Government Champions “End Suicide” Campaign
Following a sharp increase in the country’s suicide cases, Kamuzu University of Health Science (KUHES) recently
organized a knockout suicide title about between Hannock Phiri and a South Africa-based Malawian,
Dennis Mwale.
Staged at KUHES sports complex on Friday, April 28, 2023, the fight, whose objective was to discourage people from committing suicide, attracted not only boxing fans but also people from different fields.
Speaking before the game, Minister o f Sports Uchizi Mkandawi recommended the organizers of the event, saying the gesture will help in disseminating the message to love life and discourage committing suicide whatever the situation
people may find themselves in.
“Boxing is a crowd puller. I strongly believe that the message to end suicide cases in Malawi will reach as many people as possible through platforms like this,” he said.
During the night event, Malawi’s national super lightweight champion, Hannock Phiri, defended his title in a controversial majority draw.
The bout ended prematurely in the ninth round as Mwale sustained a big cut on the left eye following a
blow from Phiri in the eighth round.
After assessment of the injury in the ninth round, the ringside doctor recommended that the fight should not proceed as Mwale’s injury was bleeding severely, and the situation forced the referee Mbachichi Nyirenda to stop the fight.
Two judges declared the fight a draw, while one was in favour of Mwale, and the verdict came as a draw.
In his remarks, Phiri said it was hilarious to have defended his Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) belt despite having trained under limited resources.
Dennis Mwale, whose coach is a South African-based Malawian boxer Isaac Chilemba, faulted his opponent for committing deliberate fouls.
“I was upset by his consistent fouls. That made me lose my game plan,” complained Mwale.
In other supporting bouts, Chikondi Makawa won against Samuel Tsaba, while Byson Gwayani lost to Dr. Congo pugilist Regen Champion on unanimous decision, and the former World Boxing Forum (WBF) member Agness Ntimaukanena defeated Lucy Macho of Tanzania on unanimous points, while Salimu Chazama Academy product
Cliford Antafu won against Lyton Kubumeko on points.
