Zika to host friendly international tournament

Mexico to concentrate on hosting the Friendly International Judgment Day tournament early next month.
The tournament is slated for November 5 in Matabeleland South in a move meant to promote the development of the sport in other provinces.
In the past, most tournaments were held in Harare but the national association has decided to move the event to Beitbridge.

The main bout will feature Zimbabwe’s Bernard Robin and Finland’s Jarkko Jussila who will battle it out in the light-welterweight division.
Zimbabwe were hoping to participate in the Inter-Continental championships this month but Zika president, Tony Kamangira, revealed that they are now concentrating on raising funds to host their event as it is less expensive than travelling for a tournament in another country.

Last month, Zimbabwe failed to go to Madagascar for the African Kickboxing Confederation Zone Four championships due to financial constraints.
“We are now preparing to host the Friendly International Judgment Day in November, so the resources we were raising for the Inter-Continental championships will now be channelled towards that event.
“We do not have much problems in terms of hosting an event than travelling because it involves a lot of expenses.

“We want to go to remote areas where kickboxing is still developing and support the developing programmes being done in those areas.
“We have had so many tournaments in Harare,” said Kamangira.
Kamangira said the province was capable of hosting event as they successfully hosted two local tournaments recently.

“We held two tournaments there and the response was overwhelming, they have also proved that they can host the event.
“We have a fighter from Finland coming, he has already confirmed with us and that is going to be the main bout of the tournament.
“However, we are going to have supporting bouts and we are expecting more than five matches.

“Now that we have the opportunity to host international events, it will go a long way in the development of the sport locally,” Kamangira said.
The Zika president said the event was part of their preparations for the World Championships in Dublin, Ireland, on November 23.
“This is part of our preparations for the World championships. We have to select the best fighters that will qualify for the competition,” said Kamangira.