Contract dispute threatens Balakasi/Kamote fight
The international junior welterweight fight between Wellington Balakasi and Tanzanian Allan Kamote slated for September 28, might fail if a contact dispute involving Balakasi and Ngumi Boxing Promotions is not resolved.
The fight is pegged at K1.6 million (about $5 300), according to Ngumi Boxing Promotions director Steve Msiska, but Balakasi has been offered K120 000 (about $400), which his camp says is too little considering that this is an international fight.
In an interview on Monday, Balakasi’s manager Chiku Kalilombe confirmed that his boxer is yet to sign the contract as he wants it to be reviewed.
“Yes, it is true we want a review of the contract. My boxer feels the money is on the lower side, so he wants us to negotiate for a better deal. He is still training hard for the fight,†said Kalilombe.
Msiska is currently in Tanzania negotiating a contract with Kamote.
“I gave them the details of the contract before I left for their scrutiny and I am yet to get feedback. But I can assure you the fight will go ahead. We will reach a common ground,†said Msiska in an interview.
A source in the Balakasi camp, said the boxer is demanding K280 000 (about $933).
“When Mussa Ajibu fought a Zambian opponent last month, his take was $1 000 (about K280 000). He feels he should get the same. This is the bone of contention,†said the source.
National Professional Boxing Committee (NPBC) president Lonzoe Zimba said he is yet to get details of the contract for the fight.
