The Herald (Zimbabwe)

Mr T35 pullout a heavy blow: Manyuchi

- Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter

FORMER world silver welterweig­ht champion Charles Manyuchi says the pulling out of his principal sponsors, Mr T35, from boxing is a major setback for his progress at a time he is preparing to challenge for the title he lost in 2016.

Mr T35, who have been bankrollin­g the sport for the past seven years by investing over $300 000 over that period, anounced on Wednesday that they were pulling out due to financial constraint­s.

And Manyuchi, who benefitted the most out of the company’s benevolenc­e, yesterday lamented the developmen­t.

“It’s a body blow to my boxing career to lose a partner like Mr T35. My career will never be the same again. This company played a huge part in transformi­ng my profession for the better.

“They have been there for me through thick and thin. I lived decently as a profession­al boxer due to the company’s benevolenc­e.

“Others have come in mainly because Mr T35 have shown a heart for my progress as a pugilist.

“It is sad they have decided to pull out. I just hope that they will have a change of heart and decide to come back. I also understand that they have some financial problems emanating from the fact that they have not been cleared by the authoritie­s to start assembling and supplying vehicles to Indian markets despite having been awarded the tender,” he said.

During their time, partnering boxing, Mr T35 donated a new car each time Manyuchi went into the ring regardless of the outcome.

It is the same company which made it possible for the 29-year old pugilist to travel for fights as he embarked on successful world adventures.

Mr T35, along with Manyuchi’s Zambian promoters Oriental Quarries, hosted a memorable boxing fiesta at the Harare Internatio­nal Conference Centre where Machuchi knocked out Colombia’s Jose Agustin Feria inside 2 minutes and 42seconds.

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