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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
IT’S an event that is expected to rake about US$500 000.
It could change the face of boxing in this country too. World Boxing Council super-bantam-weight interim champion Kudakwashe Chiwandire is scheduled to defend her title on August 20 in Harare.
This will be the first time that Zimbabwe will be hosting a WBC-sanctioned fight.
Chiwandire’s opponent is a giant Mexican Zulina Munoz, whose record can send shivers down the spine of many a boxer.
But the 26-year-old Zimbabwean is not spending any sleepless nights.
With only eight professional fights under her belt, Chiwandire has posted impressive results including her UD win over Catherine Phiri of Zambia in a bout she won the crown she will be defending against Munoz.
The Mexican has boxed 62 times with a hefty 53 wins, four defeats and two draws.
Chiwandire is never intimidated and yesterday told the media she is drawing confidence from her recent win over Phiri.
“I feel honoured to address you all as we embark on another exciting journey to defend the World Boxing Council Interim super bantam weight world title which I won on the 26th of February 2022 in Lusaka, Zambia. “I don’t doubt my capabilities. I am ready to fight her despite her gigantic status. I beat Catherine Phiri despite her status. It is something that doesn’t really matter when it comes to the matters of the ring,” said Chiwandire.
“I am particularly excited about this fight because I am defending the title in Zimbabwe, something that has always been my dream as a boxer. As a mother, woman and young lady, I hope the hosting of this event will continue to inspire more women in Zimbabwe to participate in boxing.
“I am glad to inform you that I started my five months training in preparation for this fight beginning of April. The preparations for the fight have gone on very well so far. I am confident we yet again set to make history for our beautiful country.
“I believe with the support from the Government, sponsors and partners we will host an unforgettable event and win fight.”
And the event is expected to usher in a new era in boxing.
Zimbabwe National Wrestling and Boxing Control Board chief executive officer Lovemore Zimbudzana said the country stands to benefit a lot from this event.
“This event provides a platform for our fighters to fight the best in the world and in the continent.
“The WBC title defence presents the country with a unique opportunity to market Zimbabwe as a destination of choice in hosting mega boxing and combat sport events,” said Zimbudzana.
“The event will increase continental and global visibility of the country through media coverage which will be shared in over 190 countries affiliated to the WBC. The event will build a positive country image in the continent and the world through hosting boxers and officials alike who will be part of the boxing extravaganza.
“It is also an opportunity to take the Zimbabwean story from a Zimbabwean perspective.
Globally, the hosting of sport event is known to be a key driver of socio-economic development. As such this event will contribute to the generation of revenue through media rights, sponsorship, partnerships and live streaming.
“An estimated revenue of at least US$250 000 will be generated directly though tourism receipts and indirectly through other economic activities around this event.
“The Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board through the Ministry of Youth, Sport Arts and Recreation will therefore provide technical and financial support towards hosting this global sport event.”
Online Reporter