Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
“Boxing has taken me to places and countries but there’s one thing I will cherish most. The fact that I met both the late former President Robert Mugabe and the current leader President Mnangagwa because of this sport gives me a lot of satisfaction,” says Manyuchi as we settled down for an interview this week.
On July 30, 2015, Manyuchi was a guest at State House, where the late former President Mugabe rewarded him with US$50 000 because of his boxing exploits.
“We are here today to celebrate that moment, a great source of pride for us all as a nation united by the power of sport,” said Manyuchi.
Manyuchi had just returned from Italy where he defeated Gianluca Frezza to defend his World Boxing Council International welterweight title.
“As we celebrate champion Manyuchi, we acknowledge that since Independence boxing has played a significant role in placing Zimbabwe onto the world map.
“Some of Zimbabwe’s great boxing achievements include, but are not limited to, the legendary Langton “Schoolboy” Tinago — three-time Commonwealth boxing champion in the lightweight and super featherweight domain.
“Proud” Kilimanjaro Chinembiri — the Africa Boxing Union heavyweight boxing champion. Stix Macloud, another African Boxing Union All-Africa bantamweight champion, Alfonso Zvenyika “Mosquito,” the Commonwealth flyweight champion and other boxing medalists that include Ezwell Ndlovu, Nokuthula Tshabangu and Duke Chinyadza,” added the late Mugabe.
On July 8, 2021, at a time the country was still reeling from the scars of Covid-19, Manyuchi returned to State House, this time at the invitation of President Mnangagwa.
The President hailed Manyuchi before handing him a cool US$10 000 as a token of appreciation.
“I am happy that we have the WBF world Middleweight champion in Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We feel very proud that this title is in Zimbabwe. I congratulate you and, as a result of that, I have donated something for you.
“It’s a small token of US$10 000,” said President Mnangagwa.
Manyuchi had just won the World Boxing Federation middleweight world title after accounting for Muhamad Sebyala of Uganda at the Flamboyant Hotel in Masvingo.
“Being a guest of the country’s number one citizen is a dream for almost everyone and I am happy I achieved that through boxing,” said Manyuchi.
The Mudzi-bred boxer is one of the most popular boxer after Proud “Kilimanjaro” Chinembiri, who died in 1994.
Kilimanjaro, a heavyweight boxer, rose from Mbare and ruled Africa in the 1980s.
Post-Independence, Zimbabwe produced a number of good boxers including former Commonwealth champions Langton “Schoolboy” and Arifonso “Mosquito” Zvenyika.
However, as the nation celebrates the Heroes holiday, Manyuchi’s name stands out as one of the best boxing heroes ever produced in the country.
Manyuchi rose to national prominence when he claimed the Africa Boxing Union welterweight title in Burkina Faso in June 2013.
Against odds, Manyuchi stunned Patrice Sue Toke in front of his home crowd in Ouagadougou.
When news of his victory spread across the country, Manyuchi became an instant hit.
“Nobody gave me a chance because I was fighting away from home.
“But my manager Chris Malunga made me believe and I believed,” recalled Manyuchi.
He defended his title against Ghanaian Isaac Sowah before he went for the WBC International welterweight belt, which was a notch higher.
Manyuchi defeated another Ghanaian Patrick Allotey at the Government Complex in Lusaka, Zambia to land the WBC International belt on March 14, 2014.
He then defended the title twice, against Colombian David Caceres Navarro and Frezza.
His win against Navarro was first and Frezza second outside continent in same title.
Manyuchi would reach his pinnacle in 2016, when he won the WBC Silver welterweight belt against Dmitry Mikhaylenko in Russia.
With that victory, Manyuchi found both fame and fortune.
At some point he was rated among the world’s top five welterweight boxers by the WBC, the highly regarded sanctioning body.
The WBC even installed him as a possible challenger for Floyd Mayweather’s gold belt.
“Being mentioned in the same sentence with the great Mayweather was overwhelming,” said Manyuchi.
“I am happy to have put Zimbabwe on the world boxing map. Remember each time I get into the ring I will be doing it for my nation.”
Manyuchi feels local boxers are enjoying the fruits of an independent Zimbabwe.
“I don’t think the opportunities we have now were also there during the colonial era.”
Manyuchi is still in the game but is now fighting in the heavyweight division.
He has a match in DR Congo in September.
“I will get down to serious business after the Heroes holiday.
“This holiday is for us to remember our heroes, those who made sure Zimbabwe was liberated.
“We also have to remember our boxing heroes like the late Kilimanjaro and Langton Tinago,” said Manyuchi.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has produced a number of good boxers including former Commonwealth champions Tinago and Zvenyika.
The other notable boxers include Gilbert “Giro” Josamu, Anderson Size, Arigoma Chiponda and Thamsanqa Dube.
The current crop is headlined by recently crowned International Boxing Federation Minimum weight champion Beaven Sibanda.
Zimbabwe also boast two World Boxing Federation champions Tinashe Majoni and Hassan Milanzi.
The country also has a female international champion Monica Mkandla who holds the SADC ABU belt.
“The future looks bright,” said Manyuchi.
He now has a boxing stable which is registered in Zambia where he made his name.
Manyuchi also supports local boxers from Chivhu and Masvingo.
His foundation also pays school fees for less privileged kids from areas like Beatrice and Chivhu.
