Yes I have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, l use that Faith in everything I do…
Many times we hear the word “Legend” used in many cases to describe some individuals who are not deserving of that title/description.
Fairly regularly, we read or hear of profiles of people who are routinely, if not lazily, described as icons or legends, mostly for doing regular things, nothing out of the ordinary. This in my view dilutes the real meaning of the word ‘legend’ or ‘icon’, especially when you then meet someone such as boxing champion Charles Manyuchi.
For many, many years Zimbabwean boxers have not succeeded in lifting any credible boxing titles. Indeed they have been great boxers in Zimbabwe, but none such as the current WBC Welterweight champion.
Credible world titles in boxing such as the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World boxing Association (WBA) have eluded not only Zimbabwean boxers, but, a great many boxers in southern Africa as a whole.
The WBC and WBA are widely recognised as the most prestigious world sanctioning bodies for the sport of boxing in the world. Thus securing championship belts in the WBC and WBA is a big deal globally, and it catapults the credibility and value of the boxer a great deal. What Charles Manyuchi has achieved is not easy and the fact that he recently successfully defending that title in Italy, makes him stand out, and dare I say, he is carving a name for himself as a legend not only in Africa, but the world. He is after all a world champion.
Charles is not just the holder of the WBC Welterweight title he also holds the African Boxing Union (ABU) championship belt in his division.
Onward Christian Radio’s Brilliant Pongo caught up with WBC Welterweight Champion Charles Manyuchi and we put these questions to him.
OCR: How long have you been boxing?
CM: I have been boxing for 11years and I still have a lot more years in me.
“IT’S WHAT I DO,” HE SAYS, WHEN ASKED WHAT KEPT HIM GOING ALL THESE YEARS. “IT’S MY LIFE, BOXING IS WHAT I DO.”
OCR: When did you become professional?
CM: My professional boxing journey started on the 7th of January back in 2009.
OCR: What motivated you to start boxing?
CM: My father was my biggest motivator he was a great boxer in his own right and as any good son will do you learn the best from your father and so to answer the question it was my father who motivated me.
OCR: Where did you grow up?
CM: I grew up in Masvingo, this is probably the best place in Zimbabwe, a great place indeed home to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
OCR: How much work do you put it to maintain your physical shape?
CM: I am always in the Gym to keep my body in shape, if I still want to be relevant as a boxer I have to keep in great shape. Like anything in life you’re either growing or you’re dying. As an athlete, when you get too comfortable you start to decline.
OCR: As a boxer are you a person of faith?
CM: Yes I have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, l use that Faith in everything I do, and I walk and glory in that faith.
OCR: Recently you were seen with Prophet Uebert Angel in Italy where you successfully defended your boxing title how are you connected to him?
CM: HE IS MY PROPHET, WE COME FROM THE SAME VILLAGE, HE IS A BROTHER, AND HE IS A GREAT MAN WHO INSPIRES MANY PEOPLE AND POINTS THEM TO JESUS CHRIST. HE ENCOURAGES THE YOUTH TO BELIEVE IN GOD.
OCR: What would you say is a bible verse that motivates and uplifts you?
CM: I would say Deuteronomy 20 vs 1-7
When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
5 The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it. 6 Has anyone planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoy it. 7 Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.”
The verse that uplifts me all the time is Proverbs 27vs 1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
Indeed when you meet a real champion you realise that the word “legend” is abused in today’s world.
http://www.ocradio.co.za/wba-boxing-champion-manyuchi-shares-scripture/
