Silver lining for boxing

LOCAL boxing action could spring back to life with an Independence Day extravaganza that is being organised by long-serving promoter Boris Zneider of Black Fist Promotions.

The City Sports Centre is set to host seven non-title bouts involving boxers from Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe on April 18.

Zneider disclosed that the tournament, whose main card will be the light heavyweight fight between former champion Wesley Mcdade and Bulawayo-based Noel Mpofu, has a $15 000 budget.

“We need $15 000 to put this extravaganza together and are hoping that the corporate world will come in and assist,” he said.

“All the boxers have been cleared by the board and those coming from outside the country have also confirmed their participation.

“We haven’t had boxing for a long time and I hope this tournament will signal the beginning of better things to come.

“What we are trying to do is prop up our boxers’ records and prepare them for international title fights.”

The highly-rated Mpofu fights under Tshaka Boxing Promotions, a Bulawayo-based stable owned by veteran trainer Philip Striker.

Striker also has upcoming pugilists Dumezweni Ntuliki and Lovewell Maphosa on his books.

Lightweight boxer Ntuliki and Maphosa (bantamweight) will square off against Tebogo Katiso and Patrick Seoko of Botswana respectively.

On the female card, Zneider’s boxer Patience Master will face Linah Kasweka of Zambia in a six-round bantamweight match.

Diana Makumbe faces another Zambian Maggie Lalingilami in a four-round bantamweight bout, while veteran welterweight boxer Monalisa Sibanda has a date with Frisco Makumbe.

World Boxing Council international welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi and his Oriental Quarries teammate Esther Phiri of Zambia are expected to make special guest appearances, according to Zneider.

Meanwhile, the veteran boxing promoter revealed that he is having a nightmare in the capital as some people mistake him for the late notorious criminal Boris Mushonga of Mbare.

“You see, whenever people mentioned my first name, many would rush to conclude it was the Boris from Mbare.

“The other day I assisted a young girl from that suburb, but people from around the place thought it was the other Boris. Next time when you write about me, please use my picture,” said Zneider with a huge smile.