Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Beaven “The One” Sibanda has delivered a thunderous statement to the boxing world, flattening Filipino hard-hitter Richard Garde with a fifth-round knockout to seize the IBF International Minimumweight title!
The explosive bout went down Saturday night under the bright lights of Emperor’s Palace in South Africa, where Sibanda silenced critics and fans alike with a clinical performance that left Garde on the canvas and the belt heading north to Zimbabwe.
It was sweet redemption for the 26-year-old pugilist, who returned to the same Kempton Park ring where he suffered a stinging loss to Siyakholwa Kuse in a WBC Silver title bout last December. This time, though, Sibanda came armed with precision, power, and purpose.
“This victory means everything. I came back to settle a score with this venue and prove I belong among the best,” said an emotional Sibanda after his historic win.
The Zimbabwean warrior earned his shot at the IBF belt after a solid points win over former South African junior-flyweight champion Nhlanhla Tyirha in Cape Town earlier this year. That win boosted his confidence and set the stage for the war with Garde, a former Philippines minimumweight champion, who came into the ring with a fearsome 82 percent knockout ratio.
But Sibanda was unfazed. He danced, jabbed, and punished the 28-year-old Garde until a crisp combination sent the Filipino crashing to the mat in round five.
Before the bout, Sibanda’s professional record stood at eight wins (two by knockout) and one loss. Now, with Garde out of the way, he adds another KO to his resume and a shiny new IBF belt to his trophy cabinet.
Garde, who walked in boasting 11 wins (nine by knockout) and two defeats, was tipped by many to stop Sibanda, but “The One” had other plans.
Zimbabwe’s boxing community is buzzing with pride, and fans are already calling for Sibanda’s next fight to be staged at home.
