Boxer Chazama in ABU rating list
Salimu Chazama has become a fourth Malawian boxer on the African Boxing Union (ABU) rating list. However, his position on the ranks will be known when the continental professional boxing body releases its next standings in August.
Chazama has joined fellow Malawi Defence Forces (MDF) pugilists Osgood Kayuni, Chimwemwe Chiotcha and Wilson Masamba.
According to Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Zimba, the 21-year-old has earned the status following his remarkable record in the professional boxing ranks, where, out of eight bouts, he has won four on technical knockout (TKO), three on points and drawn once.
“The lad has proved to be one of the best up-and-coming professional boxers. We could not do otherwise, but to recommend him for the ABU rating list,” said Zimba.
Through the ABU rating, boxers are recognised and exposed to lucrative international title bouts elsewhere in the world based on their ranking at a particular moment.
On his part, Chazama, who won silver at the 2012 Zone V1 Games in Zambia and has never lost a bout in the amateur ranks, welcomed the development, saying it will help him realise his dream of earning title bouts sanctioned by the world’s reputable professional boxing bodies.
“This is my chance to attain incredible achievements in professional boxing. AI have been dreaming to become a star such as Isaac Chilemba [former WBO champion based in South Africa] and I am happy to see that dream turning into reality,” said the Kamuzu Barracks soldier.
During the last ABU rankings, local super lightweight champion Kayuni slouched two places from third to fifth position while Chiotcha stuttered one step to number 10 in the middleweight category. Their categories have 13 and 12 rated boxers, respectively.
However, Masamba, who is currently on a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), enhanced his class by jumping two places from position nine to seven in the lightweight category, where Chazama has become a 16th rated boxer.
Kayuni’s drop on the ABU rankings was as a result of his losses to Zambian Charles Manyuchi and Wilson Masamba’s younger brother Limbani. He stands to improve on the ladder if he beats Tanzanian Allan Kamote in Dar es Salaam during a Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) title bout on July 29.
