You have made Zambia proud. Thanks young lady, study hard, and God bless you.
Hon. Masumba, you rock!
Manyuchi,
It’s my first time to watch boxing and laugh at the same time. Boxing is a combat sport: it makes both the boxer and spectator tense—nasty issues can occur in the ring. However, you made boxing appear so simple. You beat your opponent hands down. My prayer is that someone else doesn’t go in the ring and try to do the stuff you do. You’re highly trained: you were watching your opponent with an eagle’s eye—as you swung your fist like a pounding tool. He knew that you were hiding your killer-punch behind your humour; that’s what unsettled him. You’re daring! You’re dangerous!
Zambians—and everyone within our borders and beyond, you’re impossible! Keep it up guys. I love you all!
Great comment Aibmaz, people like you are amazing and this is amazing grace from God to post such a great comment.
Thanks!