adminLangton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
INTERNATIONAL boxing champion Charles Manyuchi’s exploits, a direct result of his connection with Zambian promoters, are inspiring fast rising boxer Tapiwa Tembo.
Tembo, a super bantamweight boxer who grew up in Gweru, is on the books of South African boxing stable Blood, Sweat and Tears.
The 24-year-old pugilist has been enjoying a steady rise since the beginning of the year.
His profile rose on June 26 when he stretched WBO Intercontinental bantamweight title holder Klaas Mboyane to the limit in a televised fight that drew nationwide viewership in South Africa.
Tembo, who lost on a split decision to the South African, is bitter and maintains he was robbed of a deserved victory.
However, that set back has not distracted him from pursuing his dream of landing a world title.
“I am very happy with how my career is developing here in South Africa. I have proven that I can be the best by defeating a number of boxers here and the fans just love me.
“Everyone who saw that match against Mboyane live on television will testify, I was robbed,” said Tembo from his base.
His handlers believe Tembo would have attracted more international fights had he won that match.
His fight with Mboyane was attended by several high profile personalities including South Africa’s sports minister Fikile Mbalula.
Tembo’s professional record stands at 5-5-0 and the Zimbabwean has won four of his last six matches and all of those victories were by way of knockout.
His manager Felix Venganayi believes Tembo can follow in Manyuchi’s footsteps.
“The youngster has got talent, everyone here knows about his capability.
“Now we are focusing on getting him more fights, just before the end of the year, so that we prepare him to challenge for world titles.
“Tembo is a hard worker, one thing that is fundamental in boxing and I am sure he will be an international champion in the near future,” said Venganayi.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter