Msoliza, Kayuni share spoils

Ernest Msoliza and Osgood Kayuni fought to a draw in an eight-round welterweight bout at Obrigado Leisure Centre in Mzuzu on Saturday.

The Mzuzu-based boxer Msoliza failed to make use of home advantage against Kayuni who had an upper hand in the first three rounds.

Backed by home support, Msoliza upped the tempo in the fourth round with a flurry of punches, but his seasoned opponent held.

Following Saturday’s bout, Kayuni now has a record of 30 fights with 22 wins, lost five and three draws.

On the other hand, Msoliza has 11 fights with seven wins, two losses and two draws.

Speaking after the bout, Msoliza claimed he was robbed of victory

“The bout was good, but I am not happy with the results, I dominated most of the rounds, but I am surprised that the judges have settled for a draw. I have been robbed of victory,” said Msosliza.

Surprisingly, Kayuni also claimed to have been robbed.

“I have been hearing that judges here favour Mzuzu-based boxers and I have proved it today. I just can’t understand how they settled for a draw, this is not good for the sport,” lamented Kayuni.

In supporting bouts, Laston Kayira beat Alexander Likande while Lomelu Mwakhwawa beat Wilfred Nyambose. Ruth Chisale defeated Violet Nyambose.

Joe Nyirongo who promoted the fights, said he was impressed with the performance and pledged to continue organising bouts in the city.

“The fights went on well. I am happy with the results. I feel judges have the mandate to rule who has carried the day. I promise to continue supporting boxing. I am here to stay. I want to make sure that I assist the government in putting Malawian boxers on the global map,” said Nyirongo.

Mzuzu district sports officer Olga Mshali said her office will make sure that boxing is supported just like any other sporting activity in the city. She then appealed to the corporate world to emulate what Nyirongo is doing in supporting boxing.