In-form Brian Mwando successfully retained the national middleweight title after challenger, Charles Misanjo, retired in the third round at Robins Park in Blantyre on Saturday.
Mwando’s camp celebrated in the most dignified manner as Misanjo sat hopelessly in the ring while struggling to beat referee Leonard Metazama’s 10-second count.
Having lost the last two meetings during non-title contests, Mwando came with new ideas in his quest to improve his record.
He pummeled Misanjo with a flurry of body punches and hooks to dominate the contest from the first round. By the second round, the challenger had already hit the canvas.
Mwando was more determined, lethal and pinned down Misanjo at will.
The challenger appeared lost and hardly gave his followers any comeback hope. Misanjo was clearly out-boxed and outclassed— typical of him, he gave away the fight without putting up a spirited performance.
Mwando cited adequate preparations and game-plan as factors that helped him to overcome Misanjo.
“My promoter has provided me with everything I need. I am grateful to all those that helped me towards this mission. Now that I have defended the belt, I am not prepared to let it go anyhow,” he said.
Misanjo said he developed cold-feet and he had to retire.
“I don’t know what happened but I couldn’t move properly. I am disappointed because my promoter and trainer had so much faith in me. They supported me adequately,” he said.
Mwando has improved his record to 16 wins and six defeats in 22 fights, whereas Misanjo, 26, dropped to 10 defeats and 15 wins.
Misanjo’s promoter, Craig Rousseau of No Pain No Gain Boxing Promotions, saluted Mwando for winning, saying the champion deserved to retain the belt.
“Let us be honest. Let us give credit where it is due. Brian fought well and he deserved to retain the belt. My boxer lacked composure and he failed to box,” he said.
In the main supporting fight, Mwando’s wife, Agnes Mtimaukanena, also recorded a morale boosting win when Tanzanian Sonfa Yazidu retired in the third round.
“I have been on the road for four days and arrived in Blantyre at around noon. I only had three hours to prepare for the fight. I would have pulled out, but I decided to fight for the sake of the people. I think our counterparts knew what they were doing,” Yazidu said.
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