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Langton Nyakwenda
HER fight might have been deferred, but Zimbabwe’s veteran boxer Monalisa “Queen of the Jungle” Sibanda sees this development as a blessing in disguise.
The 41-year-old pugilist was supposed to fight Sarah Achieng of Kenya for the Commonwealth Super Lightweight title on August 31, but the bout has been moved to October 19 in Mombasa, Kenya.
Dubbed “Thunder at the Lakeside”, the fight will occur at the Argyle Grand Hotel in the East African country.
Sibanda, one of the pioneers of female boxing in Zimbabwe, is angling for the title, which could enhance her reputation as her career nears the twilight zone.
“I had prepared well for this fight, so I am disappointed that it has been postponed,” Sibanda told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
She feels the latest development could, however, allow her to fine-tune her act.
“At the same time, it’s good for me too, because I can prepare more,” she said.
Kenyan pugilist Achieng stands between Sibanda and a Commonwealth Super Lightweight title.
Interestingly, Achieng won the belt at the expense of another Zimbabwean pugilist, Chiedza Homakoma, in Nairobi on December 16, 2022. Achieng now defends the title against Sibanda, a veteran boxer who has withstood the challenges that female boxers face, including stigmatisation.
Sibanda turned pro in 2005, but the Mabvuku-bred pugilist has not had a fair chance to challenge for top belts.
She has won the Women International Boxing Association intercontinental belt before, but the Commonwealth belt is of more substance.
Achieng has 16 wins in 18 fights and undefeated since 2014, while Sibanda has seven wins in 18 fights, going into this Commonwealth title fight.
Sibanda is convinced she can upstage Achieng and bring the belt back to Harare. The veteran has engaged Malawian sparring opponent Linda Alie.
“It’s a great opportunity to fight for this belt,” Sibanda said.
“I know Achieng is a very good boxer, very tough, with lots of endurance, but I will control her.”
She wants to fight on until she turns 50.
Sibanda has been boosted by financial support from legislator Tino Machakaire, who is also the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.
“Honourable Machakaire has supported me financially, paying for my gym fees and all the other stuff,” she said.
Zimbabwe has talented female boxers, including former World Boxing Council Interim Super Bantamweight champion Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire, Revai Madondo, Patience Masitara, Homakoma and reigning SADC ABU junior featherweight champion Monica Mkandla.
Unfortunately, most of these female boxers lack financial support and a sound promotion strategy. Chiwandire made history when she challenged for the WBC World Super Bantamweight title against Mexican champion Yamileth Mercado in Chihuahua last year.
She became the first Zimbabwean to fight for a WBC gold belt, but since March 2023, she has not stepped into the ring.
That has forced her to sever ties with Clyde Musonda’s Delta Force stable.
She announced this move on her Facebook page early last week.
Online Reporter