Fourteen local boxing referees-cum-judges have attained international badges after passing the Africa Boxing Union (ABU) and World Boxing Council (WBC) course held in Lilongwe in May this year.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) publicity secretary Frank Chibisa described this as positive development for Malawi boxing.
“A total of 35 participants from different countries across Africa took part in the course and to have 14 Malawians making the grade is an achievement because there were others from countries such as Algeria, Morocco and Benin who failed,” he said.
Chibisa said the development means the 14 can officiate title bouts on the international stage.
Out of those who made the grade from Malawi, MacPhellah Mbachichi Nyirenda came tops although overall, he was on position 13.
Andrew Mumba (16) and Johnny Palichesi (18) were the other star performers among Malawians.
“It always feels good to excel, the achievement will boost my confidence as I execute my duties by the ringside.
“I also commend the MPBCB for hosting the event because it became affordable to Malawian participants who could not have afforded had it been staged elsewhere,” said Mbachichi Nyirenda.
Eddie Pappor (Ghana), Thabo Spampool (South Africa) and Adesanya Ayodele (Nigeria) were the overall top three.
The other Malawian participants who made the grade were Rexie Luya, Abraham Nyirongo, Desire Kambewa, Gibson Chisale, Datson Nyama, Elton Mapira-Ndojime, Lovemore Katanda, Bester Saopa, Leonard Metazama, Juliet Milore and Isaac Mwangode.
