Boxing Control Board dates boxers

Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) will on Easter Sunday date its licensed boxers in Lilongwe to sensitise them on the board’s role.

The meeting has come about due to the recent exodus of boxers from the board to the rival, Malawi Boxing Association (Maba)- sanctioned fights.

The board’s spokesperson, Frank Chibisa, said they want the boxers to make informed decisions about their careers.

“It is true that we are having a convention at Crown Lodge. We want to sensitise the boxers that are under us on our role and that of World Boxing Council. We don’t want them to be misled because once they mess up, the consequences are dire. They can ruin their professional careers,” he said.

Chibisa said the meeting will also involve ringside officials, promoters, managers and matchmakers.

“Most of our promoters are doing great by getting international fights for our boxers. We want to urge them to do more for boxing. They will also have a chance to question some of our decisions and we will make clarifications,” he said.

Following the return of Maba to sanction professional fights under the International Amateurs Boxing Association (Aiba), some boxers, notably Wilson Masamba, Chimwemwe Chiotcha and Mussa Ajibu, have switched to Maba authorised bouts.

Maba has since dragged the board to the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) over the continued use of the name ‘Malawi’.

Maba President, Justice Katika, said the board, as a private entity, should not be allowed to continue using ‘Malawi.’

“Maba is the only boxing entity in the country with the privilege to use Malawi in its name. MPBCB is a private company. In fact, I am surprised that they are still using the name Malawi,” Katika said.

The board’s President, Lonzoe Zimba, expressed ignorance on the matter.

“I am hearing this from you. I do not know of anyone asking us to change our name for whatever reasons. If there is that need, they will come to us,” Zimba said.

He concurred with Katika that the board is a business entity that is not supposed to be affiliated to the Sports Council.