Tanzania: Mashali Stops Cheka's Reign in Non-Title Bout

Morogoro — Prominent professional boxer in the country, Thomas Mashali, managed to conclude the year 2015 with a bang after outpointing Francis Cheka in the non-title middleweight bout held at Morogoro's Jamhuri Stadium on Friday.

Mashali registered 96-94 from judge Hamis Kimanga, 96-93 (Kulwa Makaranga) and 97-93 from Chaurembo Palasa in the thrilling bout which was well attended by boxing fans.

The bout was the first for Cheka to fight since he came out of jail and is a big blow to him due to the fact that he was supposed to win in order to secure international fight in England next year.

Mashali's victory is a pride for him due to that fact that he becomes the third Tanzanian boxer to win against Morogoro-based fighter since 2003.

Cheka's first loss was on January 23, 2003 against Rashid "Snake Man" Matumla by technical knockout (TKO) in the third round and on April 4 against Bagaza Mwambene in the same style.

The boxer also drew against Abuu Nyenze in the fight in Dar es Salaam. The two boxers started the bout with a bang, charging one another and made professional boxing fans to leave for while their chairs in 10 rounds bout.

Mashali appeared to have been well-prepared ahead of the bout and overshadowed his opponent in the first four rounds. Cheka seemed overwhelmed, sign that he had stayed too long outside the ring.

Cheka looked as if he was 'new' in the ring. But, he fought well in the last three rounds and revived his hope to win the fight. He, however, was forced to retreat following Mashali's combination of techniques that checked well Cheka's punches.

Mashali expressed his joy of winning the fight saying he would now focus on local and international honours. "I am happy with the victory, it was tough, I trained hard and managed to prove my talent and prowess, I promise to dominate the weight category," said Mashali.

Cheka's corner was not happy with the results, claiming they were sabotaged: "The scoring was not fair, we know what is going on against my boxer, we will investigate," said Cheka's manager Juma Ndambile.