FORMER world champion boxer Charles Manyuchi has announced his retirement from professional boxing.
His retirement will be capped by one last bout dubbed the Grand Finale set for Harare on May 28 where he will take on Sherrif Kasongo of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a non-title fight.
Speaking at a Press conference held at Mr T35 headquarters in Harare yesterday, Monica Cheru the bout manager of the Grand Finale match said Manyuchi will be facing the Congolese for the second time in his career.
“He (Manyuchi) bids farewell to the sport that has given him fame and a handsome fortune with a testimonial contest against Sheriff Kasongo of the DRC.
“This will be the second time the two lock horns, the first having been way back in July 2017 when our own Manyuchi emerged victorious by unanimous decision,“ she said.
Cheru went on to applaud Zimbabweans for the support given to Manyuchi during his career.
Keep Reading
- All eyes on Take Money
- Inside Sport: A goodbye to a sports great
- Charles Manyuchi final bout set
- Manyuchi organises grand finale series
“Zimbabwe has been grateful to Manyuchi for flying its flag high, with government having come on board to give him tokens of appreciation for his exploits in the ring.
“Twice, he was named the Sportsperson of the Year in the Annual National Sports Awards. He is a model sportsperson who has invested well from his sweat as evidenced by the various business ventures he has embarked on,” she said.
Manyuchi said: “My fans have always been there for me; they are the owners of the game and always grant me a hero’s welcome when I returned from international shows.”
Manyuchi made his professional debut in 2009, and won the ABU welterweight title in 2013. In 2014, he won the WBC International welterweight title against Patrick Allotey.
He successfully defended his WBC crown in Lusaka against Devis Caceres. He made another successful defence of the WBC International belt against Gianluca Frezza, in the latter's home country Italy.
Manyuchi further advanced his career by beating Dmitry Mikhailenko in Yekaterinburg for the WBC Silver title.
The Grand Finale will also feature other bouts that will include Clever Sithole vs Thembani Muhlanga, Evans Usaiwevhu vs Thembani Muhlanga, Jeremiah Mhere vs Sydney Baloyi.