Cheka eyes Murray scalp, but organisers still mum

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s boxing sensation Francis Cheka is unlikely to trade punches with Briton Martin Murray even after securing travel documents.

The fight was earlier planned for September 19, before it was pushed back to this month with no exact date fixed.

Cheka manager Juma Ndambile said yesterday that they have got all travel documents and that they were awaiting communication from the bout organisers.

“The fight was supposed to take place in Manchester, but they postponed it and so far we don’t really know the exact date of the fight. We have visas, but the organisers have yet to communicate about the fight,” the manager said.

Ndambile disclosed that they were being given two more chances of fielding Tanzanian boxers at the Manchester event, but they have yet to pick them.

“We are now searching for two professional boxers who will also fight in the UK. It is a good opportunity for our boxers and we will try to give the two slots to the less known boxers from upcountry,” he said.

For his part, Cheka said he was faring well in training as he waits for the organisers to fix the exact date of the fight.

“I am in top shape after undergoing some arduous training. I am ready to take on the Briton anytime,” the Morogoro-based boxer said.

Cheka is under the tutelage of Abdallah Lilamba better known as Commando.

His opponent, however, may be heading into the fight with mental edge having won the World Boxing Association (WBA) continental super middleweight title recently.

Murray registered a technical knockout victory over Jose Miguel in the fifth round in the bout held at First Direct Arena, Leeds, Yorkshire.