Real tests for Mtimaukanena, Balakasi
Malawi’s top female boxer Agnes Mtimaukanena and lightweight Wellingtone Balakasi get a real test of their pedigree this evening in international title bouts at the Robin’s Park in Blantyre.
Mtimaukanena faces Ugandan Shabila Namaaga as she sets to defend her World Boxing Forum (WBF) title as well as fight for the Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) lightweight belt. Balakasi will face Tanzanian Allan Kamote in a WBF continental lightweight bout that also promises fireworks.
Mtimaukanena is unbeaten in five bouts—three wins and two draws—four of which were international.
Proving critics wrong
 Her wins have always been tainted with controversy with some analysts questioning the credibility of her opponents. But she now faces one of the strongest boxers on the continent.
“I am happy that the promoters have decided to bring this top boxer so that I should prove all the critics wrong. I am yet to meet her and have not watched her fight, but she doesn’t intimidate me.
“This is the moment I have been waiting for to show Malawi that I am a good boxer and silence all the critics. I have prepared well for the fight,†said Mtimaukanena.
Balakasi, whose last fight was a victory over highly-rated Osgood Kayuni, says he is ready for Kamote who returns to Malawi after losing to Kayuni eight months ago. It will be the main bout of the evening.
“I have been undergoing intensive camp training at Mafco in Salima and I am in good shape. I have watched Kamote. He has good technique, but there is a lot to fight for here,†said Balakasi.
Another blossoming boxer, Limbani Masamba, who is unbeaten since turning professional, takes to the ring against welterweight champion Charles Misanjo.
Limbani has taken the boxing fraternity by storm as he seeks to maintain the Masamba legacy. He follows in the footsteps of his father Schoolboy and brothers John and Wilson.
He has three professional fights and has won all on knockout.
“I am getting this belt from Misanjo. It will be another knockout this time around and Misanjo is in trouble. I am in good shape than before,†said Limbani.
 Steven Msiska, managing director of Ngumi Boxing Promotions, who have organised the boxing feast, said everything is set for the night of title fights.
“We have secured a number of sponsors like Alexander’s Shire Highlands Hotel who have provided accommodation and food for the boxers, Sana Supermarkets, Stevenson Advertising and Pharmanova and we thank them all for their support,†he said.
