Tag Archives: World Boxing Council (WBC)

WBC donates MK29.5m professional boxing ring to Malawi

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE (Maravipost)-The Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) has every reason to celebrate after receiving a professional boxing ring worth MK29.5 million from the World Boxing Council (WBC).

The news was announced by MPBCB President Lonzoe Zimba during a press briefing held in Lilongwe on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Zimba revealed that the new ring would significantly alleviate the challenges the board has faced during professional bouts saying previously relied on makeshift rings or had to rent from the government or neighboring Zambia.

“The ring we have been waiting for is finally here,” Zimba stated. “When I attended a WBC congress in Mexico in 2022, I took the opportunity to request a standard boxing ring, and they agreed to buy us one.

“It’s a magnificent ring, and we are the first boxing body in the country to own such a facility. I extend my gratitude to the government, through the Malawi National Council of Sports, for providing a tax waiver.”

Mike Chimaliza, Managing Director of New Dawn Boxing Promotions, also expressed his appreciation, noting that the new ring would elevate the sport’s standards in Malawi.

“We are grateful to President Lonzoe Zimba for his efforts in bringing the ring into the country.

“For years, we have faced criticism for using outdated and worn-out rings, making it difficult to attract sponsors. This new facility will undoubtedly change that narrative and boost the sport’s image”, said Chimaliza.

The newly acquired ring is expected to enhance the quality and professionalism of boxing events in Malawi, attracting more sponsors and boosting the sport’s profile both locally and internationally.

Malawi boxing body sympathizes with Catherine Phiri’s ban

Catherine Phiri banned for two years

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.