Wilson Masamba guns for IBF title ahead of WBU
Local featherweight pugilist Wilson Masamba has decided to take a gamble after accepting an offer to vie for International Boxing Federation belt before contesting for World Boxing Union title.
Masamba and his Zimbabwean trainer Clyde Musonda defied suggestions from promoter to stick to WBU fight.
Following the development, the Malawi Defence Force boxer, who is currently training in Zimbabwe will meet Namibian boxer Albinus Felisianus on August 26 for the IBF title in a 12-round contest.
After that Masamba is expected to take on Brazilian boxer Cid Edson Bispo Riberio for the vacant featherweight World Boxing Union (WBU) title in a 12 round contest on September 26 on knockout Malaria bill.
If Masamba loses the IBF fight through knockout his chances of vying for WBU belt would be thrown out.
Masamba, in a brief phone interview, said he knew what he was doing.
“I have taken the offer because I know I am capable of winning,” he said.
No Pain No Gain Boxing Promotions managing director, Craig Rousseau, said he shared his views with the boxer who had the last say.
“I told him it was a risky to take up an IBF title fight a month before the WBU. However, I can’t stand on his way because both him and the trainer are convinced that he will win,” he said.
Rousseau said Masamba had accepted the IBF title fight to prepare him for the WBU belt.
“He is using the IBF title fight as part of his preparations so we can’t block him,” he said.
No Pain No Gain is expected to pump in over K70 million in the forthcoming Knockout Malaria bill.
Rousseau said together with his partner Clyde Musonda of the Delta Force Boxing Academy in Zimbabwe they wanted to give Malawian boxers international exposure.
He said this in line with the IBF bill which will be staged at J&P Complex Onashitoke Ondangwa in North, Namibia.
Masamba’s three compatriots will feature in non-title supporting fights.
In a middleweight eight round fight, Alick Mwenda (Malawi) will face Johannes Mwetupunga (Namibia) in the main supporting fight.
In another middleweight clash to last for six rounds Felix Mwamaso (Malawi) will meet Lukas Ndafoluma (Namibia) In an eight-round bantamweight Aubrey Masamba (Malawi) will date Joseph Hilongwa (Namibia).
Meanwhile, Aubrey Masamba has revealed that his agreed mutual terms with Besao Boxing Promotions to take up an international fight ahead of a local title fight against Tinkhani Kamanga. The two were supposed to fight on Sunday at Afro Gardens near Wenela.
Both Aubrey and Besao Boxing Promotions managing director, Bester Saopa confirmed the development but declined to disclose the terms of the contract.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
