Chazama has passed first test says promoter Chimaliza

Promoter Mike Chimaliza of New Dawn Boxing Promotion which sponsored Sunday Lightweight title bout involving Salimu Chazama and Crispin Moliati says he is ready to sponsor an international bout for Chazama following his triumph during the 12-round title match.

Chazama was declared winner against his fellow opponent from Malawi Defence Force (MDF) on a split points’ decision after a close and fierce contest watched by a good crowd at Lilongwe Community Centre.

Speaking to Nyasa Times in the after aftermath of the bout, Chimaliza, who dangled K200,000 for the winner and K120,000 for the loser said Chazama had passed the first test.

“I was having pressure from both boxers to stage international bouts for them after the disappointing show by Robert Kachiza against a Zimbabwean boxer. I told the two to fight for the vacant lightweight belt and that I would sponsor the one who would get the belt. Now that Chazama has the belt, will sponsor an international bout for him within the next two or three months.

“He has to go into the international bout as a belt holder,” said Chimaliza, who did not disclose the identity of the foreign boxer.

Asked or his take on complaints from Moliati’s camp and a cross-section of spectators that Moliati was robbed of victory by the judges, Chimaliza said he could not comment on a decision by the judges.

“As a promoter, I just have to respect what the judges have said and will not comment on what other people are saying,” he said.

Despite Chazama being declared winner of the bout, Moliati’s camp as well as some neutral observes felt Moliati was the deserved candidate for the belt, having dominated the first seven rounds and produced more scoring punches.

Others, however, argued that Moliati lost the plot in the closing rounds when he kept running away from his opponent.

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