The Sunday News
THE Black Fist Boxing Bill that was scheduled for Independence Day has been moved to 16 May after the organisers secured funding late.
Black Fist director Boris Zneider said they had managed to secure funding for the seven-bout tournament that will be held at the City Sports Centre in Harare.
He said they had approached companies with the initial date of 18 April but funding could not be secured in time hence the shift of the date to 16 May.
“We set the date of the tournament before approaching the sponsors and in discussions they told us the dates were too near and they asked us to shift the date for them to come on board and I am glad the funding has come through. Now it is up to the boxers to prepare well for the bout and we believe the extension gives them ample time to sharpen their skills,” said Zneider, adding that prize money would be disclosed in due course.
The seven bout bill will be headlined by a clash of light heavyweights, Noel Mpofu from Tshaka Youth Centre stable and Harare-based Wasley Macdate in an eight round contest. All the bouts will be non-title fights.
Another Philip “Striker” Ndlovu coached boxer, Dumezweni Ntuliki will take on Botswana’s Tebogo Katiso in a four-round match while Lovell Maphosa will trade leather with another Botswana boxer, Patrick Seoko in the bantamweight division over four rounds.
Harare-based Silas Mandeya’s six rounds welterweight contest against Malawian Salimuh Azasa will round off the men’s bouts.
Top Zimbabwean female boxer, Monalisa Sibanda will feature in battle against Frisko Makumbe in a four round welterweight bout with Josie Luse taking on another Lalingililami Maggie in a bantamweight duel over four rounds. In another bantamweight four round female contest Patience Matsara will exchange blows with Lina Kaswera of Zambia.
Zneider revealed they had handed in all the necessary paperwork to the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board including medicals for all the boxers that will be involved in the fight and that all was set for a spectacular show.
“I am happy all the paperwork has been done and approved, we are now looking forward to the fights. The boxers will certainly be eager to give a good showing and people can expect great matches.
“It has been a long time since we organised any fights and I feel this is the time for us to start reviving the sport and with the help of companies I believe we will go far,” said the long time boxing promoter.
Veteran boxing trainer, Ndlovu said his charges were happy with the confirmation of the bill and they were ready to enter the ring.
He said it was pleasing to note that the bill will be the second this year after the Delta Force Independence bill that is scheduled for 25 April.
The Clyde Musonda-organised tournament will feature several local and international boxers from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi and Kenya.
