Sundaymail Editor
Sports Reporter
THE countdown has begun and Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire is keeping her eyes firmly on the prize as she braces for what could be a life-changing bout.
She is gunning for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight belt, which is currently in the hands of Mexican Yamileth Mercado.
The fight has been sanctioned by the WBC and scheduled for March 18 in Chihuahua, Mexico.
As expected in a build-up to a big bout of this magnitude, contractual negotiations tend to drag.
The Mexican camp is naturally dictating the pace and have reportedly made some demands, including an automatic rematch should their boxer lose.
They also want the right to promote Chiwandire’s next two fights should she become the new WBC Super Bantamweight champion.
It has emerged, however, that the Mexicans have since scrapped the latter clause in the new contract that has been signed by the local boxer’s camp.
But it is believed they are still dithering, as they are yet to send a signed contract back to Harare.
As a result, Delta Force have written to the WBC, seeking the sanctioning body’s intervention and “advice” on the way forward.
The letter, dated February 13, which was seen by The Sunday Mail Sport, accuses Mercado’s camp of negotiating in bad faith.
It looks like the Mexicans are unsure of their chances of retaining the WBC Super Bantamweight title, given Chiwandire’s performance in her last two fights.
The 27-year-old Zimbabwean star pugilist wrested the Interim WBC Super Bantamweight belt from highly rated Catherine Phiri of Zambia in Lusaka in February last year.
She successfully defended the title against Mexican Zulina Munoz in Harare on October 15, 2022 and automatically earned the right to challenge for the world title.
Both Phiri and Munoz are rated top 10 female Super Bantamweight boxers by the WBC.
“We are glad to inform you that we have concluded contract negotiations for the mandatory WBC Super Bantamweight championship title between Kudakwashe Chiwandire and Yamileth Mercado, and have set the fight for the 18th of March 2023 in Chihuahua, Mexico,” wrote Delta Force.
“We are, however, in a predicament as Ms Mercado’s camp is yet to furnish us with a signed contract when we ourselves signed the contract that they drafted and availed us.
“It has been 10 days now.
“Please, advise on how we should proceed . . .
“This unwarranted delay puts our chances for effective preparation in jeopardy, hence the perception of bad faith negotiation on their part.”
Chiwandire’s manager, Clyde Musonda, remains confident the contest will go ahead as scheduled.
“It’s normal for these contractual talks to drag because both parties want the best for their boxers.
“And, in this case, as Delta Force, we also want to protect the interests of our boxer,” he said.
“The boxer is training hard and is looking sharp and determined to wrest the belt from Mercado.
“We have received massive support from our key sponsor, RM Plumbing, who are taking care of her needs, including training.”
Online Reporter