Kayuni, Chiotcha slump on ABU rankings, Masamba rises
Malawi Defence Force (MDF) boxers Osgood Kayuni and Chimwemwe Chiotcha have slumped on the African Boxing Union (ABU) rankings while Wilson Masamba has enhanced his class.
According to the latest rankings released this month, local super lightweight champion Kayuni has stuttered to position five from last year’s third slot whereas Chiotcha has stumbled one step to number 10 in the middleweight section. Their categories have 13 and 12 rated boxers, respectively.
But Masamba, who is currently on a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has jumped from ninth to seventh place in the 15-member lightweight category.
South Africans Mzolisi Yoyo, Christopher Buthelezi and Thomson Mokwana top the list in the respective weight categories.
Meanwhile, sixth-placed in the super lightweight category, Ugandan Solomon Bogere, has challenged Kayuni for an encounter at Lugogo Indoor MTN Arena in Kampala on November 19.
Kayuni has to win this bout to consolidate his position, but he has to challenge and beat fourth-placed Gerald Nokhubvi of South Africa to attain a higher rating.
Kayuni’s drop on rankings was as a result of his recent losses to Zambian Charles Manyuchi and Wilson Masamba’s younger brother Limbani.
Kayuni’s record stands at 14 wins, a draw and two losses.
Chiotcha’s one-step slump was facilitated by his two consecutive losses to Tanzanian Francis Cheka in August this year and December 2012 in Dar es Salaam. His record shows that he has so far won 10 bouts and lost three. He suffered his first loss in 2006 at the hands of his compatriot Mussa Ajibu.
But Masamba has enhanced his rating following his three back-to-back victories against Tanzanian Mustafa Doto, Zimbabwean Richard Muriri and his countryman Alex Chimbalanga. Out of 25 bouts, he won 22 and lost three.
Both Kayuni and Chiotcha, who were training at the Kamuzu Barracks gym when Nation on Sunday called them on Friday, said they will try their best to reclaim their glory in their next bouts.
Masamba was unavailable for comment.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Zimba has since appealed to the public and the private sector to promote local boxers to enable them to accomplish their dreams on the international stage.
“Our boxers are capable of clinching ABU titles if given chance. As we strive to produce another ‘Golden Boy’ [Isaac Chilemba], let us join hands to promote our boxers,” said Zimba.
