By Imam Wali:
Eyebrows have been raised after Malawi Defence Force (MDF) boxer Anisha Basheel suffered an embarrassing defeat to professional boxing debutant Sarah Enduwa in the Democratic Republic of Congo last week.
Basheel lost on unanimous decision in a four-round non-title contest at Studio Mama Angebi in Kinshasa.
Critics have accused the Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) of allowing Basheel to fight a novice when she was not well prepared.
“Anisha sweated to improve her record. She now holds two international belts. In boxing, you need to calculate your moves well. In this case, Anisha will struggle to get title offers because her record has been dented by a novice. Sadly, reports suggest that this was Sarah’s first professional fight, having fought twice at amateur level,” one of the local promoters said.
Basheel, 26, did not answer our calls.
Following the loss, Basheel’s record has dropped to 12 wins including 11 knockouts and 10 defeats while Endura has a victory on her record after winning her first fight.
The MDF pugilist holds two belts, having won the African Boxing Union African super lightweight belt after beating Consolata Musanga in 2017 and Commonwealth Boxing Council Lightweight after outpointing Sam ‘SJ’ Smith in 2018.
MPBCB Vice President Gift Pasanja said the argument had no basis.
“Firstly, let me mention that Anisha fights as a professional boxer and there are no professional boxing rules barring experienced boxers from fighting debut boxers,” he said.
Pasanja said the body issued a clearance to Basheel, enabling her to fight Endura.
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