Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
ICONIC boxer Charles Manyuchi is scheduled to bid farewell to his fans in the capital when he takes on DR Congo pugilist, Jimmy “The Beast” Mabudji, at the Heritage Village, on November 25.
The Zimbabwean pugilist is holding a series of fights as he officially wraps up his illustrious career.
Manyuchi announced his plans to retire in April this year.
The original plan was to have a single swansong fight in Harare but, after considering some factors, Manyuchi’s camp decided to hold seven farewell bouts in different centres, including Chivhu, Harare, Masvingo, Bulawayo and Gweru.
There are also plans for the boxer to have one of his last fights in Lusaka, Zambia, where he was groomed into a champion by Chris Malunga of Oriental Quarries Boxing promotions.
He has already won the first of the seven farewell fight series after beating Malawi’s Limmbani Lano in Chivhu two months ago.
And, on November 25, the former WBC welterweight champion will be in the capital for a non-title date against Mabundji.
Briefing journalists yesterday, event manager Monica Cheru said they saw it fit for Manyuchi to say goodbye in seven different centres which he has emotional attachment to.
“We have decided to host six more fights for him after that one held in Chivhu in July.
“On November 5, we are in Harare and we will be announcing the dates and venues for the other farewell fights”.
Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board acting chief executive, Priscila Kadungure, saluted Manyuchi.
“This event is in sync with the board’s vision of developing an inclusive and excelling combat sport nation that produces world champions in boxing.”
Meanwhile, there was pomp and fanfare as boxers battled it out for supremacy in the Otto Boxing Promotions tournament held on Sunday, in Harare.
Dubbed the “Rise of champions Part 2”, the fiesta lived up to expectations with closely contested duels keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.