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ONCE the Don King of Zimbabwean boxing, Stalin Mau Mau is intent on showing that he is back in business.
The veteran promoter wants to “mass produce” boxing champions and has put together a 12-bout fight night he describes as “a historic step” towards reviving local boxing.
A dozen titles will be on the line when Mau Mau hosts The Night of Champions at Harare Gardens on Saturday.
Crowd favourite and super bantamweight champion Tinashe “Chairman” Madziwane will defend his title against Jeremiah “Jingo Master” Mhere over 12 rounds in one of the main attractions.
Boxer-cum-footballer Patience Mastara will defend her bantamweight belt against Zvikomborero Danzwa (10 rounds), while women’s lightweight champion Chiedza Homakoma will square up against Cecelia Pisteni.
“Our boxing is emerging from the doldrums, this sport was on its death bed hence the need to mass produce the champions because we are way behind.
“We have hope that Zimbabwe will return to the Commonwealth so we have to make a head start by producing more national champions.
“A boxer can have a good boxing record but if you are not a national champion then your record becomes questionable.
“It’s like in football where it is difficult for a player to play in Europe without national team caps,” reasoned Mau Mau.
Zimbabwe presently has four recognised national champions in Madziwane, Mastara, Homakoma and Enock Musambudzi, who on saturday defends his light middleweight title against Thembani Mhlanga.
Mau Mau said the country’s expected return to the Commonwealth would give boxers a route to international titles.
“Commonwealth titles are a route to world titles just like what African Boxing Union belts can offer.
“But for a boxer to have a go at these international titles, one has to be a national champion hence our thrust to produce as many local champions as possible.
“This is the thinking behind the Night of Champions concept.”
Online Reporter