TPBRC to suspend WBO-Africa bout pitting Mwakinyo, Allotey

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Professional Boxing Regulatory Commission (TPBRC) has announced not to sanction the May 31 World Boxing Organization (WBO) Africa middleweight title fight between Tanzanian boxer Hassan Mwakinyo and Ghanaian Patrick Allotey until the promoter complies with its regulations.

The bout, organized by promoter Shomari Kimbau of Golden Boy Africa Promotion Inc., is scheduled to take place at Masaki’s Warehouse in Dar es Salaam.

Besides the Mwakinyo fight, there will also be other bouts involving Amiri Rashid Matumla against DR Congo professional boxer Reagan Lossa Pacho in the super welterweight division, Haruna Swanga versus Ashraf Suleiman in the heavyweight bout, and Shaaban Jongo against Alphonce Mchumiatumbo in the cruiserweight division.

Also, Anuary Mlawa will face Ramadhan Pido in the flyweight fight, and Kato Machemba will take on Saimon Buhura.

Speaking yesterday, TPBRC vice president Alex Galinoma said the decision was made due to the promoter's breach of contract, which has affected the event's integrity and quality.

Galinoma stated that despite repeated reminders and attempts to resolve the issues, the promoter failed to meet the essential requirements and obligations set by the commission.

“The breach includes the incomplete submission of necessary documents, such as boxers' full contracts, medical records, the event permits and non-compliance with financial obligations, including outstanding payments related to professional boxers’ fees, referees, supervisors, and others,” said Galinoma.

He added that efforts to resolve the matter have failed due to communication barriers.

“The TPBRC emphasises its commitment to maintain high standards of professionalism, fairness, and integrity in the sport of boxing. Therefore, the commission cannot approve this event under the current circumstances, as it does not meet regulatory requirements and could endanger the safety and well-being of participants,” he insisted.

However, Galinoma explained that there is still time for the promoter to follow all the procedures before the fight.

“We understand that there are boxers who have trained for the fight and the consequences of this decision include disappointment to fans, participants, and stakeholders. However, we need to be on the safe side rather than allow it to proceed and later cause boxers to suffer,” he said.