Masamba warns fellow boxers against banking solely on boxing
Wilson Masamba has advised fellow boxers to avoid putting all eggs in one basket by focusing solely on the short-term boxing career.
Masamba said this on Monday when asked about his experience of joining the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) alongside Osgood Kayuni, Crispin Moliati and Chimwemwe Chiotcha. The boxers completed their military training last week.
“Our employers have given us the freedom to still pursue boxing, but my work comes first. My advice to fellow boxers is that this career is short-term. Think about how you shall put food on the table when age catches up with you,” said Masamba.
Apart from South Africa-based light heavyweight sensation Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba, most Malawian boxers in the professional ranks struggle to make ends meet leading to exploitation by promoters.
“The sight of former Africa boxing champion Chikoya Mphande being destitute hammers home my message. Boxers must open their eyes. It is tough making ends meet when fights happen once in every three or four months,” he said.
In a separate interview, Kayuni shared Masamba’s thinking, saying he was advised to look at life after the ring.
“I realise that I will get old one day and that is the time I will need a permanent career to fall back on. This is one of the best pieces of advice I have received. I am glad I listened,” he said.
Moliati, too, admitted that he opted to combine boxing and being a soldier as he was not sure of his future in the event of career-threatening injuries.
Recently, Chilemba told The Nation that he was studying for a diploma in entrepreneurship at a South African college, observing that he will not be in boxing forever. Another local boxer pursuing education is Agnes Mtimaukanena.
In Blantyre, Mphande lives a miserable life in Zingwangwa Township whereas tough-talking Nginjale Tough Ben Chitenje is concentrating on his career as a truck driver.
Professional Boxers Board president Lonzoe Zimba hailed MDF for ensuring that all the seven boxers, who include two amateurs, were in fighting shape during their training at the Malawi Armed Forces College (Mafco) in Salima.
