SEVEN BOXERS TO TURN PROFESSIONAL

Langton Nyakwenda

AT least seven new boxers will turn professional as the curtain raiser to a historic national title fight set for 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare on Saturday night.

For the first time in years, Zimbabwe will host a national championship bout, pitting light welterweight boxers Tinofadzwa Chikerema of Mau Mau stable and Nyasha Hwata from Box Fit.

Otto Boxing Club and Box Fit have put up this card which also has interesting fights featuring the likes of Evans Husahiwevhu, Freeman Mabvongwe and Hillary Josamu — son of the late star pugilist Gilbert.

Weigh in is at Borrowdale Race Course tomorrow morning.

“The match between Chikerema and Hwata is the first national title fight in a long time and this is a very good development for local boxing,” says Ali Phiri of Otto Boxing stable.

“We need new blood in professional boxing, and on this card we have about seven boxers who are turning professional.”

Talent Chirove, Faniya Musekwa, Tapiwa Anoni, Tapfuma Bvungo, Nyasha Phiri, Emmanuel Chikosha and Kudzaishe Chigoma will turn professional on the night.

“This is a developmental tournament as we are giving a chance to local guys to showcase their talent,” added Phiri.

Phiri is one of the most respected boxing trainers in the country.

He worked with former World Boxing Council Silver Welterweight champion, Charles Manyuchi, before grooming his own brother Aliyah into an African champion.  The 24-year-old Aliyah is the current African Boxing Union champion but will not take part on Saturday.

Dubbed “Judgement Day”, Saturday’s tournament is expected to draw a huge crowd as 7 Arts Theatre has become the new home of local boxing.

Veteran promoter Stalin Mau Mau is tipping his boxer Chikerema to shine on Saturday.

“We have two boxers at the tournament, but it’s not about the number of boxers but the quality,” said Mau Mau who is credited for nurturing former Commonwealth Flyweight champion, Arifonso “Mosquito” Zvenyika.

“It’s good to have more local fights, but it’s expensive to put on a tournament in Zimbabwe.

“At the same time, local championship fights are an essential foundation, yet it has been a long time since we last had one.”

A promoter needs at least US$5,000 to put up a decent boxing tournament.

Bout card

Talent Chirova v Faniya Musekiwa (Super Bantamweight 4 rounds), Mike Mukaviri v Adonia Abraham (Welterweight 6 rounds), Tafadzwa Mushando v Alan Green (Lightweight 6 rounds), Evans Husayiwevhu v Trynos Zihove (Lightweight 6 rounds), Bongani Makorova v Hillary Josamu (Bantamweight 6 rounds), Emmanuel Chikosha v Kudzaishe Chigoma (Heavyweight 4 rounds), Freeman Mabvongwe v Tinashe Zihove (Middleweight 6 rounds), Nyasha Hwata v Tinofadzwa Chikerema (National Light welterweight title fight.)

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