Chilemba wants govt to fulfil APM’s pledge

Malawi’s boxing icon Isaac Chilemba has said there is need for government’s commitment if the country is to produce more world-class boxers like him.

He was reacting to President Peter Mutharika’s remarks on Monday that government will give necessary support towards boxing in the quest to produce more Isaac Chilembas.

“I felt greatly honoured that the President appreciates my achievements in raising the status of boxing.

“But for Malawi to produce more good boxers that can compete at the international stage, there is need for political will because boxing is viewed as just a minor sport at home and it does not get the support it deserves.

“I, therefore, hope government will fulfil the President’s pledge,” said the former world light-heavyweight champion in an interview.

Speaking when he hosted the World Boxing Council (WBC) vice-president Houcine Houich, Mutharika said: “We will give necessary support to amateur boxing so that Malawi develops more boxers that will graduate to professional boxers. I want to see more Isaac Chilembas.”