By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) is sympathized with the banned Zambian Female boxer Catherine Phiri.

The former World Boxing Council Bantamweight Gold Champion Phiri has been suspended from all boxing activities for two years for using a banned substance.

The boxer used the substance as preparations for the fight against Zimbabwe’s Kudakwashe Chiwandire.

Phiri is said to have used FUROSEMIDE, unknowingly in an effort to reduce her weight.

Furosemide is however, prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The MPBCB has received the news about Catherine’s ban with great concern and sympathized with the former WBC Bantamweight champion.

President of MPBCB Lonzoe Defector Zimba who is also the Executive Member for African Boxing Union (ABU) and World Boxing Council (WBC) Board of Governor expressed his concern and sympathy saying the boxer represented both Zambia, Malawi and Africa.

Zimba indicated that, Phiri won WBC Bantamweight Gold championship four times in a row which was not a mean achievement.

“She was a most decorated female boxer in the World from Africa and specifically Zambia. Let me appeal to Phiri to continue training during the two years time so that she return stronger.

“Let me warn and advise the boxers here in Malawi and Africa at large that they should not take any piece of advice from others but rather from sober people with sober minds.

“I know Catherine didn’t take that substance on her own but after being advised. The boxers should be pretty aware that after any fight the Anti-Doping control body will always come”, said Zimba.

Meanwhile the Former World Female Boxer champion Esther Phiri has urged Catherine to stay focused and use her two year ban from the sport to regain her form.

She said Catherine is a talented boxer who can make a comeback provided she uses her time in serving the suspension to get back to the gym and regain form.

Esther Phiri said the boxer’s ordeal is a temporal setback as she can rise and compete for titles in future. She has however concurred with the MPBCB President Lonzoe Zimba in urging the boxing fraternity to ensure that they make consultations before administering any medication or supplements to the boxers.

Catherine Phiri held the WBC female Bantamweight title from 2016 to 2017 and challenged twice for the WBC female Super- bantamweight title in 2017 and 2019.

She is ranked as the World’s 10th best active female super- bantamweight by BoxRec as of May, 2022.