ABU champ “Starboy” speaks on victory

Gilbert Munetsi

Zim Now Corrspondent

The new African Boxing Union SADC super featherweight champion, Hassan MIlanzi (11-3-1) has paid tribute to his opponent for last Saturday’s contest, conceding he is a good fighter who just met a better boxer on the night.

“Starboy”, as MIlanzi is affectionately known in the boxing circles, took to social media to express his view on the contest and its ultimate outcome.

“Found myself squaring up with another great Champion, one of the best southpaws out there.

“A brother and a friend I have had for 6 years, who has been giving me tips on how to beat other southpaws not knowing we would face each other in the near future.

“But nothing we can do. It’s business we still got in there and did what we did and I emerged victorious… Zimbabwe emerged victorious.

“Much respect to him and his team. @simwalizigracious, you are a great champion my guy, keep your head up. You didn’t lose to a bum, you lost to a better guy.”

His sentiments come at the back of praises showered on him by the Zimbabwe national Boxing and Wrestling Control Board and Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Zambia, Charity Charamba, who has proven to be a great supporter of Zimbabwean fighters each time they travel north on tours of duty.

“Job well done, congratulations to Hassan and a big congratulations to Zimbabwe for the victory,” said Ambassador Charamba in a message.

The boxer’s trainer, Ali “Otto” Phiri said the odds were heavily staked against them as they took to the ring at the New Government Complex, which venue has become a favourite hunting ground for most Zambian boxers.

Despite an adjudication team that comprised two Zambian officials the assumption before going into fight was that “Team Starboy” would be robbed of the fight.

Also weighing against them was the fact that they were fighting a boxer in his own backyard and before his own cheering crowd.

“But that did not stop us from sticking to our game plan which we executed and managed to bring the title home,” said Phiri.

Milanzi becomes the fifth boxer from Zimbabwe to win an ABU title after Proud “Kilimanjaro” Chinembiri, Stix MacCloud, Charles Manyuchi and, recently, his stablemate at Otto Boxing Academy, Aliyah Phiri.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board convenes a press conference today whose objective is to welcome the champion as he presents his belt.

Last month Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Kirtsy announced her Ministry would be rewarding athletes who have done well at continental and international platforms.

She said this when she handed over $US1 750 to Aliyah Phiri for having won the UBU lightweight title.