Sports Council stops MPBCB from using ‘Malawi’ name

Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) has ordered Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) to stop using the word ‘Malawi’ from its name on grounds that it is a private entity which does not represent the country.

The development comes amidst the tussle between the Malawi Boxing Association (Maba) and MPBCB emanating from the former’s decision to start running professional programmes which include sanctioning bouts.

Previously, the professional roles strictly fell under MPBCB which recently hit back at Maba by announcing it will start organising amateur boxing.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, MNCS executive secretary George Jana said the order has been necessitated by Maba’s clearance by Association of International Boxing Association’ (Aiba) to be administering professional programmes.

Jana said they ordered MPBCB almost a month ago, adding that if the order is breached then board’s leadership may face prosecution.

“We did not stop MPBCB from using the name previously because Maba was not organising professional fights, so MPBCB was by default our representative even on the international stage. But now that our affiliate Maba has been cleared to administer professional boxing then the board needs to stop using the name which is protected under the Constitution,” he said.

He further stated that MPBCB may continue to use the name if it obtains an approval from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

But MPBCB president Lonzoe Zimba said they had not received the letter.

“I do not know anything on that order. It is, therefore, difficult for me to say anything,” he said.

Maba president Justice Katika welcomed the ban saying it will make people understand the difference between his organisation and MPBCB.

“We are the only boxing organisation that represents Malawi. It is, therefore, good that a line has drawn been between us,” he said.

The Maba and MPBCB tussle has given birth to confusion with boxers flip-flopping between the two institutions. Among them Mussa Ajibu, Chimwemwe Chiotcha and Wilson Masamba.

Analysts have warned the wrangles threatens to derail the minority sport which has over the years been gaining steady popularity.