Boxing manager Marco Luis has prioritised the well-being of his fighter, Beaven “The Flame of Zimbabwe” Sibanda, above a lucrative payout.
He turned down a proposed world title fight because Sibanda won’t be 100% ready to fight on April 4.
Sibanda was offered a fight in California on that date against IBF mini flyweight champ Pedro “Kid Heneral” Taduran from the Philippines.
But the boxer is undergoing rehabilitation from an operation after his Achilles tendon was injured during sparring in September.
Said Luis: “Beaven could have been 80% ready for the fight, and I could have convinced him to take the fight with the purse money on offer, which I believe was the highest in this weight division.
“It would have been beautiful for me as his manager to tell you that we are packing our bags and leaving for California. But, hey, my responsibility is not to look good in the eyes of the public but to look after my fighter.
“For me to throw him under the bus for money when he is not 100% ready is unacceptable.
“It’s not about my financial gains [managers earn 15% from a boxer’s purse money] — this is about Beaven’s career,” said Luis of Maverick Boxing Management.
He said Sibanda may have another chance at the world title in May.
“Beaven is No 1 on my agenda,” he said. “He’s only 24; we have communicated with the IBF that he’s still on medical suspension. His ranking will be held by the IBF.”
Sibanda, who has nine wins, three knockouts and one loss on his record, is rated No 7 by the IBF, No 4 by the WBC and No 12 by the WBO.