Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
REVAI MADONDO is one of the local female boxers who are struggling to make ends meet.
With opportunities getting fewer by each passing year, Madondo has often found herself counting more losses than gains.
But the 28-year-old boxer believes light will eventually shine at the end of this dark tunnel.
She will be back in the ring next month, exactly 17 months after her last fight.
Madondo is set to take on Sehliselwe Nhliziyo for the national Super Flyweight belt, at the second edition of the Trabablas Gloves On tournament at the Harare International Conference Centre on December 4.
It will be her 13th professional fight, coming one and half years after she lost to Karina Tazabekova of Russia in Saint Petersburg in July, 2024.
Madondo lost via a unanimous decision.
“From there I never had opportunities, it was always promise after promise,” Madondo told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
She sees the recently launched Trabablas Gloves On boxing tournament as a “perfect” opportunity for female boxers, who have been starved of fights.
The first edition of the Trabablas Gloves On tournament was held in Chivhu on November 1.
Some of the female boxers who took part include Chiedza Homakoma and Cecilia Pitiseni.
The boxing shows are being promoted by the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy and Delta Force.
“We keep pushing as female boxers, though the environment is tough. I never stopped training, but it was on and off.
“There have been a lot of promises that were never fulfilled, but I am still in shape,” said Madondo.
Her record now stands at 8-4-1.
“The Trabablas tournaments are a big opportunity for us to develop boxing in Zimbabwe.
“We normally don’t have regular boxing tournaments in Zimbabwe.
“So, we will be happy if there are consistent tournaments.
“As female boxers we always have challenges but we will keep focused,” added Madondo.
She has intensified her training program ahead of what could be a life changing fight against Nhliziyo who hails from Bulawayo.
“I have a vision and I will remain focused. To the fans they should come and support boxing.
“I am preparing very hard for this tournament and I will grab this opportunity like it’s the last one in my career.
“What’s clear is that I am going to the next female Super Flyweight champion,” declared Madondo.
She turned professional in 2017 and has fought against some top local female boxers including Patience Masitara, Zvikomborero Danzwa and Homakoma.
