Zimbabwe sensational boxer, Charles Manyuchi has promised to teach his Colombian opponent, Jose Agustin Feria a boxing lesson when the two meet on Friday.
Manyuchi will square off against Colombian boxer, Jose Agustin Julio Feria who arrived in the country yesterday for Friday’s non-title bout against the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) silver welterweight champion at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
Addressing journalists at the Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s offices in Harare, Manyuchi warned the lowly ranked boxer that he will not be kind to him and he will teach him a great boxing lesson.
He said “I have great respect for Jose, but I’m the champion and I will take him as my student. Although I was preparing for a title fight, I will take this match seriously and I will be treating it as a title fight, which is very unfortunate for my opponent because I want to teach him a lesson.
“I’m going to give it my all because I’m a diplomat for my country hence I don’t have to disappoint. I’m very fit and well prepared for this fight,” boasted the WBC silver welterweight champion.
“I say to all the fans come in numbers and see punches which I have been throwing in Zambia live in Harare , as I try to teach one or two lessons to my fellow boxer,” said Manyuchi showing no signs of respect for his opponent.
The diminutive boxer thanked the government for facilitating the fight and making his dream come true of fighting at home.
Manyuchi has in the past fought all his bouts in Zambia where his promoters are based.
Meanwhile Jose Agustin Julio Feria also hit back by saying he is not in the country to lose and he will give his all to make sure fans get the full value of their money.
Speaking through an interpreter, Feria said “I have come here not to play, but to put up a very good fight and I know it will be a very tough fight, but I’m looking forward to it. The Zimbabwean people should come and see the way I will fight,”
The Colombian, whose record of 21-3-1 includes 14 knockouts, will be fighting outside his country for the first time and all his loses have been through knockouts.
The bout will be graced by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko who attended the press briefing and he urged the full support of boxing in the country.
“Let’s use this fight to promote the growth of boxing in the country. Boxing legs behind in terms of support compared to other affluent sports, like cricket, rugby, tennis, golf and football.
“I say lets also use sports to promote tourism in the country. The country can benefit from such events which can place us on the world map,” said the Acting President.
He urged youths to take boxing seriously and draw inspiration from Manyuchi and other yesteryear boxers like Alfonso Zvenyika, popularly known as Mosquito.
