Flyweight boxer Kennedy Kanyanta has announced his retirement from the ring at the age of 32.
Kanyanta told LT Sports on Monday in an interview from his home base in Mufulira that he has been forced to quit boxing on health grounds.
“I have a nerves system problem,” Kanyanta said.
“Every three months I have a routine examination in Lusaka and this nerve problem was discovered during my last test.
“The doctor has therefore told me to rest and I am retiring from the sport that I have loved all my life.”
Kanyanta said he will dedicate his time to being a boxing coach in Mufulira where he works as a community development officer at Mufulira Municipal Council.
“I will continue working at the gym with my young boxers where I also natured Hastings Bwalya,” he said.
“I am ready to give advice and help to anyone who needs it to show my appreciation for what boxing has done for me.”
Kanyanta also paid tribute to his manager and coach Anthony Mwamba under whom he has worked with since 2007.
During his amateur career, Kanyanta won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2007 All Africa Games.
He is a former ABU bantamweight champion which he held from 2009 to February 2011 before he was stripped of the belt after he failed to mandatory defend his crown.
Kanyanta lives the ring with an unbeaten record in 11 fights with nine knockouts.
Ok well done! We need to resurrect our sports and go back to the days of Webby Muhango, Francis & Albert Musankabala, Julius Lwipa, Charm Chiteule, Lottie Mwale, Chisannda Mutti etc.
“i have a nerves system”
this is serious, except that the champion is being economical with the truth.
how is his talking like? could it parkinson cliping in slowly.
lets help out and fast.
One of Zambia’s most talented boxers of our time.Huts off to you my man.God bless you.
Katushe Kanyanta
Kanyanta it pays to take the doctor’s
Advice go ahead and rest my champ
May lord amight bless u
It’s good that your condition has been discovred early enough. I wonder if it is not the same problem that the Scotish Docs told you about some time back. Any way wise decision your lovely kids and wife still need you continue with your job at the council and help nature others.
HIS CONDITION WAS DISCOVERED ABOUT TWEVE YEARS AGO, BUT THE GUY INSISTED ON FIGHTING DESPITE THE DOCTOR ADVISING HIM TO QUIT. HOWEVER , IT A GOOD DECISION HE HAS MADE BEFORE THINGS GET OFF HAND.
Give us a farewell fight my man.
Kanyanta you are a great fighter, but your health is paramount. It’s a wise decision. Fix your eyes to Jesus because nothing is impossible with him. He is the great healer.
Good decision my brother.You’ve done us proud.God bless you