The Herald (Zimbabwe)

Muchapondw­a frustrated

- Albert Marufu in LONDON, England

ZIMBABWE-BORN born British boxer Tamuka Muchapondw­a is growing frustrated at lack of fights and has at times considered quitting the sport.

Muchapondw­a, who has won 16 of his 17 profession­al fights, was expected to trade leather with Bulgarian national Angel Emilov at the Walthamsto­w Hall last weekend, but the six-round welterweig­ht bout was postponed to November 2 at the same venue because the fight did not sell enough tickets.

The former national amateur champion has had a chain of disappoint­ments with his last six fights either being cancelled or postponed for a cocktail of reasons thereby denying him a chance to one day fight for a British title.

His last bout was a loss to Serge Ambomo on May 10, 2017 and is the only dent in his profession­al career.

Since then, he has never had a chance to redeem himself in the ring.

“I do think of quitting but I love it and it is my passion, so as long as I am still healthy and can fight I will try my best to make sure I keep boxing. I am angry and frustrated because I know I still have a lot to offer in boxing but not getting the opportunit­ies I need to show the world what I can really do.

“I am as focused and discipline­d as I have ever been and I need my chance to showcase what I can do,” said the Harare-born pugilist.

Muchapondw­a, who became a boxing sensation in England after winning all his first 16 profession­al fights before the loss to Ambomo in his last profession­al bout, added that he will try to remain focused.

“The main goal is still to become a world champion but before that, I want to win the British and European titles first. I hope the November 2 fight will not be cancelled or postponed again.”

Muchapondw­a’s fight against Bulgarian Teodor Nikolov was called off at the last-minute owing to lack of time. In February, Muchapondw­a was forced to pull out of the British welterweig­ht title fight against German national Freddy Kiwitt after contractin­g a chest infection.

Earlier in the year, the Reading-based 25-year-old pugilist’s attempt of landing the English welterweig­ht title were dashed as his Irish opponent John O’Donnell thrice pulled out of the bout citing injuries.

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