Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions (OQBP) has raised serious health and safety issues after three out of six foreign boxers from Malawi and Zimbabwe did not pass their pre-fight medical exams before last weekend’s boxing tournament in Zambia.
OQBP Operations Manager Christopher Malunga shared during a media briefing that the boxers who failed were found to have different infections and illnesses, which brings up doubts about the reliability of the medical checks done in their home countries.
Malunga pointed out that letting unfit athletes enter the ring is very dangerous in a contact sport like boxing. He highlighted the importance of having thorough and standardized medical checks to protect the health of all participants.
“We are very worried about the carelessness in medical evaluations done outside of Zambia. This could put both foreign and local boxers at risk,” Malunga cautioned.
He has also asked the Zambia Professional Boxing Board of Control (ZPBBC) to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to talk to the right authorities in Malawi and Zimbabwe about this issue. He questioned who gave the medical clearances for the boxers who were disqualified and called for better cooperation across borders to make sure international health standards are followed.
In the meantime, Malunga confirmed that Zambia’s WBC Bantamweight Champion, David “Sniper” Mwale, will defend his title on November 22nd in Lusaka. The name of Mwale’s opponent is expected to be revealed once the World Boxing Council (WBC) gives official confirmation.
