When he
fought Cosmas Cheka (24-13-6) for the UBO
International Lightweight title on September 13,
2020 in Tanzania, his statistics were reportedly
10-1 (9), while only two bouts, both wins, had
found their way to BoxRec.
Only
twenty-two years old at the time, and the
reigning Malawian national champion, he did very
well against the much more experienced Cheka, a
former UBO World Super Featherweight Champion,
but lost a disputed split decision and fell to
10-2 (9).
Since
then, Phiri (24) has boxed at least three times
according to BoxRec, and proved himself in a big
way as one of the most promising youngsters
fighting out of Africa.
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In April of
2021, back in Tanzania, he captured the World
Boxing Federation (WBF) All-Africa Lightweight
title with a dominant ninth round stoppage of
local man Yona Segu (19-10-2).
Six months
after that, also in Tanzania, he fought former UBO
World Lightweight Champion Salimu Jengo (16-4) to
a draw over ten rounds, and six weeks later he
stopped compatriot Byson Gwayani (12-7) in seven
on home soil in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Now a Super
Lightweight, his record should be 12-2-1 (11) if
previous reports are accurate. But it could be
even better, if additional bouts were not reported
properly to BoxRec.
Its not
crazy to suggest that Hannock Phiri will make some
noise in years to come, no matter what his actual
pro record currently is.
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