Story by Josh Munthali
ZIMBABWEAN boxer Charles Manyuchi is leaving the boxing ring on a high after making light work of Malawi’s Alick Gogodo in a farewell non-title bout dubbed, “The Grand Finale” in his hometown of Chivhu over the weekend.
Manyuchi took on Gogodo in an event which coincided with his 34th birthday celebrations, as he winds up his boxing career.
Scores of fans were however left clamouring for more after the fight did not go the full length, lasting just one round with the playful Manyuchi displaying his languid style of a drunken master.
The Malawian lasted just under 2 minutes and 47 seconds in the ring when match referee Patrick Mukondiwa ended the contest to protect him from getting further punishment from Manyuchi.
Manyuchi said, “I am happy to be leaving behind a legacy and I look forward to the remaining two fights of the Grand Finale. No matter how good you are, if you stay for too long, you will spoil it. A good dancer must know when to leave the stage.”
In other bouts boxers from Charles Manyuchi Academy, Evans “Vanso” Husaiwevhu beat Hollis Kazembe of Malawi, after six rounds in a unanimous judge’s decision.
It was the same for Brendan “Boica” Denes who knocked out his opponent Bernard Sepe of Zambia after referee Kingston Jokonya stopped the fight within a minute and 32 seconds following a technical knockout.
Manyuchi’s young brother Munyaradzi made his professional debut on the night, beating fellow local debutant Ascot Muvarira after 4 rounds of blood and tears, winning via a unanimous judge’s points decision.
Next weekend, Manyuchi faces Jimmy Mabindji of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Harare before going to Zambia for the final leg of the “Grand Finale Series” which is set to mark an end to his glittering career.
