Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
THE Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) says it will not be deterred by financial incentives for amateur boxers offered by their international mother body.
Previously amateur boxers fought for pride with the Olympics, the ultimate goal. There were no financial inducements with those that turn professional enjoying purse money every time they got deals to fight.
ZBF technical director Stephen Masiyambumbi says getting a boxer to fight at the Olympics through a rigorous path remains their ultimate goal.
“Regarding the financial aspect, we recognise that the International Boxing Association continues to offer prize-money and financial support to its affiliated boxers, however, our federation’s mandate is to support athletes on the Olympic pathway,” said Masiyambumbi.
Amateur boxing loses a lot of boxers to the professional ranks without any form of compensation. Masiyambumbi says as ZBF they maintain good rapport with their boxers.
He said as ZBF they always look at the professional ranks not as rivals but as the next step for ripe amateurs.
“We maintain a professional and transparent dialogue with our boxers. We see the professional ranks as a potential next step for athletes when they are ready,” said Masiyambumbi.
He said their focus for now remains providing the best possible structure for development, funding and competition.
He says all their activities are aligned to the Olympic movement so that boxers maximise on their amateur careers.
“There is no ‘tussle’, there is a clear, structured pathway we are committed to supporting.”
“Our long-term focus remains firmly on the Olympic Games and World championship,” said Masiyambumbi.
He said a number of national tournaments have been lined up.
International tournaments in which they will participate in 2026, he said, are expected to provide the necessary exposure and ranking points for Zimbabwean amateur boxers to qualify for the 2027 Olympic qualification events.
There is the All-Africa Games next year.
“Regarding the All-Africa Games we are closely monitoring the schedule set by the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC). Our high-performance camps throughout 2026 will be strategically timed to ensure our top athletes are peaking for the specific qualification windows set by the continental body for those Games,” he said.
Masiyambumbi said there is great depth in their ranks across all weight divisions.
“We are currently seeing great depth across several divisions, particularly in our elite boxers who have managed to participate in the IBA World Games in Dubai and Youth categories which suggests a very bright future for the senior ranks.”
Mandlenkosi Marusenga from Masvingo, Christian Ndlovu who is based in South Africa, Mqheli Moyo from Hwange, Tawanda Dondo from Bulawayo and Wisdom Dube from Shimba Academy are some of the top amateur boxers Masiyambumbi said a lot is expected from.
Bongani Ndlovu