The recently crowned world super middleweight champion Francis Cheka, who made American fighter Phil Williams surrender the belt to him, has requested the government to help check out on the integrity of boxing promoters as some have proved to be more of an obstacle than supporting sources.
Francis Cheka
Cheka, who was showered with praise by Deputy Speaker Job Ndugai for excellent representation of Tanzania in the just-concluded bout against the American and clinching the World Boxing Federation (WBF) title, recalled various incidents whereby he never received the payment as promised.
“I am glad that the Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Fenella Mukangara, is interested in promoting boxing in the country. But the biggest challenge must be resolved and this is none other than promoters who do not honour their promises,” he said.
The boxer, however, spoke about lack of boxing arenas as most of the bouts were held in halls which are not designed for boxing. Minister Mukangara pledged the government’s commitment to promote boxing — both amateur and professional – nationwide.
“The National Sports Council (NSC) and the government will assist Cheka to prepare well for the defence of his belt,” she said. Additional efforts are underway to reach out the community especially in the Lake Zone regions where you have well-built people. A Boxing Academy will now receive serious attention for more people to join,” she explained.
As for construction of a boxing arena which would meet international standards, the minister said negotiations were in top gear with professionals from developed countries to provide consultancy.
It was further learnt that François Botha, twice heavyweight world champion will make a second trip to Tanzania in November this year to promote Cheka and advise on construction of the best boxing arena. President of the Tanzania Professional Boxing Organization (TPBO), Yasin Abdallah (Ustadhi), asked companies in the country to remember supporting boxing as well and not focus on football alone.
“Boxing is not hooliganism. This is the only game that has painted clean the name of Tanzania recently in the international arena. We need genuine support. We would like to be assisted to construct a boxing arena which will be known as Jakaya Kikwete Boxing Arena,” he said.
As for the delayed payment to the American fighter, Ustadh confirmed that he left the country without being paid his money but the matter was being handled by the international police (Interpol).
CEO of Nai Incorporation Company Limited Catherine Metili invited energetic young men to join boxing as the game shows light at the end of the tunnel.
“In international boxing ratings, Cheka has shifted from the 35th position to 21st. This is quite impressive. We are glad that the minister (Mukangara) is in full support of the initiative,” she said. Cheka beat Williams “The Drill” on points in the 12-round bout at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam on Friday.
By BILHAM KIMATI, Tanzania Daily News