QUEEN OF AFRICA
Up-and-coming Malawian female boxer, Anisha Bashir, claimed the country’s first ever continental title in ladies’ boxing on Saturday night when she knocked out her Kenyan opponent, Consolata Masunga, to win the African Boxing Union (Abu) Super Lightweight belt at Carnivore Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya.
Anisha achieved the rare feat in the ninth round when she unleashed a killer punch to knock out Consolata after eight gruelling rounds.
The victory takes Anisha’s record to seven wins and five losses out of 12 bouts.
In an interview from Kenya, Anisha said she was overwhelmed with joy.
“I just don’t know what to say. I am lost for words. It is God who has done this for me. I dedicate the win to all Malawians,” Anisha said.
The pugilist said she benefitted a lot from the two-month training at Delta Force Academy in Zimbabwe and is grateful to those who helped her to win in Kenya.
Anisha’s trainer, Clyde Musonda, said he never doubted her ability to win a continental title.
“Anisha has the heart of a lioness. She does not give up easily. Those are the qualities of a champion,” Musonda said.
No Pain No Gain Boxing Promotions Director, Craig Rousseau, congratulated Anisha, saying her achievement has put Malawi on the map.
“The atmosphere during the bout was intimidating. Her opponent had the whole crowd firmly behind her, but Anisha went on to win convincingly. Our focus is now on the WBC (World Boxing Council) belt,” Rousseau said.
Malawi achieved more success on the day after another blossoming boxer, Israel Kammwamba, defeated another Kenyan, Anderson Safunya, at the same venue.
Chikoya Mphande and Isaac Chilemba were in the past winners of continental belts to put Malawi on the boxing map.
Chilemba won several world titles before he sustained an arm injury late last year.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
