Tanzanian boxer Francis Cheka throws a punch to Kiatchai Singwancha of Thailand during their light middleweight non-title fight at the PTA Hall on Saturday. Cheka recorded a knockout in the eighth round. PHOTO | Said NgÕamilo
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The Morogoro boxer, who is on parole, had not fought for over a year, but managed to make a triumphant return, sending the Thai boxer to the canvass in the eighth round.
Dar es Salaam. Francis Cheka spoke of his delight after his knockout victory over Kiatchai Singwancha of Thailand on Saturday night at the PTA Hall.
The Morogoro boxer, who is on parole, had not fought for over a year, but managed to make a triumphant return, sending the Thai boxer to the canvass in the eighth round.
It was a non-title light middleweight fight pitting two highly rated boxers and the Tanzanian took full advantage of the electric atmosphere at the venue.
“I am delighted that I managed to walk the talk; I always believed that I can land a vicious punch that would end the fight and thanks to God that I did it,” said a visibly ecstatic Cheka. “It was a tough fight; it went to the eighth round contrary to what I had expected. I wanted to finish him inside the first five rounds, but it wasn’t possible because he is a good boxer.”
Cheka, who is unbeaten on home soil for over four years, said the victory has motivated him to challenge for an international belt later this year.
“After this victory, I am keen on another topflight fight. I want to keep the Tanzanian flag flying high as well as boosting my record,” he said.
Singwancha praised Cheka for the win, but disclosed that had it not been for an injury, he would have challenged him to the last round.
“I knew it was a close fight but I guess he won the last couple of rounds,” said the Thai boxer.
“Cheka is a strong fighter and I give him a lot of credit. I expected a tough fight and I surely got it. However, things would have been different had I not picked an injury.”
The fight started in a lively fashion with both boxers hitting their targets perfectly and in the end, they tied on points.
Cheka looked slightly the better boxer in the second round after unleashing a flurry of punches, which forced Singwancha to employ holding tactics.
The third round was equally fascinating after both fighters displayed some sublime fighting techniques.
The Thai boxer took control of the fifth round with power-packed punches that left Cheka on the defence.
The Tanzanian bounced back in the sixth round and seventh before wrapping up the win in the eighth round.
The victory improved Cheka’s record to 31 wins, eight losses and two draws. Singwancha remains with 35 wins and 13 losses.
