Chiotcha’s TZ opponent refuses to fight in MW

Tanzanian boxer Francis ‘SMG’ Cheka has refused to face Chimwemwe ‘Rhino’ Chiotcha in an the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Continental Africa Super middleweight title bout this August. The Tanzanian beat the Malawian on points during their first encounter in Arusha, Tanzania, last December, but said he wants to have the rematch in his homeland. Cheka insists that as a title-holder, he has the right to choose where his bouts should take place.

Cheka, who recently defended the belt on home soil after knocking out compatriot Thomas Mashali in the 10th round in Dar es Salaam, told Tanzania’s The Citizenon Friday that he will not face Chiotcha if the organisers decide to stage the fight in Malawi. “I am the belt holder; the organisers have to respect me and stage the bout in Tanzania.Otherwise, I will not fight the Malawian,” Cheka, who recorded 118-112, 120-115, 114-116 against Chiotcha in their first meeting, told the paper.

“If Chiotcha will not accept my stance, I will have to defend the title against a Tanzanian and the fight will be organised by a Morogoro-based[Tanzanian] promoter, Zumo Makame,” he added. But Chiotcha said he has no problem with Cheka’s demands, but requested to fight in Dar es Salaam where he has some fans. “I just ask promoters of the fight not to delay in sending a letter to the Malawi Defence Force for my early release for training in preparation for the crucial bout,” he said.

Ngumi Boxing Promotions director Stephen Mawenzi Msiska, whose organisation has been mandated by the IBF to organise the bout, said they will look into Chiotcha’s demands.