African Boxing Union president Houcine Houichi says Catherine Phiri’s World Boxing Council title has laid a foundation for boxers in Africa. In an interview, Houichi, who is also WBC vice-president, said Catherine’s achievement as the first female to win the WBC title was not a mean achievement.
“Congratulations to the first female world champion in Africa. She well deserved the title. I am very proud of her. She is an example to all the African boxers,” Houichi said. He said more boxers under the ABU would be fighting for WBC titles this year and Catherine’s victory was motivation for them. “I believe that 2016 will be good for our African boxers.
We have been always behind them to push for better ratings in WBC,” said Houichi. Catherine stopped champion, Yasmin Rivas, in her backyard in Mexico to win the WBC title. And Zambia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board chairman, Nelson Sapi, said he would not be available for appointment to lead the board in 2020 when his current mandate comes to an end.
He said he was proud that under his tenure, the country had managed to win the most coveted title. “We have achieved and I feel it is time for others to lead the board. Once our term is done, I will step down, I want others to lead the board too,” Sapi said. Sapi has been ZPBWCB chairman since 2001.
