adminRicky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BOXING has never been a friendly sport, yet budding 23-year-old Prince Carter enjoys every moment that he steps into the ring.
At 68KGs, the welterweight boxer is one of the country’s brightest boxing prospects from Gweru and claims to have been involved in the sport since he was in Grade 5 in 2003.
He is grateful to Goodwill Sibanda, who introduced him to boxing when he was just 12 years old, as the sport has taught him discipline.
He draws inspiration from Floyd Mayweather and Charles Manyuchi.
“I love boxing and to be honest it has played a big part in moulding my character. In boxing you are taught about the importance of self respect and discipline and I’ve grown to be the man I am because of this sport. I love fighting and I want to win a medal for my country. My wish is to fight at the Olympics,” said Carter.
He will unfortunately not be able to realise his dream of fighting at the Olympics as Zimbabwe failed to participate in the African Games held in Congo Brazzaville in September after the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) struck boxing from the disciplines representing the country.
Carter was part of the squad that national team coach and acting Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) technical director Mphilisi Moyo had recommended for the continental Games.
Moyo describes Carter as one of the finest boxers of his generation.
“He has a bright boxing future. He is good just like the likes of Bulawayo’s Wiseman Tshuma and Future Maziya, among others. What he just needs to do is to keep his head on the ground and compete in as many fights as he can,” said Moyo.
Having missed the ZBF National Championships held in Chivhu last month, Carter will headline the list of top amateur pugilists that will trade leather at the Champion of Champions set for November 28 in Chivhu.
He has already intensified his training at Bulawayo’s Body Works Gym.
Carter does his sparring sessions at Makokoba’s Tshaka Youth Centre under the guidance of veteran trainer Philip “Striker” Ndlovu.
“I’m in great shape to fight and I’m getting ready for the Champion of Champions. I want to end the year on a high note and I’m confident of winning in Chivhu because next year I’m thinking of turning into a professional boxer, which requires me to pick lots of wins before doing so,” said Carter.
He said his toughest opponents have been Prince Masona, Maziya and Brighton Masiyambumbi.
Meanwhile, the Bulawayo Amateur Boxing Association will today hold a tournament at Manor Hotel where they will select boxers to represent the city at the Champion of Champions.
Online Reporter