Cheka off to England for non-title fight against British boxer
Francis Cheka during a training session in Mororogo recently. The boxer leaves for Manchester today ahead of his non-title fight on Saturday. photo | file
What you need to know:
In what calls for more questions than answers, the organisers of the fight are yet to disclose Cheka’s opponent with the bout already planned for Saturday.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s boxing sensation Francis Cheka flies to Manchester, England today for his non-title fight against a British boxer.
In what calls for more questions than answers, the organisers of the fight are yet to disclose Cheka’s opponent with the bout already planned for Saturday.
Cheka’s manager Juma Ndambile told The Citizen yesterday that it was unfortunate that they were heading off to Manchester without knowing the opponent, but exuded confidence that the Morogoro-based boxer was ready to face anyone.
“We have been assured that the fight will take place on Saturday in Manchester, but unfortunately, they (organisers) have not informed us about Cheka’s opponent,” he said.
Ndambile said Cheka was in the right frame of mind having trained for a long time at his Morogoro base.
“Even as the organisers have not disclosed who Cheka will be fighting on Saturday, my boxer is in top shape and eagerly waiting for whoever they will pick to face him,”Ndambile said.
He added that Cheka was yesterday expected to finalise medical examinations at the Muhimbili National Hospital ahead of the trip.
According to him, his assistant, Rashid Nassor, was already in Manchester finalizing minor details of the deal before Cheka gets his a chance to show the world what he is capable of.
Ndambile disclosed that should Cheka win the Saturday fight, he will secure a contract worth $25,000 (Sh50 million) to take on another boxer later.
“This is a very important fight for Cheka. It will open the way for more cash if he wins, so let’s keep our fingers crossed for our own boxer.
“If he beats the Briton, he will certainly sign another contract in which some $25,000 will be up for grabs,” said Ndambile.
For his part, Cheka vowed to register a win, saying he has trained intensively.
“The bout is set for eight rounds, but I am fit enough to go even 12 rounds. I have trained properly and I promise my fans victory,” said Cheka.
Cheka’s last appearance abroad was in February, 2013 in Germany where he lost on a technical knockout to Uensal Arik at the Universal Hall, Berlin.
