By MICHAEL MIYOBA
MINISTRY of Sports, Youth and Child Development permanent secretary Kangwa Chileshe has called on the corporate world to help fund the World Boxing Council Super Bantam Weight title fight involving former World Bantamweight champion Catherine Phiri and Zimbabwean boxer Kudakwashe Chiwandira.
Phiri who was recently commissioned as an officer in the Zambia Air Force (ZAF), will fight Chiwandire in the main bout of the boxing championship which has attracted boxers from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
Speaking during the unveiling of corporate sponsorship packages for the tournament which will announce Catherine Phiri’s return to the ring, Chileshe said hosting the WBC fight requires a substantial amount which can be supported by the corperate world who are key stake holders in national and sports development.
He noted that next month’s boxing tournament is not only important to Catherine and her promoters but to the whole nation at large and the success of the event will put Zambia on the spot light and provide the corporate world with trading opportunities with other countries.
“Let us sacrifice a little for the benefit of mother Zambia to contribute to the development of sports in Zambia,” Chileshe said.He hailed Trade Kings Group through the Big Tree Brand for sponsoring numerous boxing tournaments while working in conjunction with Oriental queries Boxing promotions.
He reaffirmed governments’ commitment to supporting the tournament scheduled for February 26 and facilitating the development of all sporting disciplines in Zambia.
And Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions manager Chris Malunga hailed government for supporting the fight which was initially scheduled for January 29, 2022.
Malunga said Oriental Quarries is expected to raise K649,900 for the Boxing championship which has attracted boxers from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
He said Oriental Quarries was determined to host a successful tournamenty with support from the corporate world who are deemed as key stakeholders in driving the development of sports in Zambia.
