Malawian boxer gears up for world title

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) boxer Simeon Tcheta is set for the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa middleweight title bout against Namibian opponent Lucas Ndafoloma at Windhoek Country Club tomorrow.

The 12-round main fight is one of the 11 professional  bouts promoted under the MTC Salute Boxing Academy’s bonanza. In one of the fights, another Malawian Charles Misanjo will face Alfeus Shilong of Namibia.

In an interview yesterday, Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Zimba said Tcheta has come of age to win a title.

He said: “This is how a journey to greatness starts. This fight will be beamed live on television. He just needs to keep his cool and give his all. Tcheta is a very good boxer and can carry the day. I talked to him and Charles Misanjo on Wednesday to encourage and advise them.”

Tcheta’s trainer Clyde Musonda of Delta Force Academy in Zimbabwe yesterday said the Malawian has prepared well.

He said: “We have been here in Namibia for six days now and he has acclimatised. We been holding sessions daily and he is in good state both physically and mentally. He is ready to go. It’s a great chance for him to shine on the African stage.”

In an interview yesterday, Tcheta promised that he will not disappoint Malawians.

He said: “It is an opportunity for me to realise my dream. It’s been my dream to be a world champion and this is the opportunity. I want to thank the trainer. I have been training hard and I am ready.”

During a face-off on Wednesday, Tcheta’s 35-year-old opponent, was equally confident, according to a report by www.namibian.com.na.

“I don’t know much about my opponent, but I don’t need to because I will meet him in the ring. I am always ready and it’s my honour to fight for WBO championship. My dream is to be a world champion,” he was quoted by www.namibian.com.na as having said.

Tcheta, 24, has 10 wins, three defeats while Ndafoloma boasts 18 wins, three defeats and he previously held the WBF intercontinental middleweight title.

However, two of the Malawian’s defeats were against compatriot Chimwemwe Chiotcha and Namibia’s Walter Kautondokwa.

In the main supporting bout, Nathanael Kakololo will defend his Africa Boxing Union featherweight title against Tinashe Mwadziwana of Zimbabwe.