Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS the clock ticks towards another international bonanza in Harare, it has emerged that a boxing promoter based in Mauritius, who also runs a sports management firm that looks after 30 athletes across Africa, is willing to invest in Zimbabwean talent.
Zimpapers Sports Hub has established that Rudy Neal of Rudy’s Sports Firm Boxing Management is keen to establish synergies with local boxing stables.
The Mauritius-based stable is already working with Harare boxing outfit Delta Force.
As a result of this partnership, at least five Zimbabwean boxers will fight in Mauritius on August 3.
Twenty days later, Rudy’s Sports Firm Boxing Management will bring boxers from various African countries for a boxing tournament to be staged at the Country Club in Newlands, Harare.
“We are keen on keeping this healthy relationship with Zimbabwe for sporting and tourism purposes,” Neal told Zimpapers Sports Hub from his base in the Indian Ocean island.
“Zimbabwe has produced WBC champions in the past and has the potential to build future champions.
“So, it’s highly important to continue positive development for the young athletes, male and female so they can have a positive impact in their communities.”
Former World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi will fight against Sam Madanhire in a highly anticipated non-title heavyweight clash at the Country Club in Harare.
Manyuchi has since moved to the heavyweight category after years as a welterweight boxer.
Madanhire challenged Manyuchi last month and the former African champion accepted the challenge.
Zimpapers Sports Hub understands that Manyuchi is demanding a purse of not less than US$20 000.
A former WBC Silver welterweight champion, Manyuchi has always been a major drawcard.
His achievements on the international scene also attracted the interest of Neal, who now wants to escalate his links with Zimbabwean boxing.
Apart from Manyuchi, Zimbabwe has in recent years, produced international champions.
Hassan Milanzi and Tinashe Majoni from Otto Boxing Stable currently hold World Boxing Federation belts.
Aliyah Phiri, who also hails from the same stable, is a former ABU lightweight champion.
“There’s no doubt Zimbabwe has got talent.
“We manage 32 athletes throughout Africa.
“Some are All-African champions, some are Commonwealth champions and others are Olympians,” added Neal.
Some of the famous athletes in his stable include Zambian boxer Patrick Chinyemba, who participated at the 2024 Olympic Games in France.
Kenyan ABU middleweight champion, Raylton Okwiri also belongs to Neal’s stable.
“We hosted some Zimbabwean boxers last year.
“We were lucky enough to work with Clyde Musonda of Delta Force, who has a lot of national and international experience in the boxing industry,” Neal said.
