Langton Nyakwenda, Harare Bureau
HER fight might have been deferred but Zimbabwe’s veteran boxer Monalisa “Queen of the Jungle” Sibanda, sees this development as a blessing in disguise.
The 41-year-old pugilist was supposed to fight Sarah Achieng of Kenya for the Commonwealth Super Lightweight title on August 31, but the fight has been moved to October 19, in Mombasa, Kenya.
Dubbed “Thunder at the Lakeside”, the bout will take place at the Argyle Grand Hotel in the East African country.
Sibanda, one of the pioneers of female boxing in Zimbabwe, is angling for the title which could enhance her reputation in a career that is nearing its end.
“I had prepared well for this fight, so I am disappointed that it has been postponed,” Sibanda told Zimpapers Sports.
However, she also feels the latest development could provide her an opportunity to fine tune.
“At the same time, it’s good for me too, because I can prepare more.”
Kenyan pugilist Achieng stands between Sibanda and a Commonwealth Super Lightweight title.
Interestingly, Achieng won the belt at the expense of another Zimbabwean pugilist, Chiedza Homakoma, in Nairobi on 16 December 2022.
Achieng now defends the title against Sibanda, a veteran boxer who has withstood the challenges that female boxers face, including stigmatisation.
Sibanda turned pro in 2005 but the Mabvuku bred pugilist has not had a fair chance to challenge for top belts.
She has won the Women International Boxing Association inter-continental belt before, but the Commonwealth belt is of more substance, hence the status of her opponent.
Achieng has 16 wins in 18 fights and is undefeated since 2014, while Sibanda has seven wins in 18 fights, going into this Commonwealth title fight.
However, Sibanda is convinced she can upstage Achieng and bring the belt back to Harare.
The veteran pugilist has engaged a Malawian sparring opponent Linda Alie.
“It’s a great opportunity to fight for this belt,” Sibanda said.
“I know Achieng is very a good boxer, very tough, with lots of endurance but I will control her,” she added.
She wants to fight on until she turns 50.
Sibanda has been boosted by financial support from legislator Tino Machakaire, who is also the Minister of Youth.
“Honourable Machakaire has supported me financially, paying for my gym fees and all the other stuff.”
Zimbabwe has talented female boxers including former World Boxing Council Interim Super Bantamweight champion Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire, Revai Madondo, Patience Masitara, Homakoma and reigning Sadc ABU junior featherweight champion Monica Mkandla.
Unfortunately, most of these female boxers lack financial support and a sound promotion strategy.
Chiwandire made history when she challenged for the WBC world Super Bantamweight title against Mexican champion Yamileth Mercado in Chihuahua last year.
She became the first Zimbabwean to fight for a WBC gold belt, but since March 2023, Chiwandire has not stepped into the ring.
That has forced her to sever ties with Clyde Musonda’s Delta Force stable.
She announced this move on her Facebook page early this week.
