Zimpapers Logo

Charles Manyuchi

Paul Mundandi, Harare Bureau
CHARLES Manyuchi has promised to be ruthless in defence of his WBC silver welterweight title when he fights Qudratillo Abduqaxorov of Uzbekistan in Singapore in March.

The Uzbekistani, who is ranked third in his country, challenged Manyuchi for the belt and the Zimbabwean boxer will once again have to defend his title on foreign land.

Abduqaxorov has never lost a match from his eight fights.

“I am going to destroy Qudratillo. I am going there to defend my belt, I am training hard because many boxers lose because they tend not to train when they are challenged.

“When other people were celebrating their Christmas and Ney Year holidays, Manyuchi was training at the Kopje in Harare in preparation for the fight.

“I will be leaving the country next week for Zambia where I will continue with my preparations,” said Manyuchi.

He defeated Russia’s Dmitry Mikhaylenko in May last year to become the WBC welterweight silver champion.

The 27-year-old Zimbabwean is blessed with hand speed, power and punching accuracy.

Recently he stopped Colombian Jose Feria with a first round knockout in a non-title contest at the Harare International Conference Centre.

This was his first fight in front of his home fans since he powered his way into global recognition.

“I am working hard. I am dedicated. I love my country and I want Zimbabwe to be known because of Manyuchi the boxer, the Warriors, tennis and other sports,” he said.

“We have many Manyuchis in the country and we must give the youth the opportunity to become boxers since a lot of them want to emulate me.

“I thank God for taking me this far and I believe in his word which gives me strength almost every day.

“I am promising the nation that I will go and defend the title for them.

“God will not fail me and God will not fail Zimbabwe. I am targeting gold now. God has been doing wonders and my advice is for people in sport to believe in God as juju does not work.

“I urge those in sport not to take drugs as well. I am proud of myself in the sense that I neither drink nor smoke.”

Manyuchi trains under the Zambian stable, Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions, which is headed by Chris Malunga