Chiwandire to face Mercardo

Curtworth Masango

WORLD Boxing Council (WBC) Interim Super Bantamweight champion, Kudakwashe ‘Take Money’ Chiwandire, is set to face Yamileth Mercardo for the WBC Super Bantamweight world title.

Mercado made a successful fourth defence of her title, overcoming veteran Mariana Juarez by a unanimous decision, in Mexico City.

Chiwandire is a mandatory challenger of the belt.

The fight will be hosted through the bidding system of the WBC.

Zimbabwe stands a chance to host the historic match.

The bidding process will be open to all sponsors.

Chiwandire is expected to go into camp today to start preparations for the fight.

Her coach and manager, Clyde Musonda, is also set to visit South Africa to arrange some training sessions for Chiwandire.

“We now know Kuda’s opponent is Yamileth. She retained her title today (yesterday).

“We watched the fight and she won a controversial split decision.

“She remains the current champion and we are now shifting focus to her,” said Musonda.

He added:

“Most probably, the WBC is going to lead us in the next step where negotiations will be done.

“We don’t have the dates yet, but as soon as negotiations are done, everything will be set to go. “So, whosoever wins the bidding will determine the venue,” he said.

Musonda believes it will be an advantage for the fight to be hosted in the country.

“It’s a mandatory fight and we are looking forward to it. We have to utilise this chance.

“If it means we are going to challenge Mercardo on our home ground, that will be an extra boost for us,” he said.