NEWS 

• Set for a rematch with Zambian Muzeya

By Chifundo Zingunde

Zambia’s female boxer, Lolita Muzeya’s plans to challenge for a World Boxing Council (WBC) Gold belt have been delayed, as the boxer is scheduled to settle her debts in a Rematch elimination bout against Malawi’s Ruth Chisale to determine a mandatory Challenger for the WBC gold welterweight belt.

Initially, the Zambian Champion, Lolita, had defended her title against Malawi’s boxing finest, Ruth by Unanimous decision in Zambia on 30 December, 2017; a result that made Ruth file a complaint claiming various irregulaties regarding the bout.

In a letter that Entertainment Malawi has seen, WBC Women’s Championship Committee has granted Ruth a Re-Match with Zambia’s Lolita Muzeya.

Although WBC did  not accept the formal protest due to lack of compliance with the required  rules, but still it has given  a chance for  a rematch since  the WBC did not appoint  ring officials and the bout  was  fought in  8 rounds  instead of  the required 10.

According to the letter dated, February 6^th, 2018 the rematch will be placed at a neutral ring and the authorities will be appointed by the WBC.

“The WBC will order an immediate Rematch between Lolita Muzeya, and Ruth Chisale which will be a final eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for WBC Women’s World Welterweight champion, Cecilia Breakhus.

The fight will be scheduled for a ten round and all neutral ring officials including a WBC supervisor will be appointed by the WBC,” reads part of the letter.

Reacting to the matter, Ruth’s manager, and Director of Rockies Boxing Academy, Rodger Romeo Kumwenda, applauded WBC’s resolution claiming that the verdict vindicates Ruth’s earlier pleas.  

“I’m happy with the news. It has proven that in this world justice indeed does exist, because honestly we thought we were robbed,” he claimed.  

Speaking in a Telephone interview with EM from Zambia, Lolita’s Camp, Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions’ Director, Chris Malunga says he respects the decision by WBC and his boxer is geared for the fight.

“Lolita is a professional Boxer managed by a professional Manager. We therefore respect the decision passed by WBC and we are looking forward for the rematch. It’s normal that WBC has come up with a verdict like that. We are looking forward to the next fight,” said Chilunga.

On her part, the challenger Ruth Chisale said she was ready  to fight and warned Lolita that she is coming with a new style.

“I am happy that I have a rematch. To the fans, don’t worry even today I can fight. Lolita must be ready or else she is in for a humiliation. Where ever she is, she must know that Ruth is coming for her with a new style, I have been training hard for this,” challenged Ruth.

As we went to press, Lolita Muzeya was not available to give her take on the development.

Meanwhile the Council has asked the two camps to start preparing for the bout and agree on the dates, places, purses among other, before Friday, February 23^rd, 2018.

The bout will determine the number one contender for WBC Women’s World Gold welterweight champion, Norwegian lethal boxer, Cecilia Breakhus.