The Tanzanian Professional Boxing Regulatory Commission (TPBRC) has temporarily banned Karim Mandonga from boxing citing health concerns.
The big-talking boxer nicknamed ‘Mtu Kazi’ is barred from participating in any fight until declared fit both mentally and physically after a health evaluation at the Muhimbili National hospital.
The commission raised concerns over Mandonga’s overall state of health owing to the fact that he had featured in nine fights in just 11 months and was also set to take on yet another boxer in Zanzibar on August 27.
He had featured in four bouts in just 35 days which astonished the commission leading to his prompt ban.
This bouts include a knockout from Moses Golola on July 29 in Mwanza after having suffered yet another knockout from Kenya’s Daniel Wanyonyi just a week prior.
Addressing the media at Muhumbili National hospital,TPBRC secretary general, George Lukindo stated that Mandonga had to undergo a mandatory MRI test after the knockout he had received from Golola
"Any boxer who is knocked out will be compelled to undergo tests or for a doctor to assess them for any effects from their match," he said.
TPBRC said they would only allow Mandonga back in the ring once they have ascertained he is medically fit.
The 44 year old came into the limelight after defeating Wanyonyi via a technical knockout at a non-title super middleweight fight that was staged at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on January 12.
The Tanzanian boxer humoured fans with his antiques and big talk before and after the match and also going ahead to name his fists, naming his right fist ‘Sugunyo while naming his left one ‘Kinguki’.
Mandonga’s professional boxing record stands at 6-3-2; six wins, three losses and two draws.