Rumble in the City of Kings

Langton Nyakwenda

Zimpapers Sports Hub

FAMOUS for being home to Premiership giants Highlanders, the oldest team in the elite league, the city of Bulawayo has also had its fair share of boxing fame.

A number of prominent boxers have come out of the City of Kings.

Former national champions Thamsanga Dube, Mordicai Donga, Ambrose Mlilo, and Freddie Chisoro all hail from Bulawayo.

Elvis “The Bomber” Moyo, who is now competing in the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC), the legendary Ringo Star, Trust Ndlovu, and Nokuthula Tshabangu are some of the notable pugilists from the City of Kings.

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.

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 the 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,” said 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,’’ he said.

“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.”

A number of female boxers, including Bulawayo-based pugilist Sehliselswe 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,” Musavengana said.

“It’s good to have women participating in this tournament.

“Boxing empowers women by giving them physical fitness, teaching them self-defence skills, body confidence, and enhancing their overall well-being.

“Boxing is also creating economic opportunities for women because a lot of young women are benefiting financially through these tournaments.

“They also get scholarships through sports, 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 greats, who hailed from Mbare.

Hillary is the son of the late former champion Gilbert “Giro” Josamu, while Arifonso Junior is an offspring of ex-Commonwealth Flyweight champions Arifonso Zvenyika.

Another interesting bout is between top-notch pugilist Chiwandire and Malawian Mercy Mashiri.

Home-grown talent will also be on show, as 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.