Boxer leaves for Zambia

Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO light-heavyweight pugilist Nowell Mpofu leaves the country for Zambia this morning ahead of his Friday fight in Lusaka.

Mpofu will trade leather with an unnamed Zambian opponent in an undercard bill between female boxers Esther Phiri of Zambia and South Africa’s Sandra Almeida.

The bout, a Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) and World Boxing Federation (WBF) welterweight unification title fight, is set for the Government Complex in Lusaka.

The Tshaka Youth Centre boxer is part of three Zimbabwean pugilists cleared by the boxing board to travel to Zambia with renowned promoter Boris Zneider.

Zneider — Black Fist promotions director — said the Zimbabwe National Boxing Board of Control declined to clear Bulawayo-based welterweight pugilist Martin Tshuma for the Zambia trip because the boxer has in the past failed to live to expectations at regional competitions. Tshuma is said to have lost four consecutive regional fights.

Joining Mpofu for the Zambia trip are Gweru-based super bantam boxer Edmos Takawira and Harare’s welterweight pugilist Silas Mandeya.

Mpofu, who turned professional in 2011, last fought in 2013 losing to Trevor Mpofu is confident of bouncing back into the ring with a victory.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and this is a chance for me to prove that I deserve to get more fights. Winning this bill will hopefully open new avenues. I’ve been waiting for such an opportunity for a long time and I won’t disappoint the promoters who have faith in me,” said Mpofu.

The boxer will not be travelling with his trainer Philip “Striker” Ndlovu who is recovering from an operation.

The veteran trainer certified his boxer fit.

“He has been working hard preparing to fight and this is time for Nowell to show what he is made off. Obviously he might be rusty since it’s been long without a fight but I’m sure with the amount of work he put, Nowell will emerge victorious in Zambia and open more avenues for himself,” said Ndlovu.

Boxing is on the rise in Zambia with Zimbabwe’s World Boxing Council International welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi advancing his career in the country’s northern neighbours. Manyuchi is somehow a cult hero in Zambia.