Malawian boxer loses title fight on points

South Africa-based Malawian lightweight boxer Dennis Mwale on Saturday lost to Tanzanian opponent Ibrahim Class in a World Boxing Federation continental title bout held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Fighting under Roy Jones Jnr and Jodi Solomoni Boxing Gym stable, the 26-year-old boxer took the fight to the wire as he lost on points to the World Super lightweight champion in a 12-round contest at the Next Door Arena, according to TheCitizen.co.za.

In an interview yesterday, Mwale said he was disappointed to have lost the first bout of his career.

He said: “I accept the loss. I will go back to the gym to work out on my mistakes as this was my first international title fight.

“I did learn a lot and I can’t say they robbed me. It was a close fight which could have gone either way. I will now focus on the next title fight.”

Malawi Professional Board of Control president Lonzo Zimba applauded the boxer, saying he has a future in the sport.

He said: “Dennis Mwale fought well against his opponent. We need to commend him for putting up a good performance, considering that it was his first international bout.

“He just needs a little bit of speed and be the first to attack rather than defend always.”

Mwale, who went to South Africa in 2001, once worked as a gardener before taking up boxing.

He is in the same stable with former world champion Malawian boxer Isaac Golden Boy Chilemba.