Professional fight turns into ‘street brawl’

What was to be a professional fight between Charles Misanjo and Kudakwashe Nkhakamila Banda at the Lilongwe Community Centre ground on Sunday ended like a street fight as the boxers resorted to unorthodox, dirty fighting tactics.

The fight, which was organised by Superior Boxing Promotions, attracted a huge crowd, but the fans were left fuming because of the unconventional fighting skills on display.

The first round started on a high note with both boxers trading barbs relentlessly scoring points, but Misanjo fell down after slipping on the canvas.

The second round saw the boxers throwing caution to the wind and started lunging at each other. It was more of a street fight than a sanctioned bout by the Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB).

The fans witnessed unprecedented pushing, butting and wrestling and holding for the rest of the eight rounds.

Misanjo, who started strongly was the main culprit. He resorted to holding on to Kudakwashe, who was taller and aggressive.

At the end of the bout, the judges unanimously gave the fight to Kudakwashe and the decision was greeted with a roar of approval from the fans.

“I congratulate Kudakwashe for the victory but if it was not for him beating me on the back of my head I could have won the fight,” said a visibly tired Misanjo.

“I could have knocked him down in the fifth round if he was not holding on to me. I am disappointed with the way he fought. It was not boxing. He knew he had lost the fight and what he could only do was hold on to me,” said Kudakwashe.

This was Kudakwashe’s sixth straight win since he turned professional.

In the main supporting bout, which was more exciting, Chikondi Makawa beat Bright Mdoka on points.