Top female boxer Agness Mtimaukanena has turned down an offer of a rematch next month against her bitter rival Happiness Nkhoma owing to a tight schedule.
The two boxers’ rivalry has worsened following World Boxing Forum’s (WBF) decision last month to strip Mtimaukanena of the welterweight belt after faulting the judges in the way they scored the fight.
Mulanje Last Boxing Promotions (MLBP) had offered to stage the bout on the undercard of Chimwemwe Chiotcha and Zimbabwean Charles Manyuchi’s non-title professional bout.
However, Mtimaukanena told The Nation on Sunday that she would not be available as she has another title fight at almost the same time.
“It is not that I am afraid, but right now I am busy preparing for a title bout scheduled for the same period and, as such, I cannot commit myself.
“Besides, in as far as I am concerned, I was declared the winner and I don’t see why I should fight her again,” said Mtimaukanena.
However, MLBP managing director Mike Chitenje described the development as unfortunate.
“If indeed Agness is preparing for another title bout, then that is okay, but her other claim that she cannot fight Happiness on the basis that she won the first bout is unfortunate because even if she was declared the winner, her opponent [Nkhoma] has the right to challenge her for a rematch.
“Anyway, we’ll see if we can get in touch with Agness’ camp to map the way forward,” said Chitenje.
He also said Nkhoma was all set for a rematch.
