Non-title fights for Salima Chazama and Ruth Chisale against Tanzania opponents on August 29 have been cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board general secretary Johnny Palichesi Jr confirmed yesterday in interview, saying the boxers were cleared by their employers Malawi Defence Force (MDF) due to the pandemic.
“As a board, we haven’t received any communication from MDF authorities, but we notified them about the scheduled fights,” he said.
Efforts to talk MDF sports director were successful but in an interview yesterday, Chazama confirmed that the bouts were cancelled because of travel restrictions as the government imposed as a measure to contain the spread of the Covid-19.
He said: “It is true that the fights, which were scheduled for August 29, have been cancelled, This is the second time for the fights to be cancelled because of the pandemic.
“Of course, we cannot blame the government because it shows that they are serious in containing the pandemic.”
Chazama said the postponement is a blow as he was hoping to restore his image after losing to Israel Kam’mwamba in a national title fight in December.
“This fight was important for me because it has taken me nine months since my last fight which I lost to Israel Kam’mwamba,” he said,
Chisale confirmed she was informed by MDF officials that they could not travel because of Covid-19.
However, the lightweight boxer said she is not worried with the cancellation.
“We all know the impact that Covid-19 has had on sports, including boxing. Once the suspension of sporting activities is over, I will fight again.
