City of Kings Set For Electrifying Night Of Boxing...

City of Kings Set For Electrifying Night Of Boxing Action

Gilbert Munetsi

Zim Now Writer

The “City of Kings” is set to roar back to life this Friday with a high-octane professional boxing extravaganza featuring a thrilling line-up of local and regional pugilists.

Marking a historic return for the sport to its former stronghold, the blockbuster event will be hosted at the ZITF Hall 4 as part of this year’s Youth Day celebrations.

Organized by Delta Force Boxing Promotions in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Empowerment and Vocational Training, as well as Young Women in Business, the fight night aptly titled “Legacy in the Making – Youth Day Trabablas Champions” promises a spectacle of grit, skill, and unrelenting determination.

Headlining the stacked fight card is a hotly anticipated national title showdown between two Mbare warriors - Hillary Josamu and Arifonso Zvenyika Junior - who will battle for the prestigious Zimbabwean bantamweight championship.

And adding further intensity to the night’s action, Zimbabwe’s premier female fighter, Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire, makes her return to the ring in a much-awaited clash against a formidable Malawian challenger, Mercy Mashiri.

In a typical tale of generational rivalry rekindled, the stakes could not be higher for Josamu and Zvenyika, whose fierce rivalry traces back to their legendary fathers—two of Mbare’s most revered fighters.

Gilbert “Giro” Josamu, a dominant force in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions, took his talents to Australia, where he later extended an invitation to his contemporary, Arifonso “Mosquito” Zvenyika Sr., to join his stable.

Both Gilbert Josamu and Arifonso Zvenyika Sr. left lasting legacies in Zimbabwean boxing—Josamu through his international exploits and mentorship, and Zvenyika as a former Commonwealth champion who now dedicates his time to grooming future champions through his Mosquito Boxing School of Excellence in Harare.

Their shared commitment to elevating the sport ensures that Zimbabwe’s boxing scene continues to produce top-tier fighters.

Now, their sons are set to write the next chapter of this family saga. The last time these two warriors clashed, Josamu Jr. edged out a narrow victory under contentious circumstances. With the bantamweight belt now on the line, Zvenyika Jr. has the perfect stage to settle the score and etch his name in the annals of Zimbabwean boxing history.

Once a hotbed for boxing talent in the early 20th century, Bulawayo has seen a decline in hosting major tournaments, with the last such event taking place in 2022. However, Friday’s showdown signals a long-overdue resurgence, rekindling the city’s passion for the sweet science.

However, with an electrifying atmosphere expected, hometown fans will rally behind their local heroes, eager to witness Bulawayo reclaim its place as a premier boxing destination.

All eyes will be on the four homegrown pugilists strategically placed on the card to energize the local fan base. Chief among them is Sehliselswe Nhliziyo, who is set to square off against former national bantamweight champion Patience Mastara in what promises to be a high-profile contest.

Nhliziyo, a seasoned competitor, has tested herself against the best in the country, including Zvikomorero Danzwa, and has since expanded her horizons with international bouts in South Africa.

Despite facing stiff opposition, she managed a draw and two losses, proving her mettle against formidable opponents. With limited domestic competition in recent times, the decision to match her against Mastara adds fresh excitement to the division.

Mastara, on the other hand, comes from a distinguished boxing lineage, with Farai and Livingstone Kachigwada—both former national champions—paving the way for her career. A well-traveled fighter, she has represented the nation in Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia, gaining invaluable experience on the international stage.

With both fighters bringing impressive credentials to the ring, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown that is sure to captivate the Bulawayo crowd. Other fighters from Bulawayo taking part are: Noel Mpofu v Anesu Motsi (heavyweight), Lawrence Musambizi v Clever Sithole (super-middleweight) and Victor Mukanya v Anoni Tapiwa (supermiddleweight).