dyton mupawaenda
Langton Nyakwenda-Sports Reporter
FORMER World Boxing Council champion, Charles Manyuchi, sees a lot of himself in his protégé, Tatenda Biningu.
Manyuchi, who is retiring from the sport after years of dominance, is grooming the 22-year-old Biningu, who belongs to the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy.
The famous boxer wants Biningu to take over after he leaves the stage.
The journey started some two years ago when Biningu claimed the World Boxing Federation International Super Bantamweight title in Chivhu.
He is now taking a step up as he is aiming for the WBF International Super Featherweight title.
Biningu takes on Gael Assumane of DR Congo in a 12-round bout at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on July 13.
The fight is the main drawcard of an eight-bout card that will be promoted by the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy, in collaboration with Better Brands petroleum and drilling company.
The boxing tournament is dubbed Grand Finale 4 and was launched at the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWC) offices at the National Sports yesterday.
This is the first promotion this year by the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy and the second overall, in the country.
“I have always said it and I will say it again, Tatenda Biningu is a gem,” said Manyuchi.
“I see myself in him, that’s why I am taking my time to work with the boy so that he develops both in style and resili-ence,” added the former WBC Silver welterweight champion.
The 22-year-old Biningu has eight wins and one loss.
His 10th fight could determine his future.
“It’s so inspiring to hear Charles Manyuchi talking a lot about myself. Zvinofadza, so I want to repay his faith in me in the ring,” Biningu told Zimpapers Sport.
“What I want to promise Zimbabweans is that I will do my best. Yes, it might be tough here and there but shiri inozongofa, the belt will remain in Zimbabwe.”
Biningu turned pro against Tinashe Majoni at Magamba Hall on March 23, 2019.
Majoni, who belongs to Otto Boxing Club is also part of the act.
He will face Moses Banda of Malawi in a non-title Flyweight fight.
The main undercard sees African Boxing Union champion Aliyah Phiri taking on Nyamikani Mtambo over eight rounds.
Phiri is set to defend his ABU title in September and wants to use this contest as a tune-up fight.
History will also be made when Revai Killiana Madondo squares up against Patience Mastara for the national female Bantamweight title.
This is the first sanctioned national title fight in many years.
“This is a big opportunity for us ladies and we are grateful to the organisers of these tournaments,” said Madondo.
The 29-year-old Madondo has eight wins, three losses, and one draw.
She last fought in August 2023.
“I am always in the gym working so I am always ready for a fight. I am not scared of Mastara though I respect her.
“It’s going to be a war in the ring,” said Madondo who fights under Delta Force boxing stable.
Phyllis Chikomo, who represented the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy thanked the sponsors for coming to the res-cue. “The fact that this is only the second professional boxing event since the turn of the year speaks volumes about the financial challenges we face as promoters,” she said.
“This is yet another step towards the fulfilment of our goal to add to the champions that have so far been attained by Zimbabwe.
“In the process, we are making our boxers justify the great amount they put in the gyms.”
Bout card:
Evans Usayihwevhu v Mombela Mukuni (Lightweight 8 Rounds), Bongani Makorova v Moses Banda (Bantamweight 8 Rounds), Ndodana Ncube v Dylan Kanyemba (Lightweight 6 Rounds), Revai Madondo v Patience Mastara (Bantam-weight national title 10 Rounds), Tinashe Majoni v Moses Banda (Flyweight 8 Rounds), Brandon Denes v Charles Misanjo (Light Middleweight 8 Rounds), Tinashe Madziwana v Pephero Mkoma 8 Rounds), Aliyah Phiri v Nyamikani Mtambo 8 Rounds), Tatenda Biningu v Gael Assumane (WBF Intercontinental Super Featherweight title 12 Rounds.)
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