adminThe absence of local boxing action has seen the sprouting of synergies between local and regional promoters in organising bouts for the country’s ring-rusty and cash-strapped pugilists.
A silver lining has been shining for some local boxers in the form of regional fights, especially in Botswana and Zambia where promoters have even lined up title fights.
Of concern, however, is the relevance of some of these so-called title fights in the world of boxing.
What boggles the mind is why most of the titles that Zimbabwean boxers are picked to compete for are vacant?
Why are boxers with appalling records being asked to compete for these belts?
A fortnight ago the Zimbabwe National Boxing Board of Control (ZNBBC) raised the red flag and refused to sanction two World Professional Boxing Federation title fights that had been brokered for Misheck Kondwani (junior lightweight) and Tawanda Chigwida (lightweight).
Kondwani and Chigwida’s ill-fated WPBF bouts were brokered by Mwenya Musenga Boxing Promotions of Zambia and the local Delta Force boxing stable.
The controlling body questioned the eligibility of the boxers to compete for world titles despite claims that the WPBF had cleared them.
The fact that Kondwani, who has lost 13 straight fights since July 2002, could have earned a shot at an African title further raised eyebrows.
Renowned boxing promoter Stalin Mau Mau fears “some of these mediocre titles that local boxers are competing for could affect the country’s boxing dignity.”
“To start with, some of these belts are of little relevance in the real world of boxing.
“My fear is that our boxers might be used to prop up regional boxers’ records,” he said.
ZNBBC, through their secretary Gilbert Munetsi, have since announced that they have launched investigations “into these so-called title fights.”
“We are wary of these so-called title fights and are scrutinising them immensely to ascertain if at all they are authentic,” he said.
“We have renowned sanctioning bodies like the African Boxing Union, World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association, World Boxing Federation and the International Boxing Federation that can enhance our reputation as a boxing nation.
“These are the bodies we are keen to work with. Why should we waste our energy on sanctioning fights that are organised by bodies that are not relevant in the real world of boxing?” quizzed Munetsi.
Online Reporter