Aliyah Phiri Returns to the Ring After Suspension ...

Aliyah Phiri Returns to the Ring After Suspension in High-Stakes Boxing Night

Moreblessing Cherayi

Zim Now Correspondent

After a year-long suspension that saw him stripped of his African Boxing Union lightweight title, Aliyah Phiri is ready to step back into the ring.

On March 29, the former champion will face Tanzanian fighter Mbaraka Mtangebunda in an electrifying eight-round non-title bout at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale.

Phiri’s return follows a turbulent period in his career after testing positive for Furosemide, a diuretic often used to mask performance-enhancing drugs. The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee’s ruling last year led to the nullification of all his results since March 22, 2024. Now, determined to redeem himself, Phiri is eager to prove that his skills and spirit remain intact.

His coach and brother, Alie ‘Otto Phiri’, confirmed that Aliyah will feature in the supporting card of the highly anticipated “Rise of the Champions 5” boxing series.

“This is his chance to put the past behind him and remind everyone why he was a champion in the first place,” said Alie.

But Phiri isn’t the only big name set to return to the spotlight. Former WBC silver welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi, who appeared to have retired, is stepping back into the ring. He will face Malawian heavyweight Limbani Lano in what promises to be an intense rematch, following Manyuchi’s previous victory over Lano in Chivhu last July.

Manyuchi’s last fight, a loss to Libya’s Fathi Saad in December, left questions about his future in the sport, but he seems eager to silence any doubts.

The night’s main event is set to be a thriller, as Hassan Milanzi defends his World Boxing Federation super-bantamweight inter-continental title against Tanzanian challenger Abdul Kubira. In another much-anticipated matchup, Tinasha “Jones” Majoni will trade blows with Malawi’s Obbrey Masamba for the WBF super-flyweight title.

The undercard is stacked with exciting clashes, including Evans Husavihwevhu versus Nyasha Hwata for the lightweight national title. Zambia-based Alice Mbewe will go toe-to-toe with Malawian Abigail Koka in a fierce bantamweight showdown.

The evening will also feature bouts between Nyashi Phiri and Gweru’s Partson Mutengwa, as well as Talent Munda against Elson Chidhakwa. Meanwhile, the face-off between Shungu Kupani and Privilege Matutu could be one of the night’s most unpredictable contests.

Alie Phiri revealed that the “Rise of the Champions” series, which started humbly at the Borrowdale Race Course, has grown immensely, with the sixth edition set to take place at the Harare International Conference Centre.

The tournament’s increasing prestige has also attracted interest from other promoters, with talks of expanding boxing events to Bulawayo under a new initiative focused on youth empowerment and vocational training.

As the countdown to March 29 continues, anticipation is mounting. Will Aliyah Phiri’s comeback mark the start of a new chapter in his career, or will his Tanzanian opponent spoil his return? Can Manyuchi prove that he still has what it takes to dominate in the ring? Boxing fans will be watching closely as Zimbabwe’s biggest night of boxing draws near.