adminGilbert Munetsi Sports Correspondent
THE coach of the Zambian team of professional boxers who arrived in the country on Wednesday evening, for an international friendly tournament, has prayed for fair officiation.
The boxing show is set for Phil-Jen Country Lodges in Chivhu tomorrow.
Anthony “The Preacherman” Mwamba returns to Zimbabwe with sad memories of a match in which he felt his boxer was robbed of victory at Magamba Hall early in the year.
The boxer, Simon Ngoma, will tomorrow headline the seven-bout boxing showcase tipped to awaken the sleepy southern town of Chivhu that has been put together by the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy in partnership with the Great Zimbabwe University.
Ngoma captains boxers from the Exodus Boxing stable who include Raphael Kasoma (light welterweight), Joseph Chewe (lightweight), Alice Mbewe and Emmanuel Kabwe (bantamweight).
It is the same stable that brought to the fore five-time WIBA and WIBF female world champion, Esther Phiri.
“It is always good to be in Zimbabwe because it is a home to us. The hospitality aside, we appeal to the authorities who are going to handle these matches to exercise utmost professionalism and good conduct because doing otherwise will all but kill the sport.
“We have done our homework and prepared well because we got notice well ahead of time, but it is the best boxer that must carry the day regardless of where they are from.
‘’Having said this, I promise all spectators nothing but the best out of this event,” he said.
Great Zimbabwe political administration student Brendon “Boika” Denese, who graduated into professional boxing after a very fruitful amateur spell of 35 wins and one loss and scooped gold at the Zone 5 Maputo Games early this year, will headline the bill against one of the two lightweights, possibly Chewe.
“Boika”, tipped to take over from his mentor (Charles Manyuchi) when the latter finally spikes his gloves, is a fast puncher, carries a heavy chin and possesses fine footwork.
“I am all out for a win, no matter who the opponent will be between the two lightweights. My masters have set a target for me and I will not allow anything to come in the way to disturb that vision,” he said yesterday.
Other boxers from the Charles Manyuchi Academy taking part are Hassan “Starby” Milanzi, Evans “99” Usavihwevhu and Tatenda Paradza.
Academy co-director Prosper Chibaya said their wish was to see the decentralisation of the sport of boxing – which has gained more popularity in the capital – to other remote areas such as Chivhu.
Online Reporter