Malawi’s got talent in boxing, says Mzuzu promoter Big Joe

Joe Thomas Nyirongo, a Mzuzu-based boxer trading under the banner Aunt Tina Boxing Promotions, has said Malawi has a lot of talent in boxing which is yet to be unearthed.

Nyirongo, popularly known as Big Joe by boxing fanatics and peers in Mzuzu, said it was sad that government was not investing enough in boxing.

“Everyone knows football has failed us in many regards,” Nyirongo told Nyasa Times. “As a country we should be thinking of diverting to other sporting activities that can help us make a name.”

Nyirongo who has so far worked with boxers Mwayi Kamanga, Ernest Msoliza, Chikondi Makawa, Bright Mdoka, Osgood Kayuni, Lameck Mkangama and Lastone Kayira told Nyasa Times that all was not lost.

“Government must prioritize her spending. Malawi has a lot of talent in boxing,” he said.

He announced of an international boxing fest scheduled for August 30 at Obrigado Leisure Centre in Mzuzu.

According to him, Malawians Felix Mwamaso and Ernest Msoliza will fight with Zimbabweans Nicola Mutonhora and Takudwza Kuchocha respectively.

The Zimbabwean boxers are from the Zimbabwe Delta Force Academy and are managed by Clyde Musonda of Harare.

Malawi’s sporting profile has over the years been frustrated by the meagre performance of the Flames, Malawi’s national team, but has registered a lot of admirable results in the netball and boxing circles.

Presently, South African-based internationally renowned boxer Isaac Chilemba is regarded as one of the best boxers from Malawi and has won a lot of international accolades.