Online Reporter
Online Reporter
FORMER lightweight star boxer, Landmine Madongonda, is prepared to juggle the responsibilities as he bids to transform the local boxing sector.
Madongonda, a traditional leader in Nyanga and an unheralded sungura musician, has now partnered veteran promoter Stalin Mau Mau in a bid to promote several boxing nights and uplift youths in the process.
The duo recently hosted “The Boxing Graduation Night” at Raylton Sports Club where over 15 amateur boxers turned professional, including his son Itai.
Madongoda and Mau Mau are now planning to host the “Night of Champions” in August.
“As a country we need to have proper champions in every weight category and also their contenders.
“A proper ranking system can help our boxing,” Madongoda told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
He has a vision. He wants to see boxing transform into an employer of choice.
“Boxing is a demanding sport that calls for discipline so naturally those in this sport are taken away from social vice like drugs and early marriages,” said Madongoda.
He added: “I want to see young people participating in boxing and earn a living through the sport.
“My children are also into boxing; I want them to do better than me.
“Together with Mau Mau, we want to rekindle boxing interest in the country, that’s why entry was free when we hosted our tournament in May.
“Going forward, fans will start paying as competition also improves. We need to have local champions who can be molded into international champions.
“There is no short cut in boxing.”
Interestingly, Madongonda is also a farmer, traditional leader and a sungura musician.
He is the headman of Muwi village in Nyanga and has recorded several sungura songs.
The 51-year-old Madongoda turned pro in 1990 after a spell as an amateur boxer.
He fought under Ring Promotions then managed by Lorraine Muringi before joining Mau Mau stable as a lightweight boxer.
He has now partnered Mau Mau in a bid to breathe more life into boxing.
“Our aim is to make sure that every domestic division crowns a champion and to establish a comprehensive national rating system,” said Madongonda.
Peter Tanyanyiwa