Bulawayo bomber aims for title fight

In an interview from his Johannesburg base yesterday, Moyo popularly known as the “Bulawayo Bomber” and a former sparring partner to Pan African World Boxing Association champion Thamsanqa Dube said his manager-cum-trainer Gert Strydom is working on getting him the fights.

The boxer from Bulawayo’s Sizinda suburb who did not go for a festive break, said his next fight is scheduled for next month.

“My next fight is against some guy from Boksburg that is sometime in February. I am very much fit because I never took a break during the festive season as I trained once a day but tomorrow I will start preparing for the match and I will be training twice a day. I will also do sparring. As it is, I am searching for opportunities to fight at the end of January because I have to get more fights.

“My sponsorship expires on 1 August so I want at least three or more fights which will decide my future. If I get more fights, my manager said the World Boxing Federation president Howard Goldberg has promised me an African shot which will lead to a world title fight. I am really looking forward to that,” said Moyo.

The Bulawayo Bomber won his last bout which was a non-title fight against South Africa’s Justice Silinga on a unanimous judges’ decision at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, in November.

That match came a month after Moyo had lost on points to Zambia’s Joseph Chingangu in another heavyweight non-title contest.

After the February bout, Moyo will fight at the Showpony Tournament to be held at Emperor’s Palace in March.

“After the February fight, my sponsor is pulling strings so I can fight in Showpony March Tournament then I will be left with April, May, June and July to get more fights which I think is possible. I was also hoping the guys at home who have contacts in Namibia can organise a fight for me there because I just need more fights so that I stand a chance to challenge for an Africa or world title,” said Moyo.

He had eight fights and has won against Silinga, Kali Kalembe and Stephen Castle.

Moyo’s defeats were against Chingangu, Flo Simba and twice to Ilunga Makaku. He slugged a draw with Johnny Muller.

The former Tshaka Youth Centre pugilist is at 115kgs and hopes to lose eight kilogrammes before his next fight. His former trainer Philip “Striker” Ndlovu said it is important that Moyo sheds off weight.

“Looking at his height and weight, he just has to lose some kilos. He is at a disadvantage because the more he puts on weight, the shorter he becomes and that gives his opponents a slight advantage.

“I know that if Victor (Moyo) sets his sights on losing weight he will do so easily and I wish him the best in his endeavour to conquer Africa and the world. He just has to make the most out of his sponsorship and stay focused,” said Ndlovu.