Malawi Defence Force (MDF) boxer Alick Mwenda will double as trainer and cornerman for his compatriot Chimwemwe Chiotcha who faces Ugandan Med Sebyala in Kampala, Uganda on February 28.
The middleweight title fight at the MTN Lugogo Arena has been sanctioned by the African Boxing Union (ABU).
Initially, Mwenda was to be a cornerman, but he has also taken up the trainer’s role after Chiotcha’s coach Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey Jalare (retired) pulled out due to family commitments.
Both Mwenda and Chiotcha, who have fought several times on the domestic scene, have made a commitment to work together.
“We are going to Uganda as brothers who are on a mission to serve their nation. We have put our rivalry in the ring aside for a national cause,” said Mwenda.
Supporting bouts include national super bantamweight fight between Ugandans Edward Kakembo and Raymond Ssentongo and super welterweight encounter between Badru Lusambya and Saidi Yazidu.
Jalare said he does not doubt Mwenda’s capability to assist Chiotcha to win his first international title.
“I would have loved to accompany Chiotcha to the international bout but I have some engagements here at home. Despite that, I do not doubt Mwenda’s capability as Chiotcha’s stand-in trainer. His tactical approach coupled with Chiotcha’s experience can do wonders for Malawi,” he said.
Ngumi Boxing Promotions manager Stephen Mawenzi Msiska concurred with Jalare that although Chiotcha will be at a disadvantage to win the bout on points in the foreign land, he still has what it takes to pluck home the ABU belt.
