APART from losing their mental or physical health, some
boxers also lose their hard-earned fortunes, especially after hanging up their
gloves.
“Iron” Mike Tyson, the former undisputed world heavyweight
champion, who retired with a 50-6 record including 44 KOs, blew most of his
US$400 million fortune on drugs, cars, alcohol, divorces and child support
before filing for bankruptcy.
Tyson has over the past few years been able to recoup some
of his wealth, thanks largely to his autobiography, appearing in movies and
starring in talk shows.
Frank Bruno, Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield are some of
the renowned former boxers who had serious post-career financial issues.
Locally, former Commonwealth champions Langton “Schoolboy”
Tinago (late) and Arifonso “Mosquito” Zvenyika also suffered the same fate.
These riches to rags tales have motivated Manyuchi, who is
now already preparing for life after boxing. The proud holder of the WBF and
Global Boxing Union world middleweight titles,and former WBC Silver
welterweight champion told The Sunday Mail Sport that he intends to retire “in
two years’ time.”
“I am 30 now, so I think two more years I will be done. I
want to retire when I am 32,” Manyuchi said.
He has, however, been hard at work at a Harare gym, where
he is preparing for his next fight.
Manyuchi is set to defend his WBF and GBU belts against
Muhamad Sebyala of Uganda in Harare on April 3.
The pugilist has been forced to shuttle between Harare,
where he is training, and Chivhu where he has vast business interests that
range from transport and logistics to livestock production.
He owns four houses as well as a double-storey building in
the Mashonaland East town and also into
dog breeding.
Sungura king Alick Macheso, a successful cattle farmer
whose farm is near Chivhu, inspired Manyuchi who now has a herd of 25 cattle
and 110 goats.
“Macheso’s project inspired me but most of my motivation
comes from stories I have read or heard about some boxers who died paupers or
ended up living in poverty despite making millions of dollars during their
careers,” said Manyuchi, who also owns six commuter omnibuses.
“I grew up admiring the likes of Mosquito (Zvenyika) and I
also read a lot about the late Tinago. I didn’t like what happened to their
lives after they retired.”
Manyuchi also revealed why he chose Chivhu as some felt he
should have invested in upmarket urban areas.
“Most of the celebrities think Harare is life, but I want
to prove them wrong. Besides, I don’t want to live a lie. Most celebrities live
a fake life; they want to pretend.
“I don’t drink, I don’t smoke … I know there will be life
after boxing. I will leave this sport soon, in the next two years.
“I come from a very poor background. I was born in a family
of eight and my father struggled to take care of us, so boxing was a way out
for me,” said Manyuchi.
“I would walk several kilometres to and from school, back
in the days when I was at Chifamba High in Mudzi. After school I worked as a
casual worker in the sugar cane plantations in Triangle.
“All that inspires me to do better and create a good
platform for my son Charles Jnr, who is now doing Grade Seven.” Sunday Mail
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