Chazama underlines superiority over Msoliza

Salimu Chazama emerged out of the much-hyped rematch against Ernest Msoliza, bruised but triumphant on unanimous points decision in their eight-round non-title professional bout staged at Kamuzu Institute for Sports in Lilongwe on Boxing Day.

It was a contest that held the big turn-out spell bound and that it went down to the wire confirms how tight it was.

For coming out triumphant, Chazama, who now boasts 15 wins and two draws, walked away with K100 000 while the Mzuzu-based Msoliza-who put up a spirited challenge-got a K80 000 consolation.

Msoliza set the tone of the bout forcing Chazama into rearguard action and at some point in third-round, he floored his opponent, but thereafter Chazama started gaining momentum and dominated the next four rounds.

Buoyed by the fans, who yearned for a fairy-tale of an underdog defeating an odds-on favourite, Msoliza tried to come bounce back in the last round, but it was too little too late.

In the main supporting bout, Crispin Moliati was declared winner over Robert Kachize in a split decition that sparked protest from some fans who felt the latter was robbed and as a consolation, they showered him with cash.

In other supporting bouts, Ruth Chisale and Anisha Bashil settled for a draw while Ellen Simwaka defeated Lukia Ali on points.