Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE past few days have been like a dream for the newly-crowned International Boxing Federation Minimum weight champion, Beaven Sibanda.
The 23-year-old star pugilist was promised a Mercedes Benz and US$10 000 by prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo on Tuesday morning.
He is set to receive the gifts on Monday next week.
Yesterday, Sibanda moved up the ladder on the global boxing rankings.
Sibanda is now one of the top 10 boxers on the latest World Boxing Council rankings, after moving to eighth position, from 13th.
The rising boxer is also rated the 10th best boxer in the world in his weight category, by renowned boxing records keepers Boxrec.
Affectionately known as “The One”, Sibanda stopped Richard Garde of the Philippines in round five to clinch the IBF International Minimum weight title at the Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 5.
He brought the belt home on Monday morning.
Sibanda was welcomed at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by his family and some boxing fans.
The boxer is now set to get a Mercedes Benz C Class and US$10 000 from Chivayo.
“That came as a surprise, I was not expecting that.
“It’s like I am dreaming,” Sibanda told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
“I really appreciate this gesture by Chivayo.
“It will motivate me to keep working hard and make Zimbabwe proud.’’
Sibanda is set to defend his belt in three months’ time before attempting to go for the world title.
In the meantime, he is enjoying his moment in the sun, especially after his world rankings improved yesterday.
Sibanda is now number eight on the WBC strawweight rankings.
Thammanoon Niyomtrong of Thailand tops the rankings.
“Obviously I am happy my rankings have improved but I am not done, I am aiming for the top”.
The IBF are a respected sanctioning body in world boxing.
Some of the prominent boxers that have won IBF titles include the current undisputed heavyweight champion of the world Oleksandar Usyk.
Retired boxers Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson are previous holders of IBF belts.
“I am glad to be counted among the best in the world.
“I want to keep pushing so that Zimbabwe remains relevant in world boxing,” Sibanda said.
He fights in South Africa under Golden Glove but has origins in Beitbridge.
Sibanda was one of the boxers who exhibited in front of Floyd Mayweather when the boxing icon came to Zimbabwe two years ago.
The retired American legend was invited to Zimbabwe by Mabvuku-Tafara legislator and popular businessman Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board will welcome Sibanda at their offices in Harare today.
