adminTadious Manyepo in LUSAKA, Zambia
HISTORY-CHASING female boxer Kudakwashe “Small Dynamite” Nyagura weighed over a kilogramme less than her Zambian opponent Alice Mbewe, but says she is not intimidated ahead of the pair’s Women International Boxing Association Intercontinental super fly weight title duel in Lusaka, Zambia tonight.
Nyagura weighed 49,5kg, while Mbewe clocked in 51,3kg at a weigh-in held yesterday at MaGod Lodge in the outskirts of the Zambian capital.
The 19-year-old, who is the first female pugilist from this country to contest for a WIBA crown with only three professional bouts under her belt, expressed confidence she will subdue her much more fancied age-mate who has a little bit of international experience.
The boxer, who was mobbed by Zambians after the weigh-in proceedings, said she has respect for Mbewe, but was ready to reveal a lot more about her prowess inside the ring.
Nyagura is the latest of several top-notch graduates from the famed Mau-Mau stable owned by the game’s guru, Stalin Mau-Mau, to challenge for global honours.
“I am not intimidated by the big stage. My opponent has previously contested on the international front, but that cannot instil any fear in me whatsoever,” she said.
“I am in Zambia to box, I know what is at stake. It’s not just about me, it’s about my country and my career.
“I have to go into the ring and give everything that I have. I have been working hard, preparing for the bout which has the potential to change the panorama of female boxing in Zimbabwe.
“Of course fighting away from home against an opponent who has the full backing of a whole nation is tough, but I am well-conditioned both physically and mentally to face that.”
Zimbabwe Boxing Control Board committee member Patrick Mukondiwa has been appointed to take charge of the 10-round contest.
Several other Zimbabwean boxers from the Charles Manyuchi Academy will also get into the ring as supporting bouts.
National bantamweight champion Hassan Milanzi will take on rising Zambian prospect Philemon Hara, with Brendon Dennis set to trade leather with Raphiel Kasoma in the lightweight category.
Evans Usavihwevhu, on the other hand, will be out to extend his unbeaten run against Bazla Ngoza in the same lightweight division.
The only female boxer from Manyuchi’s academy, Kudakwashe Chiwandire, faces off with Mellisa Mumba in the bantamweight pool.
Online Reporter