Boxing referee in Uganda for ABU lightweight fight
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) referee Gift Patsanja has been assigned to officiate an African Boxing Union (ABU) title fight in Kampala, Uganda, tonight.
Patsanja arrived in Uganda Thursday ahead of the 12-round lightweight contest between Latibu Muwango of Uganda and Tanzanian’s Albano Clement at Club Obligato in Kampala.
This will be the first time for Patsanja to handle an ABU fight.
The referee said he will exercise impartiality and professionalism during the fight.
“I feel honoured to have been selected to take up this task. Being assigned to officiate a fight of this magnitude is no mean achievement. This is a high-profile fight. Therefore, I do not take this assignment for granted.
“I have been tasked to be in charge of this fight and I will do the job. I will handle the bout in a professional and fair manner to both camps so that whoever wins must do so on merit,” he said.
This will be the second time for Patsanja to officiate an international bout, having already done so during a non-title fight at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe last year.
The fight involved Jeremiah Mhere of Zimbabwe and Zambia’s Bernard Mwango.
Patsanja attended several MPBCB officiating courses and holds Grade A certificates from ABU and World Boxing Council.
He is among 15 qualified judges from the continent certified to handle international title fights.
Patsanja started refereeing as a judge in 2015 and took the bold step to enhance his credentials last year.
“I started officiating some years ago but I was not very active until last year when I qualified as a Grade A World Boxing Council referee. Previously, I was mostly a judge or a member of the boxing jury. During local fights, I mostly work as supervisor,” he said.
MPBCB President Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba said the development is an indication that Malawian referees are good.
“ABU and WBC select highly-qualified officials. They do not compromise because a lot is always at stake including belts, money and records. They select officials based on qualifications and experience,” Zimba said.
He then advised Patsanja to handle the contest to the best of his ability.
“He is representing Malawi. If he handles the fight well, it will be the whole country receiving the honour. I have total confidence in him. This is a referee I have never doubted at any time. He is quite capable and will do a good job,” he said.
