adminSisa Sihwa, Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) national technical director Steven Masiyambumbi says boxing is expected to have a full plate throughout the season as there are many tournaments lined up for the pugilists this year.
With the season set to start on 28 January with the India Open Boxing tourney and end in November with the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships.
Other events lined for this year include the ZBF Open, AFBC Zone six Championships, schools boxing tournament, the Youth Olympic Games, National Youth Games, the FISU World University Boxing Championships and the AIBA Youth World Championship.
Masiyambumbi said this year is expected to be one of the busiest years for the ZBF and the boxers.
“This year promises to be full of activity for the boxers, fans and pundits as we have many tournaments lined up for the boxing season. This year our boxing season kicks off early as there are many events set for our calendar,’’ he said.
Masiyambumbi said it is pivotal to have many competitions set as it will assist in unearthing more young and talented boxers.
“Having several tournaments assists in identifying and discovering young talented boxers across the provinces, while giving the unheralded pugilists an opportunity to trade leather with many seasoned opponents. This will help in propelling the country forward in the sporting code,’’ he said.
Masiyambumbi urged the boxers to gear up for a jam packed season as there will be less time to train for competitions.
“I would like to encourage the pugilists to be ready and remain fit in preparation for the tournaments that will occur throughout the season which will give them less time to prepare,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the ZBF executive council will hold an annual general meeting on 27 January in Gweru to review the previous season and finalise this year’s calendar which promises more action for the boxing enthusiasts and the boxers as well. — @J_Sihwa
derick.khumalo