Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
EXPECTATIONS are high ahead of tomorrow’s inaugural “Trabablas Gloves On” tournament in Chivhu, but all eyes will be on one man, Tinashe “Chairman” Mwadziwana.
The Mbare-bred boxer isn’t just chasing his 20th professional win.
He’s also gunning to reclaim the World Boxing Federation Africa Super Featherweight title, a belt he once held, after stepping away from the sport for 15 months.
Mwadziwana, who briefly retired to focus on business, returns to the ring against Malawi’s Laston Kaira in what promises to be one of the night’s standout bouts.
The 35-year-old fighter carries a record of 19 wins from 33 fights and enjoys strong backing from his manager, Clyde Musonda of the Delta Force Boxing Stable, who’s confident the veteran will rise to the occasion.
“Titi has been working very hard in the gym and he is looking sharp and ready for the fight.
“This is an international title bout and he is aware this is a very important event,” Musonda told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Musonda, whose Delta Force stable is co-promoting the event with the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy, believes the Chivhu crowd will witness something special.
“He is a former World Boxing Federation champion and he is eager to reclaim the belt.
“I am confident he will do well and make us proud. To the boxing fans, I am urging them to come in their thousands.
“I know people from Chivhu love their boxing and the town has always been a boxing town,” said Musonda.
Mwadziwana, who also held the national title, has sounded bullish in the build up.
“I don’t want to say much now, but I am certain I will win.
“Let’s wait for Saturday,” he said.
The weigh in takes place today at Phil Jen Country Lodges, the same venue that will host the 20-bout festival tomorrow.
Over 40 boxers from DR Congo, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe will trade leather in what’s being billed as one of the biggest boxing nights of the year.
Among the visiting stars is Zambia’s Simon Ngoma, Africa’s top ranked lightweight.
Former Africa Boxing union lightweight champion Aliyah Phiri is also part of a strong local contingent looking to make a statement.
Mathew Masinge