Catherine Phiri returns to the ring on September 28

WORLD Professional Boxing Federation (WPBF) bantamweight champion Catherine Phiri returns in the ring on September 28, this time to fight for the vacant Africa Boxing Union (ABU) title against Gibisele Tshabalala of South Africa.
The fight will be staged at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre and will be an elimination bout for the World Boxing Council (WBA) title, currently held by Suzi Ramadan of Australia.
Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotion (OQBP) director of Operations Chris Malunga said this at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday.
Malunga said Catherine, who defended the WPBF against Leslie Domingo, in March this year, was set to grab the ABU title.
He said the boxer, who is a grade nine pupil, has been given permission by the management of Namunuga Secondary School to go into residential camp.
Malunga said the stable needs KR450,000 to stage the fight.
Tshabalala is South Africa’s bantamweight champion and has a record of nine fights with six wins and three draws. Catherine has six fights, all wins with two by knock-out.
“This is an opportunity for Catherine to go for the WBC title, which has only been won by one Zambian, the late Lottie Mwale (junior title). We believe Catherine can rise to the occasion and equal that record,” he said
Catherine’s class teacher Samson Chalwe said the school will provide two teachers to help Catherine with her academic work, while in camp.
Chalwe said the teachers and her classmates are keen to help her pass the examination and at the same time win the ABU title.
Catherine said she is not under pressure, as she can handle both school and the fight.
The ABU title will have seven supporting bouts.
Meanwhile, Malunga said welterweight boxer Charles Manuchi will fight ABU champion Toke of Burkina Faso on June 26, in Ouagadougou.
He said the boxer was yesterday expected to travel to Malawi for a training fight against Chimwewe Chiyota.