Mwando defeats Tanzania boxer

Briane Mwando won the super middleweight international non title bout against Tanzanian Balaka Mwakansope at Robin’s Park in Blantyre on Saturday but failed to live up to his promise to triumph by knockout.

The 25-year-old earned the victory through unanimous points’ decision after judges Rex Luya, Lovemore Katanda and Desire Kambewa scored 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74, respectively, in his favour.

“I must admit my performance was below par; I did not fight as I expected,” said Mwando, who was having his first bout this year after Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) lifted his ban.

“I have to work harder in the gym so as to deal with my weakness at present, fatigue. I have been out of the ring for almost six months and this bout has given me some food for thought on how I should prepare for my next bouts.”

During the eight-round match, the husband to the country’s prolific female boxer Agnes Mtimaukanena, who has improved his record to 10 wins and four losses, seemed to be going for a knockout win in the early rounds; throwing a flurry of hard punches and dropping his opponent with a body shot in the second round.

However, despite having the advantage of dictating the pace of the bout, his steam started to wear out from the fifth round where he failed to land compelling jabs on the resilient Tanzanian, whose major shortfall was throwing feeble punches.

In the final two rounds, the tempo of the fight slowed. But all in all, it was a very entertaining bout that turned the venue into a theatre of excitement.

While accusing judges of biased scoring, Mwakansope, who replaced Mwando initial Tanzanian opponent Mischek Mwenyenye, challenged Mwando for a rematch. Mwando accepted the challenge.

Alufandika Boxing Promotions organised the match, which also saw Henry Muyaya beating John Mbenje in the main supporting encounter.