Boxer cries for promoters’ consideration

Professional boxer Falitsani Kaluma has urged local boxing promoters to include him when organising bouts so that he can also enjoy the wave of popularity and support the sport is experiencing in the country.

The 30-year-old lightweight boxer, who obtained a professional boxing licence in 2008 alongside the likes of Philemon Nkhakamila Banda and Nginjale Young Tough Chitenje, said on Monday he has been longing for a bout since he knocked out Leonard Metazama in the second round at Lilongwe Community Centre ground in 2009.

He claimed that the increasing number of boxing stables has only benefited a few boxers especially, those whose families have had boxers from one generation to another.

“Despite lack of bouts, I keep on training three times a week at Bangwe Youth Centre hoping that one day an opportunity would arise. I have approached several promoters on the issue, but most of them just play hide-and-seek on the matter,” he said.

Kaluma claimed Malawi has many good boxers who can sparkle on the international stage, but they fail to display their talent due to lack of support.

However, Ngumi Boxing Promotions manager Steve Msiska has invited Kaluma to try his luck.

But National Professional Boxing Committee (NPBC) president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba, whose body has 30 registered boxers, complained that the problem is compounded by lack of active managers. He, however, urged boxers to impress when they are given a chance to show their prowess.

“Boxing is not only a sport, but business as well. Therefore, boxers have to choose managers who can ably strike deals with promoters. They also need to market themselves to promoters by winning fights when such chances arise,” he said.