Mwando protests MPBCB ban
Zimbwabwean boxer Brian Mwando has launched a protest against the decision by Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) to revoke his licence for causing the mayhem that occurred after his non-title bout against Charles Misanjo at Robin’s Park in Blantyre on Sunday.
The board revoked the licence after Mwando’s sympathisers physically assaulted an MPBCB member Frank Chibisa who was the chief judge and that the boxer also used foul language against the board members.
But Mwando described the punishment as grossly unfair on the basis that he was not heard.
“While it is true that my supporters assaulted an official, I had nothing to do with the incident because by that time, I had already left for the dressing room.
“And rules of natural justice require that an accused person should be heard, which did not happen in my case,” he said.
Mwando also alleged that the decision has more to do with him being a foreigner but he denied hurling insults at the board members.
“There are some people within the board who are not happy that I was granted a Malawian licence. All this is because of my status as a foreigner,” said Mwando who is married to a Malawian boxer Agnes Mtimaukanena.
He also blamed Misanjo’s manager Craig Rousseau of causing the mayhem, saying he provoked Mwando’s supporters, but Rousseau denied the allegation.
Mwando said he will launch a formal protest against the ban through his manager Robin Alufandika.
However, MPBCB president Lonzoe Zimba dismissed Mwando’s claims, saying Alufandika was called for hearing but never showed up.
“The rules require that in such circumstances, a boxer is supposed to be represented by his manager and we did summon Alufandika, but his response was that he was busy paying other boxers who were involved in supporting bouts,” said Zimba.
While confirming that he excused himself from the meeting, Alufandika claimed that he still went to the venue [Blantyre Lodge] later, but did not find the MPBCB officials.
“When I called Zimba, he advised me to meet them at Delamare House, but they never mentioned anything about the decision to revoke my boxer’s licence,” said Alufandika.
Mwando lost to Misanjo on unanimous points decision with the judges scoring 78-79, 75-78 and 72-79.
