ZBF introduces professional boxing

Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) has introduced professional boxing within its ranks which is in line with resolutions made at the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Congress in Switzerland in 2013.

According to AIBA, its affiliates like the ZBF are now a wholesome package under one body consisting of AIBA Open Boxing (AOB) for former amateurs and AIBA Professional Boxers (APB) for professionals.

ZBF secretary-general, Goodwill Sibanda said the boxing board had decided to adopt the new AIBA guidelines after the realisation that the federation was losing its boxers to “dubious” promoters affiliated to the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB).

“Since we are looking at participating at the upcoming All-Africa Games in Congo-Brazzaville we found it prudent to come up with means to retain boxers within the ZBF open system after we realised that we were losing them to dubious promoters affiliated to ZNBWCB who poach our boxers and give them one fight and their careers end just like that.

“To avoid this we have come up with the professionals’ board which is chaired by Jephias Kujinga. This means that ZBF will now promote professional boxing for boxers within its ranks who no longer have competition. This means that for the first time boxers under the ZBF ranks who decide to turn professional will be paid,” he said.

Despite turning professional, the boxers under the ZBF professional ranks will also enjoy the advantage of being selected for continental and international tournaments such as the All-Africa Games and the Olympics among others, a scenario which is not possible for boxers fighting under the ZNBWCB.

The federation is on a drive to lure sponsors to set up professional fights as a measure to stop boxers from crossing over to the other board.

Sibanda said the federation has also directed that its affiliate clubs are now required to tie boxers to contracts as a way of retaining them so that they can still be eligible to represent the country in regional and international competitions.

Said Sibanda: “We have already directed the provinces to submit the names of boxers who want to turn professional and from now on these boxers will fight using the point system.

“To minimise the risk of losing our boxers, clubs within our ranks are now required to sign contracts with these boxers so that they do not cross the floor and can still be able to represent the country in any competitions.”

The first professional fights have been set for next month in Bulawayo.