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Augustine Hwata Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN boxer Elvis “Bulawayo Bomber” Moyo could be crowned the new continental champion if he manages to negotiate his way past Osbourne Machimana in their battle for the World Boxing Federation African heavyweight title in Cape Town tonight.Moyo, who hails from Bulawayo, is plunging into a rematch against the South African opponent after their non-title clash at the Sandton Convention on February 2, ended in a draw.
Now, more is at stake as the two battle over 10-rounds in the main event at the Southern Sun Cape Hotel.
Moyo is getting into the bout as the underdog after his last fight ended in defeat on points to Danie Venter in July this year.
Machimana is a former South African A heavyweight champion while Moyo has 10 fights from which he has won only three times, drawing twice and losing five times.
A victory for Moyo will see him emulating his sparring partner Thamsanqa Dube who is a former Pan-African World Boxing Association heavyweight champion.
Before the main bout, another Zimbabwean, Felix Vengenai will take to the square ring against Simphiwe Tom in a World Boxing Federation African junior-lightweight title over 10 rounds.
Just like Moyo, who is based in South Africa, Venganayi is also coming from the Blood, Sweat and Tears Boxing stable in Cape Town.
The undercard fight will feature Kevin Lerena, of South Africa, trading leather with Big Ben Marce from the Democratic Republic of Congo in a heavyweight non-title match over six rounds.
On a bill manly dominated by South Africans, Lwandile Gugushe will take on compatriot Manene Ngcayi in a junior light-weight non-title fight over six rounds as Mnikelo Ndema fights Phumuzile Njonju in a four-round bantamweight contest.
Meanwhile, Delta Force Boxing promotions manager Clyde Musonda said they were working flat out to ensure that their World Boxing Union bantamweight title fight between Zimbabwe’s Tapiwa Tembo and Zambia’s Gideon Kamota goes ahead.
The fight was deferred from November 2 at the City Sports Centre after Delta Force failed to deposit the boxers’ purse with the Zimbabwe Boxing Control Board.
Musonda said the fight will now be held on December 22 while he is close to sealing deal with a United States –based consultancy that could sell the television rights on behalf of Delta Force.
“‘We are making efforts to find partners and promises are there. I am confident that this time we should be able to host the historic world title fight in Zimbabwe, without any problems on Unity Day,” said Musonda.
Online Reporter