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Charles Manyuchi

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
WORLD Boxing Council international welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi yesterday met his opponent Dimitry Mikhaylenko ahead of their fight for the vacant WBC Silver Championship bout at the DIVS arena in Yekaterinburg, Russia, tomorrow night.

The fight will be handled by experienced Canadian referee Mike Griffin with three judges from Europe, Africa and the United States of America being appointed for the bout.

Speaking from Yekaterinburg, Russia, yesterday, Chris Malunga of Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions, Manyuchi’s Zambian promoters, said the Zimbabwean was more than ready and promised to do Africa proud.

“The press conference was well attended and Charles was very clear that he was not in Russia on holiday, but was here to take the belt back to Africa. He is focused, he is fit physically and mentally. I have never seen him this ready,” said Malunga.

He reiterated that fighting away from home and in front of his opponent’s home fans would not have a bearing on the former Zimbabwe Sports Person of the Year.

The vacant title was previously held by Briton Amir Khan, who ditched the title for the WBC Gold Division, whose title is held by the legendary Floyd Mayweather.

“The Mechanic”, as Dimitry is known, is undefeated and stopped his last four opponents, including former interim super lightweight titleholder Johan Perez.

Meanwhile, the bout was sold out by last Sunday evening with organisers lining up four fights ahead of the main WBC Silver bout.

Officials for the Manyuchi- Dimitry bout

Referee: Mike Griffin from Canada

Judge: Alexander Kalinkin from Russia

Judge:Lateef Muiss from Nigeria

Judge: Barry Lindenman from USA

WBC supervisor: Vladimir Laptev from Russia.

WBC co-supervisor: Oksana Semenishina Lithuania/Russia