By Happy Byson Milanzie

Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Youth Boxing Promotion, one of the leading companies promoting boxing in Malawi, has revealed its plans to build a boxing ring, requiring approximately MK8 million.

The company has expressed frustration over the constant need to hire rings for every arranged fight.

Senior Executive Officer of Youth Boxing Promotion, Salimu Chazama, stated that the primary reason for building their own ring is the financial losses incurred from hiring rings. He added that most of the money goes towards renting the ring, leaving little for the boxers.

Chazama highlighted that the cheapest ring costs approximately MK300,000 which does not align with the budget allocated for boxing. He noted that the boxing industry in Malawi consistently struggles with insufficient funding compared to other sports.

"It's unfortunate that we spend more money hiring rings instead of rewarding our boxers. For example, a boxer only receives MK200,000 after a fight, while the ring owners take a much larger share," he said.

According to Chazama, Youth Boxing Promotion is not only paying MK300,000 to borrow a ring but also incurring additional costs, such as transport fees for the ring and the services of technicians to set it up.

Chazama called on well-wishers to support Youth Boxing Promotion in funding the construction of a 6x6 boxing ring, which is estimated to cost up to MK8 million.

He emphasized that Youth Boxing Promotion has been consistently arranging monthly fights to promote youth boxing in Malawi, making it challenging to rent a boxing ring for every event.

Currently, the company borrows boxing rings from the Malawi Boxing Association.

Meanwhile, renowned boxer Wilson "Shasha" Masamba welcomed the initiative, stating that the country has very few boxing rings and none of international standards. He expressed hope that the planned innovation would help expand boxing activities in Malawi.

"It's concerning that we are still using amateur rings and have very few in the country, even though we host big fights and invite international boxers. Building professional rings is essential for the growth of boxing in Malawi," he said.

Masamba praised Youth Boxing Promotion for its efforts to uplift the boxing industry in Malawi. He noted that boxers are often underpaid because the majority of funds are directed towards ring rentals.

He further emphasized the importance of building more rings to support Malawian boxers, ensuring they are better prepared when called to participate in international fights.