‘Zim is open for boxing’

Langton Nyakwenda

INTERNATIONAL boxers from different African countries, with over hundred bouts between them, are in the country for a tournament that could further propel the country’s status on the global boxing stage.

Boxers from DR Congo, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania will feature at the Grand Finale 4 tournament at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare this evening.

The convergence of international boxers in Harare, has prompted one of the main sponsors of the event to declare that “Zimbabwe is open for boxing”.

Speaking at the weigh in ceremony held in Harare yesterday, Apphia Musavengana, who is the founder and president of Concord for Young Women in Business Global, also described boxing as a sport with “a long and rich history.”

“Sport has the power to generate employment, attract investment, and stimulate tourism. It can also help to build social cohesion, promote healthy lifestyles, and foster a spirit of teamwork and cooperation,” said Musavengana.

She added: “President Mnangagwa has made significant strides in promoting and supporting sport in Zimbabwe.

“He has emphasised the importance of sport in the country’s development and has initiated several measures to ensure its growth and one of the areas of focus has been boxing.”

Concord for Young Women in Business Global and Better Brands Petroleum are the chief sponsors of the Grand Finale 4, a bill that is being promoted by Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy.

Rising Zimbabwean boxer, Tatenda “Signature” Biningu has a chance to grab the World Boxing Federation Intercontinental Super Featherweight belt when he takes on Sadik Momba of Tanzania in the main bout.

The two boxers were in weight before facing off at a Harare hotel yesterday.

The card has a total of nine bouts that will feature some of the most exciting boxers in the country like Tinashe “Jones” Majoni, Clever Sithole and Evans Husayihwevhu.

Biningu, a 22-year-old boxer from Masvingo who is being groomed by Manyuchi, has extra motivation going into this fight. He will be given an opportunity to go for the WBF world title belt if he manages to account for the more experienced Momba.

The Tanzanian has 29 wins in 42 bouts and is 13 years older than Biningu, who also has a modest 8-1-0 record. However, Biningu is not scared of his opponent.

“I promise a good fight, but I will do most of the talking in the ring,” said Biningu. In an interesting development, Biningu was anointed by renowned Zambian promoter, Chris Malunga, who masterminded Manyuchi’s rise.

“I have an eagle’s eye and I see things that are beyond. I am telling you Biningu is a future world champion,” said Malunga, who also attended yesterday’s weigh in.

“When I first saw Charles (Manyuchi) I knew he would become a world champion and I am seeing the same in Biningu.”

Momba stands between Biningu and a shot at the world title.

“I have the experience and I think I have what it takes to win this title,” Momba declared.

World Boxing Federation president Howard Goldberg arrived in the country on Thursday evening and supervised yesterday’s weigh in. The South African is on a mission to transform the African boxing landscape.

He wants to see more world champions coming from the continent.

“We are the only sanctioning body in the world that has an African as its president and my blood is the same as your blood. One of my aims is to make sure that Africa is treated fairly in world boxing,” said Goldberg.

“More often, opponents from South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and other African countries go overseas no to win, but just as an opponent who is going to lose, we need to change that.

“We need to create champions that are respected worldwide, champions that conduct themselves as role models.”

“We have a big tournament tomorrow (today), a big opportunity for Biningu, it’s not an easy fight, I know Momba, he has come to fight, he has come to beat you.

“But what I have done, I spoke to my committee, and we have decided that in the event of Biningu winning, he will be afforded a shot at the world title, later this year,” revealed Goldberg.