The local boxing fraternity has suffered a huge blow following the death of Malawi’s boxing legend, ‘Tough’ Ben Chitenje.
Chitenje, 81, died Wednesday at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, where he had been admitted last week.
According to his son, Mike, his father, who was until his death the Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) vice president, died of diabetes and high blood pressure.
“Indeed, my father, the boxing legend, is gone. As a family, we are devastated,” Mike said.
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He said funeral details would be announced later.
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Chitenje was one of the most accomplished boxers of his time before he retired and established the boxing firm, Mulanje Last Boxing Promotions.
The stable is credited with reviving professional boxing in the country.
MPBCB president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba mourned Chitenje, saying he played a crucial role in establishing the country’s first-ever professional boxing body.
“We have lost a fountain of boxing wisdom. He was a pillar of boxing. He was dedicated to serving the sport. He also contributed a lot to the formation of the professional boxing board.
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“During his time in the ring, he was one of the crowd-pullers and used to fight without showing mercy,” Zimba said.
Sunday Times columnist and boxing analyst Elson Mankhomwa paid tribute to the boxing legend.
“He was a powerful puncher, and in most cases, he won through knockouts,” the Seconds Out author said.
In 2017, Chitenje lost his son, Young Tough Ben Chitenje, who had taken after him.
