Makawa teaches Nkhata boxing lesson

Amateur middleweight champion Chikondi Makawa on Sunday beat Amos Nkhata on points at Obligado Leisure Centre in Mzuzu.

Makawa, a 22-year-old boxer from Sun Village Club in Balaka, started on a low note as he gave his opponent chance to enjoy the first two rounds.

But in third and fourth rounds, Makawa, who calls himself Mtengo wa Minga [thorny tree], produced some telling punches that landed on Nkhata’s jaw and face, forcing the Mzuzu-based boxer to stagger.

On numerous occasions, umpire Stanley Banda saved Nkhata with a count to determine if he was fit to continue with the bout.

Nkhata showed his resilience by continuing to fight although his face was bruised.

At the end of the fight, judges Sylvester Rajab, Frank Pongolani and Gibson Chisale scored the fight 2-1 in favour of Makawa.

“I am happy that I have won. This gives me motivation to do well in Scotland where I will represent Malawi in mini-Olympic games,” said Makawa.

He said he did not knock his opponent down because he wanted his fans to enjoy the bout.

But Nkhata claimed fighting on catch-weight gave his opponent an added advantage.