Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE is bracing for another high-profile boxing tournament that will see boxers from Malawi and Tanzania trading leather with local pugilists.
Dubbed “Rise of Champions 6”, the tournament has been put up by Otto Boxing Stable and will happen at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on Saturday.
Top of the bill is the World Boxing Federation Bantamweight Africa title fight between local pugilist Bongani Makorova and Musa Kananji of Malawi.
The unheralded Makorova is banking on home advantage as he bids to become the latest WBF champion from Zimbabwe.
Hassan Milanzi and Tinashe Majoni, who also hail from the same gym as Makorova, are the other WBF champions from Zimbabwe.
The duo is also fighting on Saturday.
Milanzi will face Hamidu Kwata of Tanzania in a non-title fight while Majoni will fight against Moses Banda of Malawi in a other non-title match.
Kwata, who has 15 wins in 23 fights, arrived in Harare on Tuesday.
“We are 80 percent ready to host this big boxing tournament.
“Most of the foreign boxers will arrive tomorrow (today),” Otto Boxing Stable manager, Ali “Otto” Phiri told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
Phiri’s young brother, Aliyah, a former Africa Boxing Union Lightweight champion, is also fighting on the same card.
Phiri, who will take part in his second fight after serving a one-year doping ban, faces Jonathan Lotango of DR Con-go in a non-title fight.
“We have some exciting bouts on the cards.
“It’s a mixture of experienced boxers and upcoming stars.
“Fans should come in their thousands and cheer the boys.
“This is another chance for Zimbabwe to have another international title,” added Phiri.
Weigh in is at Body Active Gym at Borrowdale Racecourse tomorrow.
Some of the unheralded local pugilists expected to showcase their talents include Arifonso Zvenyika Jr, son of for-mer Commonwealth Flyweight champion Arifonso “Mosquito’’ Zvenyika.
Zvenyika Jr will take on Ephraim Dzingisai of Masvingo in a six-round contest.
Tafadzwa Mushando will fight Yohane Banda of Malawi over eight rounds.
