Queen Of The Jungle eyes success

Bruce Chikuni

WIBA intercontinental lightweight boxing champion, Monalisa “Queen of the Jungle” Sibanda, has vowed to once again fly the country’s flag high when she defends her title against Uganda’s Small Valente Aciro on July 27, in Victoria Fall.

She won the crown in 2019, after beating Kenyan boxer, Joyce Awino.

The tournament’s promoter, Stalin Mau-Mau, confirmed yesterday at a press briefing, in the capital, all was set for Sibanda to defend her title.

Sibanda insisted she has been training hard to be in the best shape possible for the fight.

“I started training for the title defence the day I won the title,” she said.

“I’m a firm believer of the saying that champions are made in training.

“I have spent the last three years preparing, and undertaking different tactical and technical training, so that I successfully defend my title.”

She hailed Deneves Management, and her coach, for ensuring that she remained in her best shape.

“I want to thank my coach, Sangulani, he has worked closely with me to ensure that I’m in the best shape physically, and mentally, for the upcoming fight.

“I also want to thank Deneves Management for providing the financial support for my training and for also ensuring that I adhere to all the training programmes.

“I also want to thank the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Recreation, and the Mau-Mau boxing Promotion for providing support to my title defence,” she said.

Mau-Mau emphasised the need for the corporate world to come on board to support Zimbabwean boxers.

Foreign delegates are expected to land in the country for the event.

The Zimbabwean Tourism Authority will partner the organisers in giving the delegates a feel of the country.

Victoria Falls Boxing Tournament Bout Card

WIBA title fight light welterweight 10 rounds

Monalisa Sibanda (Zim) vs Small Valente Aciro (Uganda)

Cruiserweight 8 rounds

Anele Bafana (Zim) vs Alick Gogodo (Malawi)

Superwelterweight 6 rounds

Freeman Mabvongwe (Otto B/C) vs Sheriff Kasongo (Zambia)

Super Featherweight 6 rounds

Jeremiah Mhere ( Zim) vs Sydney Baloyi