Malawian boxer Clifford Antafu on Sunday night won the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Africa super featherweight title after defeating Zambian Ignitious Mutale on split points decision in Mutare, Zimbabwe.
Popularly known as the ‘Jet Fighter’ in local boxing circles, the 25-year-old now stands proudly as the only Malawian boxer to have won an international title bout in the past two years.
According to worldboxing federation.org, two judges awarded him the 12-round bout with a 97-93 score each while the third judge gave it to Mutale on the same score.
Following the win, Antafu’s record now stands at nine wins, 11 losses and two draws while the Zambian has five wins, four defeats and a draw.
The newly-crowned WBF African featherweight champion could not be reached for comment yesterday, but his coach Bright Mwando described his performance as exceptional.
“Clifford outclassed his opponent. He dominated the fight. His foot work and reach power were faultless. He remained focused throughout,” he said in an interview from Zimbabwe.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba hailed his achievement in an interview yesterday.
He said: “This is no mean feat and we are proud of him. We now need to encourage him to achieve more.
“Usually when athletes achieve success at such a high level, they lose the plot and develop egos which eventually affect their careers.
“So, Clifford needs to build from his success and dream of achieving more. He has what it takes, but he needs to be focused.”
The bout headlined a boxing galore dubbed the Mutare Pride which also featured nine other Malawians who, however, lost in non-title international bouts.
