Nkhoma cries foul over Mtimaukanena’s stand
Happiness Nkhoma has said Agnes Mtimaukanena is being unfair by refusing a rematch for the World Boxing Forum (WBF) welterweight title.
The bout between the country’s two top female boxers was nullified by WBF after faulting the judges in the way they scored it.
But Mtimaukanena said she cannot accept a rematch because she was already declared the winner of the bout.
However, speaking through her manager Godfrey Jalale, Nkhoma said the reason her opponent is giving is not convincing.
“If Agnes insists that she won the bout, then my boxer has the right to challenge her for a rematch, that is how it goes in boxing,” said Jalale.
The other reason Mtimaukanena gave for turning down Nkhoma’s challenge was that she is preparing for another title bout.
Professional Boxing Board chairperson Lonzoe Defector Zimba also described Mtimaukanena’s stand as strange.
“It is only fair that she should accept her opponent’s challenge for a rematch. Even if Mtimaukanena insists that she won the fight, Happiness has the right to challenge her for a rematch,” said Zimba.
On whether they would intervene on the matter, Zimba said: “First of all, we will have to find out from Agnes why she does not want a rematch and depending on her response, then we will map the way forward.”
Mtimaukanena and her manager Stevie Msiska could not be reached for comment on Thursday.
Mulanje Last Boxing Promotions (MLBP) director Mike Chitenje had offered to stage the bout on the undercard of Chimwemwe ‘Chipembere’ Chiotcha’s non-title professional bout against Zimbabwe’s welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi slated for May 25 in Blantyre.
