Fight of the year? Nop! Flop of the year? Nop!
So, what can best describe the historical main event of the boxing exhibition at a packed Mongu stadium in Mongu, Western Province on May 3rd, 2014?
Thrilling can be an over-statement, but eye-catching can be closer to what hundreds witnessed when World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Bantamweight Champion Catherine Phiri entertained teenage boxer Joyce Chileshe.
Joyce was a late replacement for Hamisa Willy of Tanzania and Patience Mastara from Zimbabwe, who apparently 'chickened' out citing Catherine's strength as their major fear factor.
This left boxing loves to see the battle of an Easterner Versus a Northerner in the land of the westerners.
It meant that was more at stake than just a four-round boxing non-title fight. Pre-fight records showed that Joyce only fought one professional fight, while Catherine had eight professional fights to her name.
That said, it was expected that the 22 year old Catherine would beat 18 year old Joyce, going by the level of experience the Easterner has garnered in her five year career.
Those expectations were atleast halted in the first and second round when Joyce produced some steady shots to contain a composed Phiri.
Watching it closely, you could see that Catherine was hesitant to dig in much against Chileshe but as the ring girl displayed the third round placard, things changed.
Catherine came in full throttle, sending punches to earn the respect, dignity and full excitement from a packed Mongu stadium audience.
While enjoying the fresh ride, I must note however that Chileshe showed no signs of giving up, either submitting on her own, or thrown being knocked out, hence a unanimous decision decided the fight in the end.
By the end of round four, the outcome of the fight was already known, and while Catherine wanted to send more punches, the teenage boxer resorted to holding her.
The holding went on to be noted for a while, attracting a section of fans to boo the daring young boxer.
WAKE UP CALL FOR MBIYA
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| Mbiya Kanku (left) with Ezaya Chilufya. |
DRC boxer Mbiya Kanku seemed to have struggled against Copperbelt seasoned
boxer Ezaya Chilufya in another non-title proffesional welterweight fight.
Nicknamed Lubinda by the noisy crowd, Chilufya almost caused an upset had Mbiya not been steady enough to force a draw.
Nicknamed Lubinda by the noisy crowd, Chilufya almost caused an upset had Mbiya not been steady enough to force a draw.
Kudos to Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions, and
its partners Nalumba Lodges, for hosting a first ever boxing tournament in
western province.
