Cheka stripped of title after poor show in Russia

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s boxing sensation Cosmas Cheka has been stripped of his Asia Pacific featherweight belt after faltering in Moscow, Russia.

Cheka, who won the title after registering a Technical knockout (TKO) against Thailand professional boxer Thewa Onesongchaigym, was outpointed by Russian boxer Vyacheslav Gusev in the vacant IBF International super featherweight title bout held last weekend.

The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) confirmed yesterday that Cheka was no longer the Asia Pacific featherweight champion.

In the bout held at Krylia Sovetov, Moscow in Russia, Cheka fought well, but failed to contain his opponent. He lost on points.

All three judges in the fight awarded Gusev 111-117, 113-115 and 110-118 points respectively.

According to Pugilist Syndicate of Tanzania (PST) president, Emmanuel Mlundwa, the WBO’s decision is in line with the rules and regulations governing the sport.

Mlundwa explained that in professional boxing, a boxer is stripped of his tltle if he happens to lose his next fight .

Mlundwa said that Cheka was not impressive in the IBF fight in Moscow, prompting the WBO to declare the Asia Pacific belt vacant.

He said the WBO decision was a big blow to the boxer because he has to get onto the ring for a high-profile and win if he is to regain his dented pride.

He said the WBO’s move means Cheka would not fight abroad early next year as earlier announced.

Cheka was to defend his WBO title in Thailand, Australia or Philippines.

“We had landed an invitation from Philippines for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth featherweight bout,” he said.

He could also fight in WBA-organised fights.