Masamba knocks out TZ opponent

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) boxer Wilson ‘Shasha’ Masamba lived up to his pre-fight declaration that his Tanzania opponent Mudy Machine Elia would not last six of their eight-round non-title bout at M1 Centre Point in Lilongwe.

True to his word, by the fifth round, it was all over as the host was declared winner on technical knock-out (TKO).

At the start of the sixth round, the Tanzanian could not bring himself to stand and face a raging Masamba after absorbing an avalanche of blows.

Masamba had started strongly in the first two rounds but lost momentum in the third round. He lost balance after his punch was cleverly evaded by Machine and fell on the canvas.

He, however, managed to get up and recovered to punish the Tanzanian with some heavy punching in the last seconds of the third round.

The fourth round was a bit balanced but Masamba came stronger in the fifth round with a combination of hooks and jabs as the Tanzanian retreated to the ropes.  It was clear the Tanzanian had had enough and was shaking his head every time he got hit by Masamba.

In sixth round, he refused to continue with the fight after referee Leonard Metazama asked him and  Masamba won through retirement.

“I have been training extensively for the past three weeks.  I am glad to have done the country proud. I won’t relax but work even harder,” said  Masamba.

Organiser of the bout Patrick Ngwenyama of Ngwenyama Boxing Promotions, expressed satisfaction with the huge attendance and pledged to continue organising international fights.

“On the outcome of the fight I would say without bias that Masamba was superior today and the results are fair,” said Ngwenyama.