K78m budget for Anisha WBC fight
No Pain No Gain Promotions has pencilled a K78 million budget for the upcoming World Boxing Council (WBC) women’s silver lightweight title fight between Anisha Bashir and Australia pugilist Deanha Hobbs.
Bashir, who holds the Commonwealth (British Empire) lightweight and Africa Boxing Union lightweight belts, returns to the ring against the undefeated Australian at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) on November 4 this year.
Among other expenses, K30 million is for prize money for boxers while the venue will cost around K5 million.
There are also allocations for the officiating team’s fees and their hotel accommodation. The hefty budget also encompasses security, medical and marketing services.
According to the WBC fight approval letter, No Pain No Gain has also been asked to pay $5 250 (around K4 million) as sanction fee, belt fee, boxers insurance and officiating team’s allowance.
“The WBC will appoint the supervisor, referee and three judges and you will be advised accordingly. Please make arrangements for travel, meals and accommodation for these officials,” reads the letter, signed by chairperson for WBC Women’s Championship chairperson Malte Muller Michaelis.
In an interview, No Pain No Gain promoter Craig Rousseau said the budget as realistic considering the magnitude of the bout.
“WBC sanctioned fight is not just a mere title bout. You have to adhere to the highest standards if you sanction a fight under this organisation. This is why we have this budget,” he said.
Rousseau said they are seeking corporate partners who can invest in the fight.
“We hope to raise this budget with support from the corporate sector. Anisha is not just any other boxer. She has fought tough title bouts on foreign soil and won. This is why we believe companies will jump at the chance of supporting her,” he said.
There are only two months remaining before the fight is staged. Asked if his stable will manage to raise the money, Rousseau sounded optimistic.
“We have sent proposals to a couple of companies and we are hopeful that they will come forth to ensure this fight takes place,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bashir has drummed up support for the fight saying it will mark a milestone in her career.
“After winning the two titles, my dream was to be a WBC champion. This is why I am desperate for this belt. If the corporate world can support me, if every Malawian can support this cause, then we will win this belt together,” she said.
The supporting bouts will include a tussle between Cuban Julio Acosta and Malawian Chimwemwe ‘Rhino’ Chipembere, another Malawian Israel Kammwamba will face Tanzanian Saidi Chino, according to No Pain No Gain Promotions.
