Endurance and last-ditch aggression paid for Chrispin Moliati to wear-out Henry Muyaya and claim points’ decision victory in a thrilling eight-round non-title light welterweight bout at New Nkhwazi Lodge in Newlands, Blantyre on Sunday.
Backed by the roaring home fans, Muyaya, who was having his first match as a professional boxer, dominated in the first five rounds; subjecting the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) pugilist to some tormenting jabs spiced up by mesmerising dancing antics.
However, Moliati, whose record now indicates 23 wins, three losses and a draw, endured the torture and saved his energy for the last three rounds where he unpacked his ruthless punches that wobbled Muyaya up to the last bell.
Moliati’s display prompted judges Nginjale Chitenje, Leonard Metazama and Desire Kambewa to give him victory on unanimous points’ decision. They respectively scored 79-78, 78-74 and 77-76 for the Kamuzu Barracks boxer.
But after the ring announcer Olusegun Kapanga declared the results, Muyaya and his fans jerked with resentment; arguing the Blantyre-based boxer deserved the glory because he dictated affairs for the better part of the showpiece.
“I really struggled in the last rounds, but everybody knows I dominated the match and I deserved the victory. The judges have favoured my opponent and I need a rematch to prove my mettle,” said Muyaya.
Moliati accepted the challenge for the rematch, which Mulanje Last Boxing Promotions (MLBP) director Mike Chitenje has promised to organise in Lilongwe soon.
Boxing fans Isaac Berson Mbewe and Mabvuto ‘Shushe’ Chimwaza said they enjoyed the bout which was full of sizzling boxing techniques.
