TIME is running out for pugilist Charles Manyuchi to defend the WBF title against Ugandan Muhamad Sebyala and is set to lose his crown if the fight does not take place in three weeks.
The government on Friday imposed a ban on all sporting activities due to the rise in Covid-19 cases and deaths in the country, putting Manyuchi’s title defence in doubt.
Boxer Manyuchi was set to fight Sebyala on July 3 in Masvingo. The match was part of the unification of his WBF World title, World Africa Boxing Association and World Professional Boxing Federation titles.
Unless the government grants Manyuchi special discretion through the Sports and Recreation Commission like the one once given to Zimbabwe Cricket, other than that, his fight faces a major doubt, and this has drawn a lot of remarks from the various boxing bodies.
World Africa Boxing Association president Onesmo Ngowi has advised Manyuchi to consider an alternative venue or risk being unable to defend the Supreme World title due in Tanzania.
“Should you not be able to fight for and win the WABA title on July 3, we will therefore be left with no option but to seek a replacement,” said Ngowi.
“Our preparations for the Dodoma event are so advanced for us to consider cancellation or postponement. Our advice is for you to seek alternatives and, in the process, advise us of such.
“WABA is concerned about the effects this will have on our future plans as we had scheduled you to defend the Supreme world title here in Tanzania.”
The pressure on Manyuchi is mounting from all angles, with the World Boxing Federation also breathing heavily on his neck.
“While the most important thing is to protect citizens and prevent the loss of life as a result of Covid-19, we must point out that we have extended the period twice for Charles Manyuchi to defend his title,” said World Boxing Federation President Howard Goldberg.
“Should Charles Manyuchi not be able to defend on July 3, he will be in danger of having his title vacated as a result.”
