adminfights against Zambian opponents in Livingstone at the weekend.
Makumbe was having a re-match against Rhoidha Mwashukanu, over four rounds, and the featherweight bout was declared a draw.
In the first meeting between the two pugilists early this year, Makumbe had come second best but had hoped to turn the tables against her nemesis on Saturday.
Pitiseni was making her debut in an international fight and came unstuck against Cathrine Phiri after four rounds. The two fighters returned home yesterday with their bruised egos but determined to pursue more professional fights.
Boxing trainer Clyde Musonda, who travelled with the boxers, said Makumbe needs to do more in her preparations in order to make an impression.
“Diana drew in her fight but we thought that she was going to win.
“It was a close call as two judges scored in her favour while one judge scored against her.
“Fighting against Zambian opponents was always going to be tricky for the Zimbabweans considering the atmosphere and home-town decision.
“In all her rounds, Diana performed well and she still has room to improve,” said Musonda.
Musonda, who is preparing top female boxer Monalisa Sibanda for her Women’s Boxing Organisation light-welterweight title-fight against Zambia’s Esther Phiri, said he will now take Makumbe under his programme.
“The handicap for Makumbe has been that she was fighting against local opponents and winning.
“So she was getting little challenge and even with the Zambian opposition, she is just rotating.”
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu