Tanzanian light heavyweight boxer Saidi Mbelwa has described Mussa Ajibu as a ‘little man’.
He said this ahead of their 10-round international non-title bout at Motel Paradise in Blantyre on Sunday.
Mbelwa, who arrived in the country on Tuesday together with his trainer Omari Yazidu, said Ajibu does not provoke fear in him considering the reputable boxers he has fought against.
“I am just back from Germany where I fought against the WBO champion Gold Villa last month. Although I lost on points, I still feel too big for Ajibu. He is just a little man,” said Mbelwa at the Sports Council in Blantyre on Thursday.
According to Yazidu who translated Mbelwa’s Swahili statements into English, Mbelwa has fought in Germany, Switzerland and Australia.
“He has a vast international experience and I do not see Ajibu surviving the 10 rounds,” said Yazidu. Mbelwa, 25, has a record of 18 wins (12TKOs), eight draws and four losses.
Ajibu, who has a record of 17 wins and a loss, played down Mbelwa’s tough talk, saying they are mere bullying statements.
“He seems to be more of a speaker than a boxer. Of course, he has more international experience than me, but that should not be a benchmark for proving his efficiency in the ring,” said Ajibu, who is being trained by Steven Mankhwala at Ayaya City Stable.
PMJ Boxing Promotions director Gerald Lipikwe, whose is promoting the bout, said John Masamba and Jobson Adam will square up in a supporting bout.
