FRANCIS CHIPALO writes
@SunZambia
THE current national boxing ring has become a danger to the boxers as it has outlived its usefulness and must be replaced immediately, a boxing promoter has said.
Speaking in an interview with the Sun Sports yesterday,
Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions (OQBP) Communications Manager Chris Malunga said the boxing ring compromised the safety of the boxers as it was too old.
Malunga said the ring which was donated by an Italian promoter more than 20 years ago and stationed at the Independence Stadium in Lusaka had saved its time and it was time it was re-laced.
“I am appealing to the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development to consider purchasing a new boxing ring. The ring we are using is dangerous to the boxers and needs to be replaced urgently,” Malunga said.
Malunga further said the current ring was putting the lives of boxers at risk and the sport at large.
“My appeal to the ministry is to speed up the process of buying a new ring because it is not the first time we are talking about this issue,
“We have brought it up even before the Boxing Board of Control but nothing up to now is being done. We need a new boxing ring,” he said.
He said that the need for a new ring with modern features could not be overemphasized, adding that “it would be very embarrassing to the nation one day when Alfred Muwowo, Catherine Phiri or any other boxer are fighting then the ring collapses in presence of the media,” said Malunga.
Meanwhile, Malunga also called on other sponsors to come on board for the continued promotion of boxing especially at grassroot level.
He added that promoting the sport from the grassroots in communities was vital for its growth.
