adminMeluleki Ngulube, Lovewell Maphosa, Noel Mpofu, Dumezweni Ntuliki and Trevor Mpofu will represent Bulawayo in the tournament that is likely to have international pugilists.
Trainer Philip Striker Ndlovu, said they were well prepared for the fight as they started getting ready weeks ago.
“We have been training since before the tournament was postponed on 3 December. We are ready for the competition,” he said.
Striker said his boxers would fare well against their fellow countrymen and they were certain that they would be victorious.
He said they had replaced Ntando Sibanda with Ngulube as the former was engaged elsewhere on personal business. “Meluleki (Ngulube) will be fighting in the catchweight division against someone who is in the light bantamweight division,” said Striker.
Ngulube turned professional this year. He fought his professional debut against Sibanda and lost on points.
Tournament organiser Jestara Master Mziwande confirmed yesterday that the tournament will be on. “We have spoken to our patron, Minister of Information and Publicity Webster Shamu and he also confirmed that the tournament is on,” he said.
Mziwande said they were expecting two boxers from South Africa — Tello Lithebe from the Free State who will be competing in the super bantamweight division and Toto Mahebhe in the bantamweight.
“We have about eight bouts that are registered so far and if the two South African boxers confirm we will have 10,” he said.
Pairing had not been done by yesterday but the organisers said by later today they would have the list.
The tournament is sponsored in part by Mighty Movies, owned by Supa Mandiwanzira.
Online Reporter