dyton mupawaenda
Langton Nyakwenda
ZIMBABWE could celebrate another African Boxing Union title if Hassan “Starboy” Milanzi manages to upset the applecart in Zambia on Saturday.
The 27-year-old boxer was scheduled to leave Harare for Lusaka early today and is predicting an easy night when he takes on Gracious Simwalizi (28), for the African Boxing Union SADC super bantamweight championship.
The fight is at the Government Complex and weigh in is set for tomorrow morning.
Milanzi could become the latest Zimbabwean to grab an ABU belt, following in the footsteps of stable mate Aliyah Phiri, who holds the ABU lightweight belt.
Both boxers belong to Ali Phiri’s Otto Boxing Club.
“Our boxing club is ready and Starboy is also ready.
“We are going to grab the belt and come home, the job is already done in the gym,” declared Milanzi.
He has 11 wins in 15 fights since 2018 when he turned professional in Masvingo.
Milanzi’s opponent Simwalizi has a 9-1-0 record and is unbeaten in his last seven fights.
However, the Zimbabwean is unfazed.
“It’s going to be an easy night for us and Zimbabwe should get ready to celebrate!” he boasted.
Milanzi has seven wins by way of knockouts and his recent victory — against Patson Mutengwa — was a first round TKO at Body Fitness Gym in Borrowdale last September.
But, an international title has evaded the Gweru bred boxer, who showed a lot of promise during his amateur days.
Milanzi won 51 amateur fights plus medals at both the National Youth Games and regional tournaments.
He is now aiming to make the next step by winning the African Boxing Union SADC super bantamweight title against Simwalizi who is likely going to enjoy home ground advantage.
The fight night is being promoted by Lusaka-based Chris Malunga of Oriental Quarries, formerly the handlers of Zimbabwe’s superstar boxer Charles Manyuchi.
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Manyuchi is still active but now has his own boxing stable – Charles Manyuchi Academy.
Two boxers from the stable Tatenda Biningu (super bantamweight) and Clever Sithole (super middleweight) also have fights on the undercard.
“We are hoping that the boys will improve their records by winning their respective fights,” Manyuchi told Zimpapers Sport.
“The boxers have been working hard in the gym and they are ready to make a mark in Lusaka.”
Biningu (22) has a 7-1-0 record while the 26-year-old Sithole is on 8-3-1.
Online Reporter