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Charles Manyuchi

Senior Sports Reporter
WORLD Boxing Council international welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi is ready to take his boxing career to the next level when he fights Russian Dmitry Mikhaylenko for the vacant WBC (Silver) belt at the DIVS Arena in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on Friday.

The Zimbabwean, who signed a new five-year deal with his Zambian handlers Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions in March, is already in Russia where he has been undergoing intensive training in preparation for the bout.

Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions manager Chris Malunga, who travelled with Manyuchi, said his fighter was ready to rumble and make not only Zimbabwe or Zambia proud, but Africa as a whole.

“We are more than ready for the bout and we are very happy with everything here and just looking forward to the bout,” said Malunga.
Manyuchi, has not fought since July 2015 when he defended his crown against Italian Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

“He was a bit out of shape, but we have managed to work on him and I am more than confident that he is now in great shape and his mindset is excellent. We know he has not had fights since last year, so this is why we brought him to camp as early as possible and I think it has worked. This is a big fight. Zimbabwe wants this title; Zambia wants this title and indeed Africa wants this title and I am confident we will deliver,” said Malunga.

Manyuchi first became international WBC king in December 2014 when he floored Ghanaian Patrick Allottey in the eighth round. A month later, he again floored his challenger Columbian Devis Cassares in the third round.

His victory over Giulia of Italy in July last year saw President Robert Mugabe rewarding the boxer with $50,000.

His Russian opponent has 21 victories over the same number of fights, nine of them through technical knockouts. Manyuchi has 21 fights, 11 knockouts, two losses and one draw.