Masamba, Kayuni set for today’s showdown

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) boxers Wilson ‘Shasha’ Masamba and Osgood ‘The Punisher’ Kayuni have engaged in a verbal tirade ahead of their non-title Junior lightweight bout at Robin’s Park in Blantyre this afternoon.

The bout will revive the boxers’ rivalry that went into oblivion for the last two years. So far, the 31-year-old boxers have met thrice and Kayuni triumphed in all matches.

But during the weigh-in session at Chombe Foods Limited on Thursday, Masamba described Kayuni as ‘an expired’ boxer who will not survive the entire eight-rounds.

“Everything has its expiry date and Kayuni is no exception. On Saturday, I will beat him not only to avenge his previous victories, but to get rid of him from the local boxing arena,” said the No Pain No Gain Boxing Promotions boxer whose record stands at 28 wins, six losses and a draw.

“I wish Kayuni good health up to the time of the bout because I do not want him to have any excuse as I will be forcing him into retirement.”

Nevertheless, Kayuni, who boasts 25 wins, five losses and two draws, said he will silence “the noisy empty tin” by knockout.

Kayuni said: “I will live by my boxing name by punishing this little boy, who has nothing to offer but insults. I will enter some calculated risks to surprise him with a knockout victory. He has been talking like this since our first meeting yet he does not match his words with action. The same will happen this Saturday.”

Chombe Foods Limited’s general manager Gresham Thomas said they have sponsored the bout to help the sport regain its dwindling popularity in the country.

According to Mulanje Last Boxing Promotions director Mike Chitenje, the bout will start at exactly 4pm and the winner will get K400 000. His father and former boxing legend Ben ‘Tough’ Chitenje is set to take on fellow septuagenarian Kachitigu Ndoro in a supporting bout.n