Hype builds up for Msoliza, Chazama rematch
The rematch between boxers Salim Chazama and Ernest Msoliza could be days away, but the hype has already started gaining momentum.
The initial bout between the two pugilists ended in a controversial draw in May and due to public demand, New Dawn Boxing Promotions has organised a rematch slated for December 26 at Kamuzu Institute for Sports (KIS) in Lilongwe.
Chazama, 21, is rated one of the most promising boxers on the domestic scene, but on that winter afternoon he got a real test of his pedigree when Msoliza gave him a good run for his money.
Chazama boasts of 14 wins and a single draw since he turned professional in 2012. Ironically, the draw was from the controversial bout against Msoliza.
“Since I turned professional , it is only Msoliza who has stood the heat against me and this time I will be out to prove that he is not my match,” said Chazama, who says he is training three times a day in preparation for the bout.
But Mzuzu-based Msoliza is unfazed by Chazama’s tough talk, saying he will do the talking in the ring.
The 22-year-old claims to have fought 10 bouts since he turned professional early last year —winning five, drawing four and losing one.
“Since I turned professional, I have only lost to Charles Misanjo,” said Msoliza, who said is training twice a day.
New Dawn director Mike Chimaliza said there are two things at stake for the two boxers.
“One is finance; the winner will walk away with K100 000 [about $200] cash pompo pompo whereas the loser will get K80 000 [about $160].
“These guys are fighting in the super lightweight category [61-64kg], as such the winner is getting an automatic right to challenge the current king of super lightweight category, Osgood Kayuni. Actaully, both boxers have been pestering me to organise a bout against [Osgood] Kayuni, but since it ended in a draw I need to find the real contender,” said Chimaliza.
He said the other reason for the rematch is public demand. “We, therefore, need to find out the better fighter between the two because both of them have defeated all boxers before, but they had never met in a professional bout,” said Chimaliza.
