adminNgqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO amateur boxer Methembe Dube lived up to expectations after he beat Bill Mugarisanwa at a 10-bout tournament held at Manor Hotel on Saturday. Dube dominated the fight claiming victory in the first round of the match. He said that he was happy with his win. “I expected a very tough challenge from Mugarisanwa, especially with his track record of winning most of his matches,” said Dube.
The tournament had both men and women taking part. BBA vice-chairman Ezwell Ndlovu said they were expecting 15 fights, but a few boxers turned up.
The tournament was used as a barometer for the four lightweight pugilists led by Andile Ncube of Tshaka Boxing Club, coached by veteran trainer Philip “Striker” Ndlovu who will be travelling to Chiredzi to fight in the national championships that will be used to select the African Championships national team on Saturday.
Some of the pugilists expected to travel are Everson Musambidzi of Nkulumane, Samson Masiyambumbi of Nketa and Milton Moyo of Lobengula, Wiseman Tshuma of Lobengula and welterweight Brighton Masiyambumbi.
“We have a lot of good boxers and wanted to send a team of 20 boxers comprising 10 men and 10 women to Chiredzi, but lack of financial resources forced us to send six male boxers,” said Ndlovu
He appealed to the corporate world for financial assistance to add more boxers to the team.
“We appeal to the business community in Bulawayo to assist us with funds or any form of assistance which might help us send more boxers to Chiredzi for the national championships,” said Ndlovu.
The boxing championships will be held at Gibbo Stadium on Saturday while this year’s edition of the African Championships will be held in Congo-Brazzaville from September 4 to 19.
Results
Pinweight: Methembe Dube knocked out Bill Mugarisanwa,
Lightweight: Rhalton Ngulube knocked out Wisdom Nyakota, Zibusiso Nyoni beat Hubert Chatera on points.
Flyweight: Hubert Chatera beat Bongani Ndlovu on points.
Light welterweight: Andile Ncube beat Assurance Moyo on points, Lancelot Moyo beat Arnold Masiyembumbi on points.
Catchweight: Mthabisi Ndlovu beat Nicky Musonza on points.
Bantamweight: Everson Musambidzi knocked out Future Nkomo, Musawenkosi Ncube knocked Sibusisiwe Khumalo.
Online Reporter