Online Reporter
Tendai Chara-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S first female professional boxer Monalisa Sibanda says she is aware of the threat posed by Malawi’s Ruth Chisale.
Sibanda enters the ring on August 30 in Lilongwe to face the Malawian, bringing to an end to her long period of inactivity.
The non-title fight will consist of eight rounds.
Known in boxing circles as “The Queen of the Jungle,” the veteran boxer is the current Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) light welterweight intercontinental champion.
The 42-year-old pugilist, who has clocked two decades in the sport, last fought the United Arab Emirates’ Dilara Yucel in November 2023.
Sibanda lost the eight-round match by split decision in Dubai.
She is now determined to announce her return in a big way when she comes face-to-face with 30-year-old Chisale who is a serving soldier.
“Ruth is a young and a good boxer who also boasts an impressive record. I am banking on my experience,” Sibanda said.
She will be accompanied to Malawi by coach Tom Fernando and Brighton Mwando, the match maker.
Sibanda said her performance in Malawi will not be affected by ring rust.
“Apart from being a boxer, I am also a fitness and boxing trainer. In terms of fitness, I am always fit and ready to fight.”
Sibanda’s previous fight against a Malawian ended in defeat. In 2016, she was knocked out by Anisha Bashel in Lilongwe.
