Tinaye Agere
Langton Nyakwenda
Online Reporter
RUSAPE-based amateur heavyweight boxer Anesu Motsi says he is now ready to take the next step after it was revealed the 32-year-old could finally turn professional.
With a body that resembles that of the late boxing great Proud “Kilimanjaro” Chinembiri, Motsi has for long been touted as a potential heavyweight champion, but lack of local opponents stalled his progress.
Zimbabwe has only four recognised heavyweights, namely Vincent Muziri, Itai Mutsvairo, Collin Nyamambishi and Simon Madanhire.
Motsi is now set for a fight with Madanhire, in a match that will see the Rusape-bred pugilist turning professional.
The fight could be slotted into a bill that will be hosted by the Charles Manyuchi Academy in Harare on June 15.
Tatenda Biningu, a product of the academy, will fight for a World Boxing Federation lightweight title.
Local promoter and matchmaker, Clyde Musonda, is fixing the match between Motsi and Madanhire as one of the undercard bouts.
“Yes, we are looking at that possibility,” Musonda said. “If we fail to make the fight in June then we should have this heavyweight match in August.”
And Motsi is beaming with confidence.
“I have been working hard at the amateur level for many years and I feel it’s high time I make the next step,” said Motsi. “I know age is not on my side, but I think I still have many more years in this sport.”
Motsi, who weighs 115kgs and is 198cm tall, is fresh from a decent outing in Durban, South Africa.
He won silver at the Nelson Mandela African Boxing Cup in April.
“It was good to win a medal at the tournament in South Africa. I will keep working hard,” he said.
Online Reporter