adminCurtworth Masango
A STATUE of legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali, widely celebrated as the “Greatest”, has been given to Kudakwashe Chiwandire.
It’s a symbol of solidarity to her ahead of her title defence, scheduled for August 20 in Harare, against Mexican Zulina Munoz.
The JR Turner Foundation delivered the US$45 000 bronze statue.
The foundation’s representative, Ben-Israel Stone, said they were rallying behind Chiwandire to defend her title.
“This is the oldest Muhammad Ali bronze statue made by African-American artist J. Britson.
“The statue is the first to be endorsed by Muhammad Ali, 42 years ago.
“There is no other brand in the world that predates this sculpture.
“It was made of a special technique, invented by our ancestors 2000 BC.
“It is made of bronze and it will last forever,” said Stone.
He said they were behind Take Money. “We are blessed enough to pass this legacy to our sister Kudakwashe and will assist her to defend her title here in Zimbabwe as a fund-raising token.
“We hope it will allow her to defend the title for Zimbabweans.
“We must not lose and give up our title because it belongs here.”
Clyde Musonda, who is the manager and trainer of Chiwandire, saluted the efforts put in by the JR Tuner Foundation in support of their title defence.
“We would like to thank JR Turner for the kind donation.
“We welcome the partnership, which will go a long way in ensuring our history is safe.
“Muhammad Ali, in his lifetime, remained a vocal advocate, championing talent and upliftment of the black community.
“We feel that, even beyond the grave, the man whom we all regard as the greatest athlete to stand in the ring, is giving us support here in Zimbabwe.
“This is a clarion call to the rest of us Zimbabweans.
“If Muhammad can support us from the grave then we have to all come in and make sure the event is a success,” he added. The sculpture is set to be auctioned and the proceeds will be used to sponsor Chiwandire in her title defence in August.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter