Gogoda out to spoil Manyuchi’s party

ZIMBABWE’S boxing icon Charles Manyuchi will celebrate his 34th birthday in the ring at Phil Jen Lodges in Chivhu tonight, but his opponent is itching to spoil the party.

Manyuchi takes on Alick Gogoda of Malawi in a non-title cruiserweight, in one of the Zimbabwean’s farewell bouts.

The 33-year-old former World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion announced his retirement from the sport early this year. He is now holding a series of farewell fights before he eventually spikes his gloves.

Manyuchi has another fight against Jimmy Mabundji of DR Congo at Heritage Village in Harare on November 25.

There are also plans for another fight in Zambia, where he was groomed at Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions.

But the veteran boxer has to take care of Gogoda first before engaging Mabundji.

And Gogoda is out to dent Manyuchi’s record which currently stands at 26-4-1.

The weigh in was held at Phil Jen Lodges in Chivhu yesterday and all is now set for Manyuchi’s 32nd professional bout.

“I am here to fight and I am ready for the battle,” Gogoda told Zimpapers Sports.

“I know Charles Manyuchi is a great boxer, whom I respect.

“He is also fighting in his own backyard but that doesn’t scare me.

“I also know Charles is fighting one of his last fights and he would want to retire with a good record, but I am not there to spruce up his image. “In fact, I want to spoil his farewell,” thundered Gogoda.

Manyuchi said he would do the talking in the ring.

“It’s my birthday and I want to celebrate it in style,” said Manyuchi.

“I promise to do well, I will talk more in the ring.”

Manyuchi currently holds several titles including the World Boxing Federation middleweight belt.

There are a number of bouts on the undercard involving some prominent boxers like Brendon “Boika” Denes.

“I am promising my fans some fireworks,” said Denes.

“I have been working hard for this fight and boxing fans are in for a treat.”

Fight card

Lloyd Mujibilikwa v John Andrew (Light welterweight), Tinofadzwa Chikerema v Tinashe Malume (Lightweight), Tafadzwa Mushando v Ignatius Mutale of Zambia (Lightweight), Munyaradzi Manyuchi v Ascort Vavarirai Lightweight debut), Evans Usayihwevhu v Hollyce Kazembe (Lightweight), Brendon Denes v Bernard Sepe of Malawi (Welterweight), Freeman Mabvongwe v Ally Kabeya of DR Congo (Super middleweight), Tatenda Biningu v Josamu Banda of Zambia (Lightweight), Clever Sithole v Charles Lisancho of Malawi (Super middleweight), Charles Manyuchi v Alick Gogoda of Malawi (Cruiserweight)