WORLD middleweight karate champion Samuel Muripo is aiming for a medal at today’s Karate Championships in Japan.
Report by Ranganai Dzotizei
The karateka has been in the gym for the past five months, a clear indication of a man on a mission to raise the country’s flag high once again.
Muripo, who won the middleweight world title in 2009, would contest in the open weight category, this time at the request of the organisers.
“The preparations are going on well. I would be fighting in a different category this time which requires about 80kg to compete so I’m working on my weight.
“At the moment I’m weighing between 80-and 88kg, which is fine,” he said.
With at least 16 elite fighters standing in his way of another coveted world crown, Muripo is anticipating a tough ride.
“Japan, Russia and Spain usually provide world class karatekas and I will be meeting some of them. It is going to be stiff out there, but I hope to gather some courage and win the title.”
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The trail of success is evident for the 33-year-old who has followed up on his triumph in 2009 with a second place finish at world tournaments in Japan and Kazakhstan in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
Muripo knows the significance of winning another title at the world stage and contends God would inspire him to victory.
“I believe in God. I’ve mastered the art of fighting over the years. The mind has to be equipped to know how to approach a specific opposition and that is key to success,” Muripo said.
His preparations have been smooth with local company Arosume Property Development ensuring he gets the food supplements he requires to compete at the global showcase.
Muripo would represent the nation alongside fellow fighter Mugove Muhambi at the two-day championships to be held in Toyama.
