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Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
VETERAN boxing promoter Stalin Mau Mau turned 70 this year, and he feels he has a few years in the sport that gave him national prominence.
Mau Mau still runs a boxing stable that has a mixture of experienced and upcoming boxers.
Tinofadzwa Chikerema, who lost the national light welterweight title fight to Nyasha Hwata in November, is one of the bright prospects from the stable.
Mau Mau is also grooming a heavyweight boxer called Kudzaishe “Black Bomber” Chigoma.
“I am now under pressure because of the little time left in boxing,” Mau Mau told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Having promoted national and international champions before, Mau Mau is confident he can produce another star boxer before he retires.
Former Commonwealth champion Arifonso “Mosquito” Zvenyika remains one of the biggest names to come out of the Mau Mau stable.
“It’s difficult to groom a boxer, especially heavyweight boxers, but we still soldier on.
“We are targeting to have more boxers from this stable next year,” added Mau Mau. He feels amateur boxing needs more support, “because that’s where we tap the talent from.”
Zimbabwe has hundreds of budding boxers, but few make it to the top.
In recent years, Zimbabwe has produced a handful of boxers who have gone on to challenge for top-notch belts.
Charles Manyuchi, who held the World Boxing Council Silver welterweight title in 2016, is one of the few boxers who have excelled on the international stage.
Kudakwashe Chiwandire became the first Zimbabwean boxer to challenge for a WBC gold belt when she lost on points to world champion Yamileth Mercado of Mexico in March 2023.
Aliyah Phiri won and defended the African Boxing Union lightweight title before he was stripped of the title in November for doping.
He tested positive for furosemide, which is a banned substance, soon after his fight against Saidi Mkola of Tanzania at the 7 Arts Theatre in March.
He has been suspended until March next year.
“It’s good to have our own boxers fighting for renowned belts.
“I have said it before, and I am not afraid to say it again: our boxers should not go for Mickey Mouse titles,” said Mau Mau.
The 70-year-old Mau Mau feels more should be done to promote awareness on anti-doping.
“This is a very sensitive issue; someone can even commit suicide or resign from sport totally if he or she tests positive.
“So, we need to have more awareness campaigns so that boxers know which substances to use or not use.
“Nonetheless, 2024 has been a good year for us in boxing.
“If we maintain the momentum, then 2025 should bring more fruits.”
Online Reporter