Andrew
Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
THERE has been no local boxing tournament for the past 428 days but excitement is now building up within the fraternity ahead of the much awaited “Boxing Revival” night set for Harare in a fortnight.
Veteran promoter, Stalin Mau Mau, has put up what on paper looks like an exciting bill with a total of 36 boxers set to slug it out at Magamba Hall in Warren Park, on May 8.
Mau Mau was the last promoter to put up a show when he hosted the “Peanuts for Diamonds” tournament at the same venue on February 22, 2020 – before the Covid-19 pandemic stalled all local boxing activities.
Government has now given boxing the green light to resume, albeit on a case by case basis, provided the organisers meet the strict Covid-19 protocols that have been put in place.
And Mau Mau’s bill, which could see former World Boxing Organisation All-Africa champion Tineyi Mharidzo making a last minute sensational comeback, is the first on the cards.
“It’s all systems go as we brace for an exciting boxing tournament that should jump-start the sport which has been in limbo for almost one and half years,” Mau Mau said.
“There has been inactivity for a very long time so we want to start with zeal. I am very proud of my contributions to the sport in the last 30 years and I still have the impetus to keep on pushing on.
“The ultimate aim is to produce a real world champion. The concept remains the same, it is the same peanuts to diamonds concept.
“There is no way one will get international accolades without having a thorough process in his own country,” said the veteran promoter.
Apart from Mharidzo, whose last recognised fight was back in May 2016, national female bantamweight champion Zvikomborero Danzwa and rising pugilist Simbarashe “The Hawk” Hokonya are also expected to fight.
A potentially exciting bout pits Hokonya of Box Africa and Aliyah Phiri of Hardrock in a lightweight contest over eight rounds.
National female bantamweight champion Danzwa is set to defend her title against Bulawayo-based Sehlisiwe Hliziyo while seemingly ageless pugilist Monalisa Sibanda will trade leather with Chiedza Homakoma in another highly anticipated bout.
The Mbare-based Danzwa told The Sunday Mail Sport that she is relishing the opportunity to return to the ring.
“It’s very important for me because it’s been long since I stepped into the ring so I will take this opportunity to clear off the ring rust and prepare for other fights to come,” Danzwa said.
An intriguing rivalry could be invoked when Patience Mastara squares up against Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chivandire in a bantamweight non-title fight.
In other bouts, Ndondana Moyo comes up against Tafadzwa Mushando in a lightweight contest while Freeman “Bvongwez” Mabvongwe has a date with Tinashe Zihove in a super welterweight contest.
The highly rated Evans Usavihwevhu faces Ndodana Ncube (lightweight) while Jeremiah “Jingo” Mhere squares up against Sdyney Baloyi who was groomed by the Zimbabwe National Army.
Online Reporter