Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
Stalin “Cruiser” Musiiwa produced a gutsy performance to defeat heavier Tawanda “Predator” Saranewako on points and headline The Ultimate Stand Up Battle at Dulivhadzimu Machembere Beerhall in Beitbridge on Saturday night.
The kick-boxing tournament, hosted by Tae-Bo All Styles and sponsored by VISION 2030 and Dr Lenos Samhere, drew a packed house and delivered seven action-filled bouts with no serious injuries recorded.
Match Commissioner Master Eric Chengaose said the event was one of the smoothest he has overseen.
“As the Match Commissioner, this was one of the few tournaments which went on very well and no serious injuries were recorded,” he said.
“The match officials did a wonderful job as the judges and centre referee did not show any form of favour and were non-partisan, but scored the points as they were.”
The atmosphere was electric from the 7am weigh-in. By fight time, the venue was full, with spectators spilling to the edges of the ring.
The night opened with a crowd-pleasing exhibition by two under-10 boys who traded kicks and punches to loud cheers, setting the tone for what followed.
In the under-65kgs pyramid, Tendai from the red corner opened with a unanimous points win to book a place in the final. Clever Mhlanga from the blue corner then stopped Rizo via TKO in round two in an equally explosive contest.
Tendai returned for the semi-final and overcame Jonathan by another unanimous points decision to keep his title hopes alive.
The fourth bout saw Blessing from the blue corner put on a scintillating display to subdue Jimmy via TKO.
The fifth bout brought nicknames and needles. In a clash billed as Cobra vs Viper, the Viper from the blue corner proved too venomous, forcing a second-round TKO.
The Viper was back in action minutes later against Taku from the red corner, but appeared to have emptied the tank in the previous fight and was himself stopped via TKO in round two.
The main event lived up to the billing. Cruiser, fighting out of the blue corner, agreed to meet Predator in a catch-weight contest after Predator came in above the stipulated limit. With the consent of Cruiser and his coach, the fight went ahead.
What followed was five rounds of drama. Cruiser started cautiously against the bigger man, but quickly found his rhythm, backed by a roaring home crowd. He worked angles, landed cleaner shots, and grew in confidence as the fight progressed. By the final bell, it was clear he was ahead on points, with Predator needing a knock-out that never came.
Cruiser was awarded a unanimous points decision to close the night.
“The entire 5 rounds were thrillers as the home crowd roared and rallied behind Cruiser, which made him more resolute as he took the fight to his bigger opponent without fear,” said Chengaose.
“We also commend Event Manager Grandmaster Ben and Prophet Mandaa, together with their team, for smooth organization. In addition, we appreciate the Beitbridge Municipality councillors and business leaders who attended to show support for sport development and youth empowerment.”
All fighters received medals, while four outstanding performers were given special certificates.
Chengaose added that events such as this help keep young people engaged and away from drugs.
Dr Lenos Samhere, who also sponsored the tournament, commended the athletes for their discipline and for observing the rules of the game.
“The discipline by the athletes we witnessed in this kind of sport is highly commendable, and we hope to continue supporting such activities to ensure the youth stay away from crime or drugs and substance abuse,” said Dr Samhere.
