Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
ZIMBABWE is bracing for another high-profile boxing tournament which will see boxers from Malawi and Tanzania trading leather with local pugilists.
Dubbed “Rise of Champions 6”, the tournament has been put up by Otto Boxing Stable and will take place at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on Saturday.
Top of the bill is the World Boxing Federation Bantamweight Africa title fight between local pugilist Bongani Makorova and Musa Kananji of Malawi.
The unheralded Makorova is banking on home advantage as he bids to become the latest WBF champion from Zimbabwe.
Hassan Milanzi and Tinashe Majoni, who also hail from the same gym as Makorova, are the other WBF champions from Zimbabwe.
Milanzi and Majoni are also fighting on Saturday.
Milanzi will face Hamidu Kwata of Tanzania in a non-title fight while Majoni will fight against Moses Banda of Malawi in another non-title match.
Kwata, who has 15 wins in 23 fights, arrived in Harare on Tuesday.
The other visiting boxers are expected today.
“We are 80 percent ready to host this big boxing tournament.
“Most of the foreign boxers will arrive tomorrow (today),” Otto Boxing Stable manager, Ali ‘Otto’ Phiri, told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
Phiri’s young brother, Aliyah, a former Africa Boxing union Lightweight champion, is also fighting on the same card.
Phiri, who will take part in his second fight after serving a one year doping ban, faces Jonathan Lotango of DR Congo in a non-title fight.
“We have some exciting bouts on the cards. It’s a mixture of experienced boxers and upcoming stars.
“Fans should come in their thousands and support the boys.
“This is another chance for Zimbabwe to have another international title,” said Phiri.
Weigh-in is at Body Active Gym at Borrowdale Racecourse tomorrow.
Some of the unheralded local pugilists expected to showcase their talents include Arifonso Zvenyika Jr, son of former Commonwealth
Flyweight champion Arifonso Zvenyika.
Zvenyika Jr will take on Ephraim Dzingisai of Masvingo in a six-round contest.
Tafadzwa Mushando will fight Yohane Banda of Malawi over eight rounds.
