Online Reporter
By Gilbert Munetsi
FORMER British welterweight world champion Kell Brook has pledged to inspire a new generation of Zimbabwean fighters during his first visit to the country.
Brook, who is in Zimbabwe at the invitation of the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy and Proma Events Africa, says discipline, dedication and hard work can elevate local athletes to the global stage.
He was formally welcomed at a press conference in Harare on Sunday, an event attended by officials from the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB) and representatives of the domestic boxing community, including board member Hazel Zisanhi and ZNBWCB chief executive Priscilla Kadungure.
Blessing Jeke, chief executive of Proma Events Africa, said the visit is intended to expose local boxers to international experience and help bridge the gap between amateur and professional ranks.
“We are here to get opportunities when it comes to boxing. Our boxers have a gap in between the champion and the amateur, so we are trying to bring these guys who can inspire the young ones,” he said.
Jeke described Brook’s visit as remarkable and meant to strengthen the sport and create career pathways for aspiring fighters.
Brook, who fought some of the biggest names in world boxing during a distinguished professional career, said he was excited to visit Zimbabwe and to engage directly with local athletes.
“Thank you guys for having me in Africa. I am very excited being welcomed and I am very excited to inspire the fighters in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The former champion reflected on how boxing transformed his life and opened international opportunities — a path he hopes will motivate Zimbabwean youngsters. “I have boxed all my life and I have made it in life through boxing and I would like to inspire the young fighters that if you work hard and you show your talent and you listen to your trainers and you work hard, you can be like me and see the world and be in the big fights across the world,” he said.
Brook described the warm reception as a homecoming.
“The hospitality has been very nice to me. I am blessed to be in my motherland of Africa. I am very excited to have a tour around Zimbabwe on my first visit. I am very excited to see the people, meet the people, meet the fighters and give them some positive energy.”
ZNBWCB chief executive Priscilla Kadungure said Brook’s tour is expected to deliver tangible benefits for Zimbabwe’s boxing ecosystem. “We are going to see Mr Brook doing some tours around our gym facilities in the country and our boxing clubs,” she said, outlining anticipated outcomes such as athlete motivation, skills development and expanded international networks.
When asked how to close existing local gaps, Brook said he first needed time to assess the environment before making recommendations.
“This is the first time I’ve come to Africa. Things are different in England,” he said. “I need to look first to see where I can see the stepping stone to the bridge. I’ve just arrived. I need to see what I think needs to be done for these fighters to come forward and get on the big stage where the big lights are.
“I had a dream when I was a little boy that if I worked hard, I could do it.” He urged aspiring boxers to stay focused, follow expert guidance and maintain discipline: “The answer is to work hard, take boxing very seriously, listen to the people who have made it and just work hard. Eat the right food, train very hard and don’t be denied. Make sure nobody can say you can’t. You’ve got to believe you’re going to do this, and you will do it.”
During his stay Brook is scheduled to visit boxing clubs and training facilities across Zimbabwe, engaging with athletes and coaches and sharing lessons from a career that took him from humble origins to the world stage.
