2 Malawian boxers face ban

The National Professional Boxing Committee (NPBC) has said it will ban two local professional boxers Philemon ‘Nkhakamila’ Banda and Rascal Simwanza for defying the directive by Sports Council stopping all sports activities during the mourning period of former State president Bingu wa Mutharika.

 

Banda fought Tanzanian boxer Obote Ameme last Sunday in an exhibition bout at Songwe border between Malawi and Tanzania whereas Simwanza was one of the judges.

NPBC chairperson Lonzoe Defector-Zimba confirmed the development in an interview on Sunday.

“It has been established that these boxers defied the directive by Sports Council that there should be no sporting activities during this period.

“Further to that, Banda did not get clearance for an international bout from either us or Sports Council as is required.

“So, in the wake of that, we will be meeting in a few days’ time to punish the two boxers. They will be banned, ” said Zimba.

The professional boxing chairperson also said S.S Banda who was the referee, will not be spared.

But Banda defended himself, saying at the time of Mutharika’s death, arrangements for the bout had already been made.

“At the time the former State president died, I was already at Songwe border having left Lilongwe on Wednesday.

“We also discussed the issue with the organisers of the bout Nyasi Village Boxing Club, but it was agreed that it could not be postponed as arrangements had already been made,” said Banda.

He also said he hopes the NPBC will summon him for his side of the story.

“It was not my intention to fight and I hope the committee will take that into consideration,” he said.

But Zimba dismissed Banda’s plea.

“The reason he is giving is not convincing because there were several sporting activities that were called off,” he said.

Simwanza could not be reached for his comment.

The six-round bout ended in a draw.