National Sports

Masamba, Ajibu yet to get Zim bout perks

Malawi boxers Wilson Masamba and Mussa Ajibu, Kenyan boxers George Otieno, and Bernad Ardie are yet to get their money after their fighting in Harare, Zimbabwe last Saturday evening.

Ajibu, who lost to Democratic Republic of Congo boxer Junior Makabu, is owed $1 400 whereas Masamba, who won his fight against Zimbabwean fighter Lawrence Moyo is owed $800 according to No Pain No Gain chief executive officer Craig Rousseau.

Masamba: It is difficult when you are in a foreign country without money

The fights were organised by Kalakoda Promotions and Kwese TV of South Africa.

Whereas Masamba and Ajibu arrived back home on Sunday, the Kenyan boxers are still stranded in South Africa, according to Daily News of Kenya.

“It is a sad and crazy situation. The boxers are supposed to be paid on the same day after the fight but they did not. When we asked the promoters they said they deposited the money in the account of Zimbabwe National Boxing Board of Control [ZNBBC]. The ZNBBC are admitting but they are saying there is shortage of foreign currency in the banks that is why they failed to withdraw the money. It is crazy I tell you,” said Rousseau.

“I had to send money for transport and other expenses for them to come home. It could have been more costly had they waited there. It was a very unfortunate situation.”

He, however, said they will still push until the boxers get their dues.

In an interview with the Kenyan Daily News, Otieno slammed ZNBBC for their predicament.

“We have travelled in countries that have much worse economy than Zimbabwe where they don’t allow you to leave the country with more than $100, but boxing authorities in those country make an exception and we always get our money. This is very unprofessional,” he said.

Masamba, too, expressed disappointment with the outcome in Zimbabwe.

“It is difficult when you are in a foreign country without money. Things like that should never happen in boxing. It is disappointing,” said Masamba.

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