Zim Boxing Board Distances Itself from Controversi...

Zim Boxing Board Distances Itself from Controversial WABA Title Fight in Lusaka

Gilbert Munetsi – Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB) has disassociated itself from a controversial world title bout involving South Africa-based Zimbabwean boxer Mitchell Mubaya, set to take place in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday, April 26.

The event, organized by former Zambian heavyweight champion Francis Zulu under his Galagata Promotions banner, was supposed to feature a 10-round contest between Mubaya and Zambia’s Catherine Mulyata for the vacant World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) Supreme World Female Welterweight Championship.

However, the legitimacy of the fight has come under serious scrutiny after it emerged that Mubaya, who has yet to register a win in six professional bouts, did not receive official clearance from the Zimbabwean board—a standard requirement for all international engagements.

ZNBWCB chairperson Vee Chibanda confirmed the board had not sanctioned the bout and had informed Zambian authorities accordingly.

“This fight has not been sanctioned by us, and the Zambian authorities have been advised,” Chibanda said in a statement responding to inquiries about Mubaya’s eligibility, particularly given her winless record.

Further investigations indicate that Mubaya was allegedly cleared to fight through the Democratic Republic of Congo, bypassing Zimbabwe’s regulatory process entirely. Her coach, identified as Junior Assoya, is believed to have played a central role in securing the unauthorized clearance and arrived in Lusaka with Mubaya and her team on Thursday in time for today’s weigh in.

The incident raises significant concerns over the procedures followed by WABA, an organization led by former IBF director Onesmo Ngowi, especially regarding regulatory compliance and boxer safety. Critics have questioned how an international sanctioning body could overlook mandatory clearances from a boxer’s home country.

Despite these red flags, WABA went ahead with the promotion of the fight, posting on social media:

“Everything is set for the highly anticipated vacant WABA Supreme World Female Welterweight Championship bout between Zambia's own Welterweight Queen, Catherine Mulyata, and South African-based Zimbabwean, Mitchell Mubaya, happening tomorrow, April 26, in Lusaka, Zambia.”

The statement added that the weigh-in had been completed, with Mulyata tipping the scales at 64.4kg and Mubaya at 66.5kg.

Local authorities in Zambia, including the Zambia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZPBWCB), reportedly approved the bout, with Col. Dr. Wamunyima Chingumbe overseeing technical arrangements. Referee John Shipanuka was set to officiate, while ZPBWCB technical director Francis Galufu Mwanza—ironically under scrutiny for the unclear clearance process—was named as the match commissioner.

The judging panel was expected to include Tanzanian former cruiserweight champion Pascal Ndomba, Zimbabwe’s Sisasenkosi Maphosa, and Juliet Milole of Malawi.

As the countdown to the bout continues, the controversy surrounding its organization has cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the title and the credibility of those involved in its sanctioning.