ZNA boxers declare war

Champions of Champions National Boxing tournament at Gibo Stadium in Triangle today.
ZNA are the defending champions and will be out to defend their title against teams from five provinces – Bulawayo, Midlands, Matabeleland North, Midlands and Mashonaland East.
The Zimbabwe Amateur Boxing Association are hosting the tournament.
The defending champions’ coach, Alexander Kwangware, said they were expecting to win the title for the third consecutive year.
“We are fielding about 20 boxers but some of them have not been to the champions of champions, they will be making their maiden appearance.
“However, most of them have been competing in this competition for sometime.
“Our fighters are fit, we have been preparing for this event, we have been the champions since 2009 and we are expecting to defend our title,'” said Kwangware.
ZNA will bank on the likes of welterweight champion Steven Masiyambumbi, Zone Six bronze medallist – Josphat Mufayi, Last Magare, Ndodana Moyo and Beaven Nyamhondera.
Masiyambumbi said they were raring to go.
“I think with the training we have had we are well prepared, some of the guys did not have the opportunity to participate in this event before.
“As for me every match is a new match and I have to be serious but usually there are no tough fights,” added Masiyambumbi.
Zaba chairman, Lovemore Malianga, said the tournament was their last event this year.
“We are going to have our last programme of the year and we are looking forward to at least five provinces taking part, some are already crying about lack of resources but over and above, we hope it is going to be a successful event.
“ZNA have been dominating the champions of champions for sometime but they should expect a challenge from Midlands and Masvingo.
“Triangle is very good for boxing because the number of spectators is very high, we enjoy the atmosphere there,” said Malianga.
The Zaba chairman said after the tournament they will be focusing on staging a special event early next year to select fighters who will compete in the Olympic qualifiers to be held in Tunisia next year.
“There will be an Olympic qualifier in April next year and we hope to get funding for two boxers who will go to the qualifiers.
“We will have a special tournament so that we are fair to everyone,” said Malianga.