Mwakinyo to fight Katembo in the presence of PM Majaliwa

Professional boxer Hassan Mwakinyo (centre) speaks in Dar es Salaam yesterday about his April 23 fight in Dodoma against Congolese Kuvesa Katembo. Right is the promoter, Sophia Mwakagenda, and famous female referee Upendo Njau. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • The eagerly-awaited contest is scheduled to be held on April 23 at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma

Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa is expected to be the official guest at the international non-title bout between Tanzanian professional boxer Hassan Mwakinyo and his Congolese opponent with South African citizenship, Kuvesa Katembo.

The eagerly-awaited contest is scheduled to be held on April 23 at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.

Speaking yesterday, Lady in Red Boxing Promotion managing director Sophia Mwakagenda said the Prime Minister has confirmed his presence during the fight and will be his first time to witness a professional boxing bout live in the boxing ring. Mwakagenda said during the day, there will be various undercard fights also involving some MPs of the United Republic.

The MPs fights will be of four rounds. Some of those MPs to show their fighting skills are Januari Makamba, Joseph Kasheku Musukuma and others.

The purpose of the Mwakinyo fight is to collect funds for buying 40,000 female towels for various students in the Southern Highlands regions including Iringa, Mbeya, Njombe and Ruvuma.

She explained that Mwakinyo last fought on September 3 last year against English boxer Liam Smith in Liverpool, England and lost by TKO in the fourth round.

For his part, Mwakinyo said he expects to return with all his strength and that he is well prepared for the fight to show his ability.

The Tanga based boxer said he has already started preparations for the fight and has promised Tanzanians to do well in Dodoma for the first time.

Before Mwakinyo stepping into the ring, boxer Ibrahim Najum will fight Laurent Segu in the Super Lightweight contest while Nakato Mchemba take on Alibaba Tarimo and Feriche Mashauri will face Chiedza Homakoma.

Female fights will involve boxer Jesca Mfinanga against Salma Ally while Happy Daudi taking on Hawa Newton and Sarafina Bela locking horns with Halima Bandola.