‘Starboy’ Milanzi Seeks Glory in Namibia Clash Aga...

‘Starboy’ Milanzi Seeks Glory in Namibia Clash Against Former WBO Global Champ Nghitumbwa

Gilbert Munetsi - Zim Now Writer

Fresh off his latest triumph in the ring, Zimbabwe’s rising boxing sensation Hassan “Starboy” Milanzi is wasting no time before stepping into yet another high-stakes bout.

Just a week after capturing the World Boxing Federation (WBF) intercontinental super-bantamweight title, Milanzi is set to face Namibian powerhouse Fillipus “Energy” Nghitumbwa in Windhoek for the coveted World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa title.

The bout is scheduled for April 12 at the Ramatex complex in the Namibian capital, with respected promoter Nestor Tobias of Sunshine Boxing Promotions behind the event.

Milanzi, who stopped Tanzanian opponent Abdul Kubira in the sixth round at Harare’s 7 Arts Theatre on March 29, has been riding high. The 24-year-old boxer was also named Professional Boxer of the Year the very next day at a local boxing awards gala at Cresta Lodge—an honour that underscores his fast-growing reputation in African boxing circles.

Nicknamed “Starboy” for his electrifying ring presence and rapid ascent, Milanzi now faces one of the toughest tests of his career. Nghitumbwa, 28, is not only fighting on home turf, but also brings significant pedigree to the ring.

A former two-time holder of the WBO Global super-bantamweight title, orthodox Nghitumbwa is known for his aggressive style and knockout power, having racked up 13 KOs in his 15 professional wins.

His two only professional losses came in 2017 when he lost to fellow countryman Jonas Matheus and last year in Las Vegas, where he challenged for the WBO International title against American contender John Riel Casimero.

Despite the odds and a short recovery window, Milanzi’s team has decided to seize the opportunity. A win in Windhoek would secure the WBO Africa belt and firmly establish Milanzi as a continental force. However, the decision to fight so soon after his last bout is not without risk.

Under WBF rules, should a titleholder suffer a knockout loss in a subsequent bout—even outside their organization—they forfeit their WBF title. That policy has cost Zimbabwean fighters before, including Tatenda Biningu of the Manyuchi Boxing Academy, who was stripped of his title under similar circumstances.

This will not be Milanzi’s first foray into Namibian territory. In October 2022, he suffered a fifth-round TKO loss to Mateus Heita in Windhoek. That experience, however, may serve him well as he looks for redemption.

Zimbabwean fighters have historically had mixed results in Namibia, a tough proving ground for visiting opponents. Still, some, like Peter Pambeni and Brendon Denes, have managed to return home with title belts—proof that upsets are possible in this unforgiving arena.

For Milanzi, April 12 represents more than just another fight—it’s a potential career-defining moment. If he topples Nghitumbwa in his own backyard, the “Starboy” could very well become a household name across Africa’s boxing landscape.