IT was an unforgettable night for the rising Zimbabwean boxer Aliya "Lantso" Phiri after he clinched the Africa Boxing Union (ABU) Lightweight title with a knockout victory over Malawian Israel "Money Machine" Kumwamba on Friday night.
Phiri needed two of the 12-round title bout to claim the victory, defeating Kumwamba with a technical knockout after two minutes, 48 seconds of the second one.
The 23-year old pugilist was on the offensive from the first bell, throwing threatening punches and making use of the home advantage as fans were cheering and chanting his name.
The support did not go in vain as the result was instant.
Phiri has now become the fourth boxer in the country to hold the ABU title, and this opportunity is coming 10 years after the legendary boxer Charles Manyuchi clinched the ABU welterweight championship in 2013.
After the victory, Phiri now has a chance to challenge for the World Boxing Council (WBC) belt.
Considering that Phiri was facing a well experienced boxer the win will propel him throughout his career.
Kamwamba is also the current holder of the World Boxing Federation lightweight title since last month after defeating another Zimbabwean boxer Evans Usayiwevhu.
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Speaking after the fight, Phiri, in tears, could not hide his joy after this historic win.
"I want to thank all my fans who came to support this fight. I'll do my best to live up to this standard.
"We wanted to push it to six rounds but just two rounds were enough to mark my victory. I'm really overwhelmed," said Phiri.
"I just want to encourage my fellow boxers that if you have a dream, no matter how long it may take or some people are looking down on you or moving away from you, focus on your goal till you reach your goals."
Phiri's father and trainer Issa Phiri was also over the moon, highlighting that the dream which has been in the pipeline since 2016 has finally come into reality.
He also thanked everyone who made his son's dream come into reality and mainly the main sponsor Lindsay Earlie for identifying and helping his son build his career.
