Former female boxer Agnes Mtimaukanena-Mwando has been appointed as World Africa Boxing Association (Waba) commissioner for Malawi, an appointment she has described as a great honour.
In a statement that also announced new commissioners for Botswana and Ghana, Waba said the choice of Mtimaukanena, who won international belts during her moderately lengthy spell, was made because of her reputation.
The statement reads in part: “Known for her affable lifestyle and fast hands during her heydays in the sport of boxing, Agnes Mtimaukanena has built quite a great reputation. She has a solid network linking her with the who is who in the Malawian political system and a key to the business sector.
“Her life as the first female promotional boxer in Malawi enabled her to meet and befriend former Malawian president Joyce Banda who admired her courage.”
I am excited
In an interview, Mtimaukanena said she was excited to pick up the role, promising to uplift the sport in the country.
“I am so excited for being appointed as a commissioner. Its quite great because it is not just concentrating on boxing but helping the nation,” she said.
Besides focusing on boxing, she said she will use her influence to support the vulnerable communities.
“I always fought for justice, equality and freedom and I would like to do this in the whole country and help orphans and the poor. Almost 80 percent of Malawians are poor,” said Mtimaukanena.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba also hailed Mtimaukanena’s appointment.
He said: “It shows that we are making strides in boxing. Agnes was the first Malawian female boxer to win an international belt as such, she deserves the recognition.”
Signed by Irene Joseph Magebo, director of human resources and administration, the statement hopes that the appointments will “continue to consolidate its influence in the sport of boxing”.
The president of Professional Boxing Association of Botswana Tsietsi Andrew Shakes Kebualemang has been appointed as Commissioner to Botswana.
In Ghana, first vice president of the Ghana Boxing Authority Henry Mainly-Spain is the Waba Commissioner. An influential businessman with great experience in the boxing promotion Dr. Mainly-Spain cut teeth in the marine and airline industry.
