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TWO knockouts were registered at the 14-bout Bulawayo Amateur Boxing Association tournament held at Manor Hotel on Saturday. Bulawayo Metropolitan Province’s medal hopeful at the August National Youth Games, Shadreck Machaya of Nketa Boxing Club knocked out Sikhulile High School’s Mbongeni Mathe in the first round of their catch weight bout.
The other knockout of the day was in the lightweight fight where Lobengula’s Lancelot Moyo smashed Andile Ncube of Tshaka in the third round.
Ezwell Ndlovu, Baba vice-chairman was happy with the turnout and said the provincial coaches managed to shortlist pugilists who will represent Bulawayo at the National Youth Games to be staged in Mutare.
“We really had a good tournament and the boxers came in their numbers. The future of boxing really looks bright for Bulawayo because we saw a number of novices fighting like seasoned boxers. Even the coaches were impressed with the level of boxing,” said Ndlovu.
“The only problem that we’re having is that there are a few girls in boxing. We encourage schools to establish boxing clubs and we intend to provide interested schools with coaches should they want to establish the sport just like Sikhulile High School.”
The only women’s bout saw Bridget Ncube of Sikhulile High School beating Nketa’s Karen Masiyambumbi. Ncube made up for her April loss to Musawenkosi Ncube of Nketa, winning against Masiyambumbi on points.
Ndlovu singled bout number six, a catch weight fight between Zibusiso Nyoni and Devine Jiyane as the best of the tournament. The two, trading leather for the first time fought like seasoned boxers. Nyoni won the match on points.
Nyoni and Jiyane are likely to be included in Bulawayo’s team for the National Youth Games where they will join Machaya.
Results
Bantamweight: Matthew Ndlovu (Sikhulile High School) won on points against Endy Muleya (Nketa)
Flyweight: Mighty Kudzotsa (Nketa) won on points against Thabo Ndlovu (Sikhulile High School)
Light flyweight: Kelvin Gatsheni (Sikhulile High School) won on points against Wisdom Nyakota (Nketa)
Catch weight: Zibusiso Nyoni (Nketa) won on points against Devine Jiyane (Lobengula), Bridget Ncube (Sikhulile High School) won on points against Karen Masiyambumbi (Nketa), Shadreck Machaya (Nketa) knocked out Mbongeni Mathe (Sikhulile High School), Samson Masiyambumbi (Nketa) won on points against Assurance Moyo (Lobengula)
Pin weight: Mengezi Mbambo (Sikhulile High School) won on points against Lovemore Sagombeto (Nketa), Clive Simozo (Sikhulile High School) won on points against Tapiwa Basket (Nketa)
Lightweight: Lancelot Moyo (Lobengula) knocked out Andile Ncube (Tshaka)
Heavyweight: Moses Moyo (Lobengula) won on points against Artwell Rungwandi (HQ One Brigade)
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