Gary Samati
Two-time belt holder Anisha Basheel’s rematch against Tanzanian opponent Happy Daudi has been shifted to June 26 from this Saturday.
Basheel said the change was made to accommodate some international bouts for the eight-round non-title contest.
“I have been assured that arrangements are underway to bring on board more international fights on the bill. As a result, we can only fight on June 26,” she said.
Basheel, who won the African Boxing Union (ABU) and Commonwealth super lightweight titles, said she would take advantage of the change to prepare better for the bout.
“The change is a disappointing development to me as I was fully prepared for my opponent. But I will take advantage of the rescheduling to continue preparing. Of course I have beaten my opponent before but I want to guard against complacency. I am not taking any chances because I know that anything can happen. I just need to work hard for the sake of my record,” she said.
The 23-year-old boxer is using the fight to prepare for her ABU super lightweight defence bout against a yet-to-be known opponent slated for September this year.
Since turning professional, Basheel has won eight bouts but lost six whereas Daudi has nine wins, a draw and nine defeats. The Malawi Defence Force boxer made headlines after winning the Commonwealth belt in 2018.
She announced her arrival on the boxing scene in 2017, having lifted the ABU super lightweight belt. A fortnight ago, Basheel received a K300, 000 boost from Plan International Malawi towards her preparations. The support was for her gym membership, sportswear and diet ahead of the contest.
