Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Sports Hub
RETIRED British boxer Kell Brook is set to visit the country this week for a series of coaching clinics with local athletes, administrators and scouts.
The 40-year-old, who lost only three bouts out of 40 he took part in, is expected in Harare on May 30, courtesy of Proma Events Africa and the Manyuchi Boxing Academy.
The visit has also been sanctioned by the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB).
In an interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub, Proma Events chief executive, Blessing Jeke, confirmed Brook’s upcoming trip to Zimbabwe.
“I can confirm Kell Brook’s visit to Zimbabwe on the 30th of May for a series of coaching clinics with local academies, to interface with practising boxers, and to explore partnerships,” said Jeke.
“Brook is a retired British boxer who has amassed several titles. He only lost three bouts out of 40.
“Our chairman, Ambassador Leonard Chidziva, is the one who was linked to him by a Zimbabwean based in Canada.”
Jeke said that, after careful consideration, they decided to invite Brook to Zimbabwe to meet local boxing academy owners, aspiring boxers and partners.
Jeke also revealed that the visit is meant to empower local boxers with modern techniques required of them. “We want local boxers to learn from the host, and that is why we have decided to invite Brook, who is well known the world over.
“It would be inspiring for locals to learn from the horse’s mouth when Brook comes.
“I think he has plenty of stories to share with local athletes before we take him to Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe to appreciate our nation’s natural beauty.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by ZNBWCB secretary-general Priscilla Kadungure.
“Brook’s visit next is crucial for us, in as far as boxing is concerned,” she said.
“As the boxing fraternity, it affords us an opportunity to assess areas of collaboration.
“We more than ready for his visit and I have spoken with partners behind his visit.”
Kadungure added that Brook would be visiting a number of academies in the country.
“We can still make boxing lucrative again by engaging the right partners and sponsors. We need funding to ensure that we promote and tap talent from the grassroots level.
“I see this happening with proper partnerships, and it has been our desire to reach out to remote areas,” she said.
According to his biography, Brook was born on May 3, 1986.
He competed from 2004 to 2022.
He held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight title from 2014 to 2017 and challenged once for a unified middleweight world title in 2016.
At regional level, he held multiple welterweight titles, including the British welterweight title from 2008 to 2010. In May 2017, Brook was ranked as the world’s best active welterweight by The Ring magazine.
