Boxer Malani Kayuni cries foul
Lilongwe-based boxer Malani Kayuni has accused his opponent’s coach Gabriel Kondowe and judges of feigning ring damage to Laston Kaira stage a come-back and earn a draw.
Kayuni, 24, was fighting Kaira in an eight-round non-title rematch on Sunday at Obligado Leisure Park in Mzuzu.
The bout was organised by Ken -One and Metal works.
In their previous meeting, Kayuni won on points.
Kayuni had effective punching in the first three rounds of the fight as he clearly landed more accurate body and head punches.
But while the two pugilists exchanged punches, Kondowe called for the stop of the bout claiming the ring was damaged.
The fight was suspended for 15 minutes to allow the maintenance of the canvas which had decayed wood and protruding sharp nails which could hurt either of the pugilists.
Carpenters were called in and did their job.
When the bout resumed, Kayuni received hooks, upper cuts and bled in round five, forcing his corner man Jobson Adams to call for a guard, but Kaira continued his prowess in the subsequent rounds till the fight was declared a draw by judges Williams Matimba, Gibson Chisale and Lameck Phiri.
Kayuni claimed the ring was okey and that the 15 minute break gave his opponent a chance to recover.
Chief judge Chisale said Kaira made a great come-back hence the draw.
Kondowe and Kaira said they respected the judges’ decision.
Ironically, Kondowe was Kayuni’s coach last year.
Kaira has fought six times, recording two draws, three wins in TKOs and one loss while Kayuni has fought 22 times won 13 with eight TKO, two draws and seven losses.
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