Thu, 06 Apr 2017 11:08:45 +0000
By GRACE CHAILE-LESOETSA
CATHERINE Phiri says she will work hard to reclaim the World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight gold belt.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Catherine expressed disappointment for failing to fulfill the promise of defending the title in Mexico against Mariana Juarez.
She described the fight as one of the hardest so far since turning professional.
“I promised the fans that I will defend the title, sadly I couldn’t. Even then, I will bounce back. I still have the faith to get back the title. It was a hard fight in that the boxer had the experience and prepared well too,” she said.
Catherine called on the fans to continue believing in her.
“To the fans, thank you for the support and I will definitely work harder to reclaim the title,” she said.
Meanwhile, Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions (OQBP) operations manager Christopher Malunga said they will soon bid for a rematch for Catherine.
Malunga said the promotions will work hard to ensure the female boxers mended up for the loss.
“We can cry foul, Catherine indeed lost the fight on a split point decision. She fought like a warrior but the opponent was good as well. But we will definitely consult WBC for a title fight as soon as possible.
We just have to get back to the drawing board and prepare well,” he said.
Commenting on Charles Manyuchi’s failure to defend the WBC welterweight silver belt against Qudratillo Abduqaxovou of Uzbekistan in Singapore last month, Malunga said the boxer lost the fight due to his carelessness.
He said it was illogical of Manyuchi to begin toying around with the opponent in the first round.
“Manyuchi lost the fight because of carelessness. Honestly how can you start playing around with the opponent like that in first round? We will sit him down and he will definitely change his style of fighting,
“The trainer kept shouting watch your guard but he decided to play around and once the opponent got the opportunity, he was knocked out,” he said.
He disclosed that OQBP will stage promotional fight during the Trade Fair in Ndola.
He said the tournament which will be staged in July will see both Manyuchi and Catherine compete in non-title bouts.
“This is one way of preparing the two boxers. And we are seriously working on molding Alfred Muwowo and Lorita Muzeya for international bouts. Muzeya is scheduled to fight in Las Vegas for a non-title fight soon,” he explained.
Trainer Mike Zulu commended Catherine for putting up a good fight.
“I am still happy with the way she performed in Mexico. It was a tight fight but she put in her level best; I will get back to the drawing board and strategies our come-back” he said.
And Zambia Sports Fans Association patron Peter Makembo advised Catherine not to give up but pick lessons from the fight and get back the belt.
“It is sad she lost but that’s not the end of it, she has to pick up the pieces and get back to the top. I have faith in her, “he said.
