Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TWO Zimbabwean boxers top the rankings in their weight divisions on the latest African Boxing Union male ratings released by the World Boxing Council affiliate on Wednesday.
But there is no locally-based boxer among the top 10 in any weight category.
South African-based World Boxing Council Africa Flyweight champion, Ndabezihle “Pressure Cooker” Phiri is the number one ranked boxer in Africa in his division.
The 24-year-old Phiri, who is undefeated in nine fights, won the WBC Africa Flyweight belt after beating former Olympian Jackson Chauke in Johannesburg on November 16, 2025.
Phiri might not be popular in Zimbabwe, but the four-star boxer is highly respected in South Africa where he trains with the Brian Mitchell Boxing Academy.
His victory against 40-year-old Chauke established him as a continental force.
The World Boxing Council have been noticing Phiri’s rise, although at home the boxer has been less celebrated.
“African boxing delivered a thrilling night of action on November 16th, as the highly-anticipated WBC Africa Flyweight Championship bout between Ndabezihle Phiri and Jackson Chauke concluded with a decisive victory for the young contender, Phiri.
“The event, held in Johannesburg as a key part of WBC’s “Year of Africa” initiative, showcased the depth of talent on the continent and culminated in a generational passing of the torch,” wrote the WBC after that fight.
Phiri now has a proud 9-0-0 record.
Another Zimbabwean who is prominent on the latest African Boxing Union rankings is Beaven Sibanda, who is top-ranked in the Straw weight division.
Nicknamed “The One”, the 23-year-old won the International Boxing Federation (IBF) after dismissing Richard Grande of the Philippines last July.
Sibanda became the first Zimbabwean boxer to hold an IBF belt.
For his efforts, the South African-based star pugilist was rewarded with a Mercedes Benz plus US$10 000 by Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivhayo.
Some notable absentees from ABU’s top 10 rankings include former Lightweight champion Aliyah “Lanso” Phiri, who is recovering from a doping ban.
Renowned match maker and trainer Clyde Musonda has noted with concern the absence of locally based boxers in the top 10 rankings across all the divisions.
“It tells you something about the current status of Zimbabwean boxers,” Musonda told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“The rankings are a reminder of how we are gradually falling.
“We have been talking about the need for our boxers to challenge for top belts which enhance their rankings.
“Yes, we have World Boxing Federation champions in Zimbabwe but the WBF is not your top sanctioning body. Most of their belts are usually vacant,” added Musonda.
