By Edwin Mbewe
JOHANNESBURG-(MaraviPost)-South African boxer Gift Bholo knocked out Blantyre based Hannock “THE HARD KNOCKER” Mbulu Phiri in round 5 of a Super Lightweight bout in ESPN Africa Boxing 18 Series which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday, June 30, 2022 evening.
Contrary to many Malawians anticipation, Phiri who had previously won International belts,lacked hard punches at the same time failed to guard himself and his footwork left a lot to be desired.
Gift Phiri took the advantage of Phiri’s weaknesses as he showered Jabs,Uppercuts and hard punches on the Malawian son.Despite receiving these hard beatings the hard knocker endured until round 5 and he scored better points in the first rounds.
But his endurance could not last longer as he continued failing to guard himself hence Bholo knocking him in round 5.
When leaving the country Mbulu promised boxing loving Malawians that he will do better in the fight. “I can’t walk all the way from Malawi to South Africa and lose the fight, it’s my life”, Phiri said.
The 24 year old Phiri who has won 5 international bouts holds record of winning (World Boxing Forum,World Professional Boxing Federation and National Champion) with 1 draw was previously expected to fight against Xolisani Ndongeni who was later replaced by Bholo.
Is South Africa now becoming no go zone for Malawians?, Malawi Queens are also in Cape Town participating in Tri-Nations Netball friendlies in which they have lost miserably against The Proteas 93-48 and England 118-48.
