Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT was a moment that brought back a flood of memories for Charles Manyuchi, transporting him back to the humble beginnings of a boxing journey that has since taken him to the pinnacle of the sport.
The former World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver welterweight champion was visibly emotional as he reflected on his remarkable journey after receiving a US$200 000 cash gift and a Toyota Fortuner from businessman and politician Kudakwashe Tagwirei recently.
Tagwirei has also gone a step further, purchasing a boxing ring, a seven-tonne truck and ring-lighting equipment for the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy.
For a man who once embarked on a 495km journey from Harare to Lusaka in December 2012, wearing a dilapidated pair of shoes with barely enough luggage, the latest gesture represents more than just a financial reward.
It is a reminder of how far he has travelled.
“I sometimes think I am dreaming. I am like maybe I will wake up from this dream,” Manyuchi told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“I have no words to describe this gesture by Senator Tagwirei. He has truly empowered the youths and we will make sure boxing develops in Zimbabwe.”
It has indeed been a remarkable week for the former pugilist, whose fortunes have changed dramatically since hanging up his gloves and venturing into boxing promotion and development.
The latest windfall comes barely three months after businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who died in a helicopter crash two weeks ago, gifted him a Toyota Fortuner GD6 and US$10 000 in cash.
Manyuchi has also enjoyed recognition from the country’s leadership over the years.
Yet, as he sat down for the interview, it was not the money or the luxury vehicles that dominated his thoughts.
Instead, Manyuchi found himself travelling back to the days when boxing was little more than a dream.
Fourteen years ago, he arrived in Lusaka after signing with Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions, beginning a journey that would transform him from an aspiring Zimbabwean boxer into an internationally recognised fighter.
Under the Zambian stable, Manyuchi steadily climbed the boxing ladder.
He captured the African Boxing Union welterweight title in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, after defeating Patrick Sou Toke on June 28, 2013.
The following year, he claimed the WBC International welterweight crown after beating Ghanaian Patrick Allotey.
After successfully defending the title twice, Manyuchi reached the biggest milestone of his career in 2016, when he defeated Russian Dmitry Mikhaylenko in Russia, to become the WBC Silver champion.
His reign came to an end the following year when he lost the title to Uzbekistan’s Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in Singapore.
“What a boxing journey it has been for me! I can only thank God for keeping me alive,” he said.
Today, Manyuchi is determined to ensure that his experiences count for something beyond his own achievements.
Through the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy, he is nurturing boxers from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, with the ambition of producing the next generation of champions.
Among those under his stable are newly crowned Trabablas Bantamweight champion Revai Madondo, World Boxing Federation (WBF) champion Marlon Chivero and Alice Mbewe.
The three received US$5 000 each from Tagwirei for their victories at the Trabablas Boxing Tournament staged at the Kwekwe Sports Arena recently.
For Manyuchi, such rewards are an indication of what can be achieved when young boxers receive meaningful support.
“When I get all this support from people like Tagwirei, I feel inspired. I am motivated to do more for my country. I will make sure boxing develops in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The former champion is now taking his vision beyond the ring, with the Trabablas Boxing Tournaments set to spread across all the 10 provinces.
The inaugural edition was staged in Chivhu last November, before Mutare hosted the second instalment in May and Kwekwe provided a memorable third edition last weekend.
Bulawayo will host the fourth edition in December, with preparations underway.
For an academy that previously had to hire essential equipment, the latest acquisitions are expected to ease the logistical and financial burden of staging tournaments.
“Thanks to the Senator, we now have our own boxing ring, our own truck and our own ring-lighting equipment. Before, we used to hire and it was expensive,” Manyuchi said.
His ambition stretches far beyond organising successful tournaments.
He believes Zimbabwe possesses the talent to produce world champions, provided young boxers receive the necessary opportunities and support.
“We have some very good boxers in Zimbabwe. With the support we are getting, I am sure soon we will produce a world champion,” he said.
For Manyuchi, the journey has come full circle — from a young boxer who left home with little more than a dream to a promoter determined to open doors for others.
