Maba hands former boxers lifeline
Malawi Amateur Boxing Association (Maba) has given former and current professional boxers a lifeline as coaches.
Jobson Adams, Perpetual Mkandawire, Philemon Nkhakamira Banda, John Masamba, and Andy Muyaya have undergone International Amateurs Boxing Association (Aiba) Level 3 coaching course facilitated by South Africa Boxing Association (Sanabo) president Andile Mofu in Lilongwe.
Maba president Justice Katika said his association believes the former professionals should not just be discarded because their careers are over or in twilight.
“We believe these people can still play a strong role in boxing. They know boxing to the core. Now that they are no longer fighting, we thought of training them as coaches to groom amateur boxers in the country, “ said Katika.
According to Mofu, after completion of the week-long course, participants will be awarded international certificates.
“This is an international training course. Upon completion, these coaches will be recognised anywhere in the world and they will be allowed at the Commonwealth Games and also at the Olympics,” said Mofu.
Meanwhile, Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBC) president Lonzoe Zimba said the fact that the boxers have chosen to align with Maba, they are automatically barred from taking part in professional boxing.
“As MPBCB, we have no problem with these people choosing to work with amateur boxing. It is what they want. But this also means they can no longer work with professional boxing at any level, “ said Zimba.
He said they have a cordial working relationship with Maba.
