Take Money targets KO in Mexico

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWE’S top female boxer Kudakwashe Chiwandire is confident of pulling a stunner when she heads to Mexico to fight Yeimi Yamleth Mercardo this month.

Chiwandire, who has stepped up her preparations for the ultimate World Boxing Council (WBC) Gold belt against the WBC Super Bantamweight world champion Mercado, said she has analysed her opponent’s videos.

The pair of World Boxing Council super-bantamweight interim title holder, Chiwandire and Mexican pugilist Mercado’s fight is on March 18.
Chiwandire, known by stage name “Take Money” is happy that her opponent has signed the fight contract and expressed her gratitude to her sponsors.

“Firstly, I would like to thank sponsors KGK, Pumping World and Invictus Gym who have made all this dream possible by backing me. To the fans, the moment we’ve been waiting for has arrived as we are now in possession of the signed contracts and we have the date which is 18 March 2023. Now I’m waiting to go there and bring the belt home.

“I know the fight will be difficult, but I’ve got some tricks under my sleeve. I’ve watched her games, analysed them and I know what’s required of me to win the games. What I know is that she won’t last 10 rounds,” said a confident Chiwandire.
The Zimbabwean boxer who got shot at the WBC Gold belt after defeating Mexican challenger Zulina Munoz at the Harare International Conference Centre last year in October, said planning for that fight was more difficult than Mercado’s.

“I think ratings matter little here because we are both going there with our confidence high, but I’ll say this fight isn’t as difficult as the last. I’ve watched more videos and know Yamleth’s strengths and weaknesses. I know what I’m stepping up to. It’s going to be a challenging fight that I’m confident to conquer,” said Chiwandire.

Winning against Munoz lifted Chiwandire’s ratings to sixth out of 168.
The Zimbabwean pugilist, whose stock has been rapidly rising will now face the world’s number two boxer Mercado.
Clyde Musonda, Delta Force founder and Chiwandire’ trainer said take Money has been training hard for the fight.

“Take Money has been at the gym anticipating this and we were not distracted when they delayed to announce the fight date. She’ll be wrapping up her preparations and we’re confident of a good trip,” Musonda said. – @ZililoR.