Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Kick-boxing Association staged their National Championships and Pro Fights on Saturday at Allan Wilson School with participants competing in various categories.
The full-contact tournament attracted fighters from Harare, Mutare, Beitbridge, Norton and Chitungwiza and had 20 bouts lined up for the day, including two professional fights.
It also featured three schools, Allan Wilson, Churchill and Makumbe High School from Buhera.
Churchill dominated on the school’s side, picking three gold medals.
The highlight of the day was the match between Isaac Mhlanga and Patrick Chindudzi in the middle-weight category.
Mhlanga, displaying composure and technique, won the fight by a knock-out in the first round.
Royal Dengezi powered to victory when overcoming Brian Matsika in their division.
“For the first time in Zimbabwe, we held two pro title bouts in the men’s Under-70kg and Open categories, which were all low-kick style. Both fights kept spectators at the edge of their seats as 2024 African Championship gold medallist Royal Dengezi powered his way to a third-round TKO win over his very determined and aggressive opponent Brian Matsika in their catchweight showdown.
“We are happy to say that due to the excellent officiating and discipline from the fighters we experienced no serious injuries,” read a statement by ZIKA.
The youngest fighter at the tournament was 11-year-old Ronald Mhlanga from Beitbridge.
He won the under-40 kg category.
“We have great news for Zimbabwe as we are going to host the prestigious African Championships 2026 for the first time whereby over 20 top African countries will converge for the continental mother of all battles right here which shows that our beautiful and beloved country is the place to be.”
