Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE will take centre stage in African boxing this weekend when fighters from Malawi and Tanzania descend on Harare for the “Rise of Champions 6” tournament at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on Saturday.
The headline bout pits local bantamweight hopeful Bongani Makorova against Malawian Musa Kananji for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Africa title. Makorova, relatively unknown beyond local circles, is banking on home support to emulate compatriots Hassan Milanzi and Tinashe Majoni, both WBF title holders from the same gym.
Milanzi and Majoni will also be in action on Saturday. Milanzi faces Tanzania’s Hamidu Kwata, a seasoned fighter with 15 wins from 23 bouts, while Majoni squares up to Malawi’s Moses Banda in another non-title contest. Kwata touched down in Harare on Tuesday, with the rest of the foreign contingent expected today.
Tournament organiser and Otto Boxing Stable manager Ali “Otto” Phiri said final touches were in place.
“We are 80 percent ready to host this big boxing tournament. Most of the foreign boxers will arrive tomorrow (today),” Phiri told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Phiri’s younger brother, Aliyah Phiri, a former Africa Boxing Union lightweight champion, also features on the card. Aliyah, returning from a one year doping ban, takes on Democratic Republic of Congo’s Jonathan Lotango in a non-title fight.
“We have some exciting bouts on the cards. It’s a mixture of experienced boxers and upcoming stars. Fans should come in their thousands and cheer the boys. This is another chance for Zimbabwe to have another international title,” added Phiri.
The weigh in is scheduled for tomorrow at Body Active Gym, Borrowdale Racecourse.
Emerging local talent will also get a chance under the lights. Arifonso Zvenyika Jr, son of former Commonwealth flyweight champion Arifonso Zvenyika, meets Masvingo’s Ephraim Dzingisai in a six round contest. Tafadzwa Mushando takes on Malawi’s Yohane Banda over eight rounds.
With a continental title on the line and the next generation of Zimbabwean boxers stepping up, Saturday’s bill promises both high stakes and fresh stories for the local fight scene.
