WITH exactly one month before his big fight for the vacant World Boxing Council welterweight silver title away in Russia, Zimbabwean boxer Charles Manyuchi believes he is getting in the right shape after shedding extra kilos during the last month of preparations.

Manyuchi, who is the holder of the WBC welterweight bronze title, is aiming at greatness in the world of boxing and will move a rung up if he succeeds against the undefeated Russian opponent, Dimitry Mikhaylenko.

The 26-year-old yesterday said he plans to make full use of the remaining four weeks of training to make sure he is in the best condition after he had gained some kilogrammes above the weight limit.

“I am almost there now. I was trying to reduce weight because I was 13kgs over. So I am almost there in terms of fitness and weight.

“I am working hard so that I put smiles on the faces of my fans and all those who support me in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“The Bible says in Proverbs 12 verse 27, ‘The lazy person does not roast what he has hunted, but diligence is one’s most important possession.’

“I have intensified my preparations and we want to make sure that we don’t leave any stone unturned,” said Manyuchi.

The Zimbabwean champion is savouring the date with Mikhaylenko on May 6 in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg for the WBC welterweight silver title that was left vacant by British star Amir Khan.

The title is just a rung below the gold title previously held by American boxing icon Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who retired from the sport last year unbeaten in 49 fights.

Manyuchi is looking to edge closer to the gold class by upstaging the Russian, who is ranked higher on the BoxRec.com database. With a record of 17 wins, two losses and one draw, Manyuchi sits on 46th place in the world out of a total of 2 000 active welterweight boxers.

Mikhaylenko, who turned 30 last week, is rated as the 17th best in the category and has an unbeaten record in 21 professional fights that include nine knockouts.

Mikhaylenko defeated American Karim Mayfield in Canada two months ago.

Manyuchi yesterday said he is looking forward to a big fight.

It has almost been a year since his last fight when he knocked out Gianlucca Frezza in Italy in the sixth round on July 17, 2015 to defend his bronze title.

However, Manyuchi’s career appeared to have been thrown off the rails following the fallout with his Zambian backers Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions.

They have since mended their differences and Manyuchi is currently in the neighbouring country where he has stepped up his preparations for the bout.

“I feel that it is going to be a tough fight, but not for me.

“He (Mikhaylenko) has a clean record of 21 fights unbeaten but after that fight I think it will be 22 and one loss for him,” said Manyuchi.