Kam’mwamba adds Kayuni on MDF boxers casualty list

Israel Kam’mwamba on Sunday knocked out veteran Osgood Kayuni in the ninth round of  national lightweight bout at M1 Centre Point in Lilongwe.

Kayuni has become the latest casualty from Malawi Defence Force (MDF).

MDF boxers  have recently lost dominance over their civilian counterparts and prior to this bout, Kayuni had vowed to restore the MDF pride.

But from the third round, Kam’mwamba scored points at will after he broke Kayuni’s guard with a combination of precise jabs and body punches.

Kayuni tried to rally back into the fight when he caught Kamm’wamba with a heavy left hook, but the Blantyre-based boxer recovered and forced the MDF boxer onto the back foot until he kissed the canvas in round six.

The ring became too hot for  the MDF boxer, who  absorbed more punches and it was clear he was hurt, but his corner man Godfrey Jalare pushed him on.

By round nine, the writing was on the wall that Kayuni would not last the distance and Jalare had no choice but to throw in the towel.

He became the second MDF boxer to lose a title fight to Kam’mwamba after Crispin Moliati.

In March, another MDF boxer Salimu Chazama lost his welterweight belt to Byson Gwayani .

“I did everything I could. It just didn’t work. I congratulate him [Kamwamba]. He is a good boxer, but I will come back strong,” said Kayuni after the fight.

On his part, Kam’mwamba said: “I had no doubt about winning this fight. I am glad that boxing fans enjoyed the action and I don’t think Kayuni will dare to face me again.”

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe Zimba had words of praise for the champion, saying he is a very good boxer with a bright future.

The fight was organised by Ngwenyama Boxing Promotions whose director Patrick Ngwenyama promised more fights.

It was Kayuni’s ninth loss since turning professional in 2006.

For Kam’mwamba, it was his 12th win since he became a professional in 2016.