Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND Queens captain, Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire, will temporarily hang her football boots and step back into the boxing ring, in what could be a major come-back fight for the multi-talented athlete.
The 29-year-old Chiwandire is set to fight Sharadene Fortuin of South Africa for the African Boxing Union SADC belt at the Country Club in Harare on August 23.
Chiwandire’s fight will be the main bout of a bill that will also see popular pugilist Charles Manyuchi taking on Sam Madanhire in a high-stakes heavyweight contest.
A former World Boxing Council Interim Super Bantamweight champion, Chiwandire was last involved in competitive boxing in December last year before trading her gloves for her other love — football. She has since been starring for newly-formed women’s football side Scottland Queens. The Mabvuku side are competing in the Northern Region Division One League.
Chiwandire’s fight is being facilitated by veteran promoter Clyde Musonda of Delta Force.
“The contracts have been signed and the full bout card for the boxing night will be released next week,” Musonda told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The bill will have an international flavour as several boxers are coming from various African countries, including Cameroon, Mauritius and Togo.
“It has been long since Chiwandire stepped into the ring so we are making sure this fight against Fortuin goes through.
“Should she (Chiwandire) win the ABU SADC title, she will defend it before gunning for the World Boxing Council International title,” added Musonda. Chiwandire is arguably the best female boxer in the land.
She made history when she fought for the WBC Super Bantamweight gold belt against world champion Yamileth Mercado in Chihuahua in March 2023.
The Zimbabwean lost on points despite arriving in Mexico a few hours before the fight. No other Zimbabwean boxer has challenged for the WBC gold belt.
Manyuchi, who is regarded as one of the most successful boxers in Zimbabwean history, reached the Silver stage in May 2016. “Kuda (Chiwandire) has the talent, no doubt.
“That’s why we are pushing to have her back on the top table of international boxing and we believe this ABU SADC title should be a launchpad,” said Musonda.
Chiwandire has a modest 6-4-1 record but is rated as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in her category.
She lost her last fight against Karina Tazabekova of Russia in Saint Petersburg last December.
