Masamba suffers TKO in ABU title bout

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) boxer Wilson Masamba on Friday suffered a ninth-round technical knockout (TKO) to South African Lunga Stimela in the African Boxing Union (ABU)’s southern Africa super featherweight bout at Wynberg Military Base in Cape Town.

The 10-round fight monitored on Kwese Television, was a see-saw affair with the boxers landing some telling punches on each other.

However, after Masamba survived a flurry of jabs in the early rounds, he succumbed to a punch in the face that forced him to the canvas with just a round remaining.

“I got a big cut on my mouth and I could not continue. I tried my best to sort him out, but this was a tough fight,” he said.

The loss means the 35-year-old, who camped at Delta Force Boxing Academy in Zimbabwe under the guidance of trainer Clyde Musonda, has  13 defeats, two draws and 29 wins.

On the other hand, Stimela has maintained his perfect record of 12 wins through knockouts.

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) spokesperson Frank Chibisa said Masamba’s performance showed improvement of Malawi male boxer on the international stage.

“He just remained with a round to complete the bout and that is an achievement. Most Malawian boxers are knocked out in early rounds when they fight in foreign land,” he said. n