Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Africa Boxing Union Lightweight champion, Aliyah Phiri, is bullish ahead of his non-title fight against Osgood Kayuni of Malawi.
The two boxers will clash at the inaugural Trabablas Gloves On tournament in Chivhu this evening.
Their bout is one of the highlights of a boxing fiesta that could rock the Mashonaland East town.
The Trabablas Gloves On tournament has attracted over 40 boxers, in a first of its kind in the local boxing scene.
International boxers from DR Congo, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia are already in Chivhu.
“This is a big boxing night and I am ready to fight,” said Phiri.
The former ABU Lightweight champion is using this bout as a tune-up fight ahead of a title fight in December.
“I have been preparing well for this fight and I am sure of victory.
“Expect a knock-out, the fight won’t go far,” declared Phiri.
“Fans should come in their numbers and rally behind the boxers,” added Manyuchi.
The tournament is being promoted by the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy in conjunction with Delta Force.
Some of the local pugilists taking part include former World Boxing Federation welterweight champion Evans Husayihwevhu, Clever Sithole, John Andrew and Tinashe Mwadziwana who is making a come-back after a 15-month sabbatical.
Female boxers Chiedza Homakoma and Cecilia Pitiseni are also on the bout card.
Weigh-in was done yesterday at Phil Jen Country Lodges in Chivhu.
“All is set for the boxing fiesta,” said Charles Manyuchi.
“We expect a bumper crowd because Chivhu people love their boxing.
“We also want to inspire the youngsters to also take up boxing as a sport.
“Boxing breeds discipline and we believe it can help in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” added Manyuchi.
The former World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion has pledged to uplift budding boxers.
He is targeting to build two academies in Chivhu and Masvingo.
“The future of boxing looks bright, we just have to play our part in developing talent,” said Manyuchi.
Talented Zambian boxer Simon Ngoma is also part of the cast.
Ngoma is the top ranked Lightweight boxer in Africa.
The tournament will also honour the achievements made by President Mnangagwa in the Second Republic.
