BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawian boxing champion Anisha Bashel has called for increased support towards the sport of boxing, especially for female athletes, saying that with proper sponsorship and promotion, the country could rise to international recognition.
Bashel, one of Malawi’s most talented and recognized boxers, said her boxing career has stagnated due to a lack of opponents and limited opportunities to fight internationally.
“My boxing career has remained the same,it hasn’t changed. I’ve been inactive for a long time since my last fight in April against a Tanzanian opponent. The problem is that here in Malawi, there are no opponents in my Lightweight Category, so I spend long periods without getting into the ring,” she explained.
She further said that sometimes foreign promoters are hesitant to invite her to their countries to fight their boxers because they fear she might defeat them.
“It’s not every time that foreign promoters are willing to call me to fight their boxers because some of them are afraid they know that if I go.
“I might beat their fighters. But if local promoters here in Malawi could start inviting international boxers to compete with us here, that would help improve our country’s ranking and grow the sport,” Bashel added.
Currently, Bashel is ranked Number 20 in the world in the Lightweight Category and her main goal is to move up into the Top 5 globally.
“I’m determined to push forward and reach the top. If we get enough opportunities and support, Malawi can make a strong name in women’s boxing,” she said confidently.
Meanwhile, well-known boxing promoter Salim Chazama echoed Bashel’s remarks, saying that the sport of boxing in Malawi needs strong sponsors to help athletes stay active and competitive.
“As a promoter, I can say that boxing needs powerful sponsors so that these young women can fight more frequently.
Female boxers from outside Malawi charge a lot of money, so if we begin giving our athletes strong support, the country can rise to greater heights in boxing,” said Chazama.
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