Malawi’s boxing reputation has suffered a huge dent following a failed medical test, that risked boxers’ lives and undermined the credibility of the local professional boxing board, Malawi News Sport can reveal.
Two boxers Fatima M’beka and Chimwemwe Banda allegedly presented fake medical reports and were stopped from facing their Zambian opponents after they “failed” a medical test.
Prior to the fight, it is a requirement for boxers to undergo mandatory medical tests to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
These tests naturally include physical examinations, neurological assessments, vision and hearing tests, and blood tests for infectious diseases such as HIV/Aids and Hepatitis B and C.
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The two reportedly presented spotless medical reports, declaring them fit and clean to take part in bouts.
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According to documents which we have seen, M’beka underwent a medical test at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe on April 14 whereas Banda underwent medical examination on April 11 at the same facility.
The medical reports are similar as they indicated the pair tested negative to infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, C, VDRL, HIV 1 and 2 and Covid 19.
According to the reports, urine for pregnancy tests was also negative.
Sources tipped the Zambian stable, Oriental Quarries, to do separate tests as the status of the two was compromised.
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“Actually, it was patriotic Malawians who tipped the stable to insist on doing medical tests to ensure the safety of all boxers. It turned out that two out of the four boxers failed medical tests,” the source said.
Following the incident, Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions (OQBP) lodged a complaint with the Zambia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZPBWCB), who have since reported the matter to African Boxing Union (ABU).
ZPBWCB Chairman Wamunyima Chingu’mbe told the media in Zambia that both ABU and the Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) were aware of the issue.
“This being an international issue, African Boxing Union will guide although the Malawian board is already in the know, just waiting for official correspondence with attached evidence,” he was quoted as saying.
Banda was scheduled to fight Mary Mhango of OQBP in a bantamweight non-title fight whereas Mbeka was expected to face Charity Phiri in a flyweight category.
The Malawian duo and Fania Musekwa of Zimbabwe allegedly failed medical tests, prompting OBQP to remove them from the bill.
The incident has sent shock waves across the boxing fraternity in Southern Africa as such acts endanger boxers’ lives.
OQBP Manager Chris Malunga told Crown TV Zambia that ZPBWCB should act to hold those responsible accountable as boxers’ safety was supposed to be a priority.
“Such people should be removed from offices because it means they do not supervise such medicals,” Malunga was quoted.
Meanwhile, one of the boxers, Banda, said she was surprised that she failed a medical test having passed earlier.
“Upon my return, I went back to the doctor who did the test and we agreed that I should do it this coming week as he was busy. In the meantime, I went to two private hospitals where I tested negative to everything they alleged that I failed in Zambia.
“Even my colleague was surprised and she also said that she would redo the test,” Banda said.
The pair were selected by MPBCB official Elton Ndojime to fight in Zambia.
However, Ndojime said he was busy and would revert to us.
MPBCB Vice Secretary Gibson Chisale said they were investigating the issue.
“We are aware of the issue and we will have a comprehensive report next week,” Chisale said.
Universally, Medical Council’s condemn the falsification of reports by doctors as it is considered a breach of medical ethics and professionalism, often leading to disciplinary actions such as suspension or removal from the medical register. Such actions undermine public trust.
