Chronicle Editor
Langton Nyakwenda
FAMOUS for being home to Highlanders, the country’s oldest Premier Soccer League club and a traditional football powerhouse, Bulawayo has also had its fair share of boxing fame.
Several prominent boxers have come out of the City of Kings.
Former national champions Thamsanga Dube, Trust Ndlovu, Ringo Star, Mordicai Donga, Sipho Moyo, Nokuthula Tshabangu, Ambrose Mlilo and Freddie Chisoro all hail from Bulawayo.
Elvis “The Bomber” Moyo, who is now competing in the Extreme Fighting Championship is from Bulawayo.
The province also gave the nation Dave Wellings, a renowned boxing trainer who worked with the late former African champion, Proud “Kilimanjaro” Chinembiri, and the late Philip “Striker” Ndlovu who passed away in 2021.
Another prominent promoter from Bulawayo whose Rampage Ring Promotions was behind the revival of professional boxing was Jeff Dube.
However, the country’s second-largest city has been starved of high-profile boxing tournaments in recent years.
But, that will change today when Bulawayo hosts a boxing extravaganza at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Hall to celebrate National Youth Day.
The bill, which has been dubbed “Legacy in the Making — Youth Day Trabablas Champions”, has been put up by Delta Force Boxing Promotions in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Empowerment and Vocational Training.
Concorde Young Women in Business, an organisation that promotes entrepreneurship amongst women, are also part of the organisers.
Clyde Musonda of Delta Force Boxing Promotions is looking forward to a thrilling tournament.
“What a way to celebrate the National Youth Day,” says Musonda.
“Bulawayo has always been a boxing hub and a conveyor belt of talent over the years.
“The city also has some exciting prospects so I guess it’s timely to have a big tournament in Bulawayo.
“Fans should come in their numbers and get to watch top boxers in action.”
Added Musonda: “The bill has some exciting names including Chiwandire who is a world-renowned boxer.
“We also have some boxers from Bulawayo and some coming from Malawi.”
Many female boxers, including Bulawayo-based pugilist Sehliselwe Nhliziyo, are also on the bill.
Aphiah Musavengana, founder of Concorde Young Women in Business, believes boxing can empower women economically and physically.
“This event is about remembering the name Trabablas, and honouring President Mnangagwa in his capacity as a war veteran, and the part he played in the war to make sure that youth enjoy the freedom they enjoy today,” says Musavengana.
“It’s good to have women participating in this tournament.
“Boxing empowers women by giving them physical fitness, teaching them self-defence skills, and body confidence, and enhancing their overall well-being.
“Boxing is also creating economic opportunities for women because a lot of young women are befitting financially through these tournaments.
“They also get scholarships through sport and they also get to support their communities.
“A big thank you to the Minister of Youth, Honourable Tino Machakaire, and the Special Presidential Advisor Paul Tungwarara for making this happen,” added Musavengana.
The tournament will also give a platform to two of the most promising male boxers Hillary Josamu and Arifonso Zvenyika Junior.
They will fight for the national bantamweight belt.
Both are sons of former boxing stars, who hailed from Mbare.
Hillary is the son of former champion Gilbert “Giro” Josamu while Arifonso Junior is an offspring of ex-Commonwealth flyweight champion Arifonso Zvenyika.
Another interesting bout is between top-notch pugilist Chiwandire and Malawian Mercy Mashiri.
Homegrown talent is also on show, as Sehliselwe Nhliziyo takes on Patience Masitara in a non-title bantamweight fight.
Nhliziyo is a seasoned competitor, who has competed against some of the best female pugilists in the country like Zvikomborero Danzwa.
“I am always ready for the battle,” says Nhliziyo.
“I am confident I will win, although it will be a tough fight.”
A heavyweight bout between Rusape boxer Anesu Motsi and Noel Mpofu is also on the card.
Lawrence Musambizi takes on Clever Sithole in a super middleweight fight while Victor Mukanya squares up against Anoni Tapiwa.
Online Reporter