Local pugilist Mussa Ajibu has vowed to leave for Ghana today ahead of his vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa cruiserweight title fight against Nigerian Olanrewaju Durodola at Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Friday.
The development comes after warring Malawi Boxing Association (Maba) and Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board’s (MPBCB) officials failed to meet on Saturday to sort out their wrangles over the bout.
Maba failed to report for the meeting whereas the board’s representatives, including President, Lonzoe Zimba, spokesperson Frank Chibisa and Marketing Director, Chiku Kalilombe, were in attendance.
Maba Pro-wing Chairperson, Daudi Chikwanje, said they were not happy with some conditions which their counterparts set for the meeting.
Chikwanje referred The Daily Times to Maba President, Justice Katika, and his deputy, Pyson Likagwa, for detailed information on why they snubbed the meeting.
The two officials were not available.
Chibisa said they were disappointed that their counterparts did not show up for the meeting.
He said the board was not blocking Ajibu from taking part in the bout but wanted to follow procedures.
“Anyone with a sober mind will google to check the roles and fights which we are mandated to organise through our affiliation to ABU [Africa Boxing Union] and WBC [World Boxing Council]. They will also check the status of Maba with their international
mother body, International Boxing Association (Aiba) amateur. Boxers affiliated to us are not allowed to fight under Aiba sanctioned fights. Similarly, rules state that Aiba boxers are not allowed to participate in any professional titles except Aiba professional fights and Olympics Games. So it is a matter of choice. If a boxer wants Olympic Games he better stay with Maba but if he wants the other bodies then they must stick with us,” Chibisa said.
Chibisa said even though the issue was of national interest there was need to avoid bending the rules.
Ajibu, 31, has 27 wins including 23 knockouts, seven defeats and five draws.
Durodola, 36 has 24 wins plus 22 KO’s three defeats including two knockouts and no draw.
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