Mashali puts UBO title on the line as he faces Tampa

Dar es Salaam. Thomas Mashali will put his Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) Africa middleweight belt on the line when he takes to the ring for a fight against Ibrahim Tampa today. The 10-round fight will take place at the National Stadium from 6pm.

Mashali won the title in March last year after a majority decision over Japhet Kaseba at the Friends’ Corner Hall.

Today’s fight also promises thrilling action for Tampa has proved to be a hard nut to crack in his recent outings.

Even as Mashali faces a tougher opponent, he played down Tampa’s threat, bragging that it will be “the easiest fight he has ever fought.”

“I know that he (Tampa) is a good boxer and I have seen him fight a couple of times, but he has no ability to stop me,” boasted the dreadlocked boxer.

He added: “He will be hard-pressed to beat me, but I assure my fans that I have trained intensively and I am looking forward to registering a knockout victory.”

For his part, Tampa admitted that Mashali is a good fighter, but still nursed hopes of carrying the day.

“I can’t ignore Mashali’s strengths; he is an experienced boxer who knows how to win difficulty fights. But he should not take me lightly,” Tampa said.

“I am in good shape after training for a long time. I have watched his past fights and analysed his skills with my trainer, so I will confront him with hopes of winning the UBO title.’

The bout will be preceded by the Mohamed Matumla- Cosmas Cheka fight. The duo will be clashing in a non-title bout.

Speaking about preparations of the event, promoter Siraju Kaike of the Kaike Promotions said everything was in place and that all boxers were ready for action.

“Boxing fans will get a rare treat on Saturday (today) because we have the best boxers in the country right now fighting,” he said.

Siraju called on fans to throng the National Stadium and cheer on their boxers.