Waluza to officiate boxing bout in Tanzania

Boxing referee-cum-parliamentarian Jerome Waluza will take time off his legislative duties on September 29 to officiate his first professional international title bout in Tanzania.

The former Malawi Boxing Association (Maba) president has been invited by the Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) to officiate an international super middleweight title fight between Tanzanians Francis Cheka and Karama Nyilawila in Dar es Salaam.

Waluza, Malawi’s only professional boxing referee since 2008, only officiated a supporting bout on the international stage.

In an e-mail invitation, UBO commissioner Emmanuel Mlundwa said that they needed Waluza’s services to ensure neutrality.

Wrote Mlundwa in the invitation: “Both contestants are Tanzania nationals; hence, we will appreciate your acceptance and arrive in Tanzania on September 28 2012 and depart on September 30 2012. The fight will take place on September 29 2012.”

Mlundwa added that they will provide accommodation for the Mchinji South Member of Parliament (MP) at the National Hotel, formerly Chang’ombe Hotel.

While accepting to officiate the bout, Waluza on Sunday described the development as an opportunity for Malawi to show her prowess on the global professional boxing arena.

“This will not only be the first time for me to officiate a UBO title bout, it will also be the first time for Malawi to be known globally for an officiating role in an international professional title fight. This is history in the making,” said Waluza.