Ellen Simwaka voices out frustration
South Africa based female pugilist Ellen Simwaka says she will be forced to quit the sport if promoters continue to frustrate her.
Simwaka made the remarks after struggling to collect her purse money for winning a rematch against Melissa Miller last week.
“I came here [South Africa] to fight to make a better living. However, I had to sweat to get my package. After the fight the promoter gave me half the money of my contractual fee when I was supposed to get my purse in full. I had to sweat to get my money,” she said.
The former World Boxing Federation International Female Bantamweight champion said she would have loved to reside in Malawi but bemoans lack of opportunities.
“However, the only problem is that boxers are hardly supported in Malawi. If we were truly supported then I would have not relocated [to South Africa],” she said.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba said they were waiting for an official complaint to intervene.
“We always urge boxers to work jointly with their managers to handle such issues easily. Additionally, we advise boxers to send copies of their contracts to us so that we can intervene quickly when disputes arise,” he said.
Simwaka, 23, knocked out Miller in her quest to secure another Commonwealth title fight.
The Malawian has now improved her record to eight wins, five defeats and two draws whereas Miller’s record has dropped to five wins, nine defeats and three draws.
