Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Zimba has advised veteran boxers to avoid youthful fighters to protect their legacy and minimise chances of serious injuries. He made the plea on Sunday after veteran boxers Osgood Kayuni and Alick Gogodo suffered technical knockout defeats in non-title fights at Kamuzu Institute for Sports in Lilongwe. Kayuni was floored by Byson Gwayani in the second of their eight-round fight while Gogodo was out of sorts in the first round of his fight against Antony Banda.
Said Zimba: “Veteran boxers should know that age is no longer in their favour to continue fighting against youthful fighters. If they want bouts, they should challenge fellow veterans while transitioning to coaching to impart knowledge to upcoming boxers.” “Let me make it clear that I am not forcing them to retire but I am just concerned. These veterans are very skilful but with time, their strength wane and it is risky to pick fights against the youth.
We need them to impart their skills in the young ones.” But 41-year-old Kayuni insisted that he is not over the hill yet and will fight against any boxer in his weight category. “Boxing is a sport where you challenge an opponent after noting the gaps that can be exploited. It is a game of win and loss,” he said.
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“I am still good as a boxer and I will continue to fight. On Sunday, I lost the bout not because of age but due to some personal issues that affected me mentally.” Gogodo, 34, was not available for comment yesterday.
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