Dube turns to cage fights

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
HEAVYWEIGHT boxer Thamsanqa Dube, 32, yesterday revealed that he was contemplating switching to the more lucrative cage fighting after failing to secure boxing bouts locally.

Dube, who goes by the name “The Tanker” or “Baby Elephant” in the ring, last fought in June 2011 when he was floored by Flo Simba in a non-title contest.

The frustrated former Pan-African World Boxing heavyweight champion had his scheduled bill against Trevor Mpofu cancelled at least five times this year due to lack of funding, hence his decision to join his friend Elvis “Bulawayo Bomber” Moyo in Johannesburg next year.

Moyo turned to the more lucrative Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC Africa) that is broadcast on SuperSport in 2013 after also failing to secure local boxing matches.

“I need to make money and that is why I’m thinking of turning professional in the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) or EFC soon. From my understanding, cage fights pay well and I know that I will dominate and become a champion,” said Dube.

He said he would most likely continue with his boxing career, but will need at least three weeks between his EFC fights to train for a boxing bout.

EFC non-championship bouts are fought over three rounds, while championship matches go for five rounds. Each round is five minutes. Unlike boxing, EFC fighters are not allowed to enter the ring with shoes.

EFC Africa stage tournaments every six weeks and Dube will become the third Zimbabwean after Moyo and Themba “The Answer” Gorimbo to take part in the growing sport if he is successfully licensed.

Cage fighting on the continent is largely dominated by South Africans, Ghanaians, Congolese, Nigerians and a few Egyptians.

Dube, who weighs about 140KGs, said his weight will not hinder his EFC Africa championship dream.

“I have already started shedding weight through the training that I’ve been doing. When I get to South Africa, I will have to do some ground work and I know Moyo will help me get into good shape.

“I will need about five months to get ready for my first cage fight. Five months might sound like a long time, but considering that I’ve gone for four years training without a fight, it’s reasonable,” Dube said.

He also hopes that during the five months of training, he will get a licence to compete in the EFC Africa.

There are a few heavyweight fighters in EFC Africa, which should make it easy for Dube to be enlisted.