Chazama steps up preps  ahead of international fight

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) boxer Salimu Chazama has engaged the expertise of fellow soldiers to shape him up ahead of his international fight against Tanzanian Issa ‘Peche Boy’ Nampepeche on August 12 in Lilongwe.

Chazama, who is in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) mission, said he is not leaving anything to chance.

“I am still here in Goma [DRC], but will be flying to Malawi this week. I have been training hard since I signed the contract for the forthcoming fight. I have engaged the services of Wellington Balakasi [a former boxer now with MDF]. He was a good boxer in his days. He is the one who has been drilling me,” he said.

Nampepeche has won 27 fights, lost eight and drawn five  while Chazama has 21 fights to his credit with 16 wins, three losses and two draws.

Keba Boxing Promotions has organised the fight in which initially, Chazama was supposed to face another Tanzanian boxer Epson John.

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Zimba has since urged promoters to organise more international fights for local boxers.

“We need more and more international fight so that our boxers are at par with the rest of the world. This is good for Chazama,” he said.