Online Reporter
Abel Ndooka
THE Zimbabwe Independence Day Boxing Bonanza was launched in Harare yesterday.
The tournament, set for April 11 at the City Sports Centre, will feature four national title fights.
The main event will see Zvikomborero Chemhere and Marlon Chirevo battling for the national flyweight title and the inaugural Independence Day championship belt over 12 rounds.
The winner will walk away with two belts.
Other title fights will see former World Boxing Council (WBC) interim super-bantamweight champion Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire clashing with Patience Mastara for the national super-featherweight title.
Lightweight Nyasha Phiri will face Delan Kanyemba over 12 rounds for the national lightweight championship while Revai Madondo will meet Sehliselwe Nhliziyo for the national super-bantamweight championship.
Boxing promoter and organiser, Clyde Musonda of Deltaforce Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Academy, said the tournament is a celebration of the country’s Independence and will help uplift many upcoming boxers.
“The Independence Day Boxing Bonanza is a celebration of our country’s independence and I am delighted to share that this tournament will uplift many boxers in our country,” he said.
“As Deltaforce Boxing and MMA Academy, we are deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to the Government of Zimbabwe, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Mnangagwa, for affording us this invaluable opportunity to be part of this year’s Independence celebrations.
“As we prepare for this boxing bonanza, we are not just organising an event but building a movement that celebrates our Independence while investing in the future of our youth.
“Through this tournament, we will work hard to uplift the lives of various boxers until they reach international stardom.”
He added that they are using the tournament to help fight drug and substance abuse among today’s youth.
“Many of our young people have been destroyed by drugs, so we are urging them to come and take part in sport and earn a living so they can support their families rather than destroy their lives with drugs.
“We recognise that our young people are the cornerstone of our nation’s future, and we must protect them from the scourge of drugs that threatens to derail their potential.
“Through boxing and structured sporting programmes, we aim to provide positive alternatives, mentorship and purpose-driven pathways for our youth.
“This Boxing Bonanza, therefore, carries a message far beyond the ring — it is a call to action,” he said.
