Majia to take on Filipino in WBO title fight

Dar es Salaam. A local pugilist, Fadhiri Majia will on Saturday vie for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Asia Pasific bantamweight title against Marlon Tapales of Philippines on June 28th.

The bout will take place at Mindanao Civic Centre Gymnasium in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines under promoter Minuro Harada.

Speaking with The Citizen, Pugilistic Syndicate of Tanzania (PST) President, and Emmanuel Mlundwa said that the 12- round scheduled bout has been sanctioned by the Philippine Games and Amusements Board.

Mlundwa said that Majia is in training ahead of the fight, but his participation depends on availability of funds meant for travel expenses. “The promoter has directed Majia to incur costs of return air ticket for the fight, he is therefore looking for funds”, said Mlundwa.

He said that they are struggling to secure tickets, adding that many of the professional boxing stakeholders have shown interest to donate funds for the tickets, but need higher interest rates in refund.

“We are looking for about Sh8m, which we will be refunded by the promoter upon our arrival in Philippines”, said Mlundwa, but we have not raised even a single cent.

Despite all, he said that boxer is still in preparation ahead of the fight and believes that he will manage to beat his opponent and secure away victory.

Majia’s opponent, Tapales has a record of 25 wins with only two losses. Before the main fight, Raymond Dayham will fight against Jerson Luzarito in flyweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds while Richie Mepranum will exchange blows against Rogen Flores in super flyweight and Belmar Plaza will fight Jayseer Abcede in minimum weight bout scheduled for six rounds.