Dar es Salaam – Tanzanian boxer Haruna Swanga has alleged that his scheduled bout in Germany was abruptly cancelled after he refused an offer of money to deliberately lose the fight.
Swanga, who is based in Württemberg, was set to face German boxer Amsal Mujovic on Saturday night before the contest was called off under controversial circumstances.
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Speaking exclusively to me over the phone, Swanga explained that he had been training quietly since arriving in Germany, keeping a low profile until the official weigh-in on Friday — where his opponent saw him for the first time.
“After the weigh-in, Mujovic’s team approached me,” Swanga said. “They offered me money to lose the fight. I refused because I came here to compete with integrity. I am a soldier in the Tanzanian army, and I cannot betray my country or my principles.”
Following his refusal, Swanga claims Mujovic suddenly reported feeling unwell, prompting the fight organiser, Pamba 8 Promotions, to cancel the bout entirely.
Swanga, who was promised a fight purse of $4,000 (approximately TSh 9.82 million), now says he is uncertain whether he will receive his payment — insisting that he was not the one who violated the fight agreement.
Meanwhile, the event’s organiser, Senad Mujovic, reportedly told Swanga that he would not be paid any money following the cancellation.
Adding to his woes, the Tanzanian boxer revealed that since the cancellation, he has not been provided with food or assistance by the promoters. His return ticket to Tanzania is scheduled for Sunday, but his immediate future remains uncertain.
“I stood by my integrity,” Swanga said. “Even if I return home with nothing, at least I will go back with my dignity intact.”
The incident has sparked outrage among Tanzanian boxing followers, with many calling for greater protection and oversight for African fighters competing abroad
