Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
UNITED Kingdom-based Zimbabwean flyweight boxer Joe Maphosa said one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time Antony Joshua has rubbed onto him an indomitable spirit.
Maphosa was in the 2012 Great Britain Olympic Team together with Joshua who went on to grab gold at the games staged in London, England.
Another renowned pugilist Nicola Adams was also in the same group and won gold.
After that spell, Maphosa said he trained in the same gym with AJ before the British went on to conquer the world by unifying top titles.
And the Zimbabwean, who was born and raised in Beitbridge, believes his own boxing journey was influenced, if not shaped, by the superstar.
He has had 17 fights of his own in the professional arena with a strong record of 15-1-1 with two of his victories delivered through Knock Outs.
The 31-year-old has never played on home soil and that has been irking him a lot in his career.
But the long wait is effectively over as he will travel back for the Independence Boxing bonanza to be staged at the City Sports Centre in Harare on April 11.
Maphosa will face-off against highly-rated Malawian star Aubrey Masamba and just the fact he will fight at home has left him excited.
“I can’t overemphasise how happy I am to be returning home for this fight,” said Maphosa.
“I am looking forward to the duel. I am a bit anxious but very happy for obvious reasons.
“I started boxing when I was only 13 at a club in Middlesbrough, England. I then went on to box for Team GB Olympic Team as an amateur together with Anthony Joshua (gold medallist), Josh Buast from Ghana and also Nicola Adams (gold medallist).
“I spent over two years training in the same gym with Antony Joshua. He learnt a lot from him and I believe he rubbed a lot onto me.
“I signed a professional contract with Frank Warren and Bt Sports.
“So, I have some experience and I want to promise Zimbabwean fans a lot of fireworks when I face Masamba.”
Maphosa isn’t unfamiliar with facing African boxers as his last fight was against former continental champion Issac Qauye whom he defeated by KO.
Although the main bout on the day will feature Zvikomborero Chemhere and Marlon Chivero, Maphosa’s duel is sure to be one of the main attractions in a tournament put together by Deltaforce Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Academy to commemorate Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence anniversary.
Deltaforce director Clyde Musonda, who is also the matchmaker in this fiesta is now finalising contracts before the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board can give the tournament their thumbs up.
ZNBWCB chief executive said; “I can’t overemphasise confirm the application by Deltaforce Boxing and MMA Academy to stage the Independence tournament.
“We are just tying the loose ends including waiting for the contracts for boxers to rubber stamp it for it is actually a good initiative.”
Musonda said the presence of Maphosa and other foreign-based pugilists who include Elvis “The Bomber’’ Moyo has made the upcoming tournament more appeal.
Bout Card:
Zvikomborero Chemhere v Marlon Chivero, Kudakwashe Chiwandire v Patience Masitara, Dilan Kanyemba v Nyasha Phiri, Selhisiwe Nhliziyo v Revai Madondo, Elvis Moyo v Athanas Mgungusi, Aubrey Masamba v Joseph Maphosa, Simon Madanhire v Anesu Motsi, Allan Green v Keith Sithole, Monalisa Sibanda v Emily Kubwalo, Paidamoyo Chakwenya v Blessed Tagwirei
