Kayira, Likangwa to fight at Sand Festival

The Sand Festival—which is scheduled to take place in Salima on October 30—has incorporated boxing.

The main eight-round bout will be between Lastone Kayira of Mzuzu and Alexander Likangwa from Lilongwe.

According to Sand Festival organiser Nkhwachi Mhango, they have decided to incorporate boxing to provide a variety of fun to patrons.

He said people—who fail to visit boxing venues—will appreciate the sport.

“We have tried our level best to provide the festival audience with more fun they rarely witness. We have, therefore, decided to incorporate boxing as one way of taking the sport to our audience. We have secured good boxers for the day,” said Mhango.

In a supporting bout, Mzuzu-based Macdonald Thipa will fight Gift Phiri of Lilongwe.

“We will have these two bouts on the first day of the festival,” he said.

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) general secretary Gibson Chisale thanked the organiser for considering boxing in their events.

He said it is only in such ways that the sport can be appreciated by many people.

Kayira, 24, is currently trained by Gabriel Kondowe. He has drawn three bouts, won four and lost one to Malani Kayuni.

On his part, Likangwa said he has all the qualities needed to silence Kayira.

“I have been in boxing for some time. Kayira is very young and it will take years for him to match me,” he said.

Likangwa, 26, has fought eight bouts. He has won six and lost two.