Chazama outpoints Kayuni

Salimu ‘The Destroyer’ Chazama on New Year’s Day outpointed Osgood ‘The Punisher’ Kayuni to lay his hands on the national junior welterweight belt at the M1 Centre Point in Lilongwe.

Chazama made it 23 wins out of 30 fights since turning professional. On the other hand, it was the sixth loss for Kayuni in 35 fights. He has won 26 and drawn four times.

Chazama, who won through unanimous decision after all the three judges gave him the fight, got off to a rough start as Kayuni hurt him in the early rounds with stiff jabs.

In the second round, Kayuni let out a left hook which floored Chazama, giving boxing fans false hopes that he would retain the belt.

But it was not to be as Chazama recovered and came with renewed purpose from the fifth round and started punishing Kayuni with a barrage of punches. In the sixth round, Kayuni was sent down to the canvas following a powerful left punch.

Chazama, who appeared fit and aggressive, never let up the pressure going at Kayuni with excellent combinations but Kayuni was evasive and most of the punches missed the target.

The speed and slickness of Chazama was too much for Kayuni to contain and eventually he got tired and resorted to grappling and holding to the displeasure of the huge crowd.

In the eighth round, Kayuni was knocked down twice but managed to beat the count and fought on but it became clear that the fight was over.

“This is something that I have been waiting for a long time. I knew I would win this fight and made things right again. It feels good to be the national champion,” said Chazama who earned K200 000 as match fee.

Kayuni, who received K300 000, acknowledged being outfought though he hinted at head-butting on the part of his opponent.

“People should not count me out. I will come back stronger,” he said.

The fight was organised by Meka Boxing Promotions. n