Bashir plans SA camping ahead of WBC bout

Malawi’s top female boxer Anisha Bashir plans to camp in South Africa ahead of her mandatory World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver lightweight title bout against defending champion Chantelle Cameron in June.

However, financial hiccups stand in the way of the reigning Commonwealth lightweight champion and she has since pleaded with well-wishers to come to her rescue.

The 22-year-old’s imminent bout against the Briton will be a final eliminator to determine the next mandatory challenger for the WBC Women’s Gold lightweight title.

“I have started the preparations in Blantyre but it would be helpful if I continue my tune-ups in South Africa where there are high standard boxing equipment and expertise. At present, this is the plan that my camp has, but we need financial assistance from well-wishers,” she said.

No Pain No Gain Boxing Promotions chief executive officer Craig Rousseau said their target is to let Bashir have her intensive camping in South Africa at Roy Jones Junior Gym, where Malawi boxing icon Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba trains.

“We would really appreciate support from the corporate world on Bashir’s international camping. We are waiting for the WBC to tell us about the actual date for the bout, but we need to intensify our tune-ups,” he said.

Bashir’s record stands at eight knockout (KO) wins and five defeats while her 27-year-old opponent has a perfect record of eight straight wins, including five KOs.n