Take Money engages a higher gear ahead of Mercado ...

Take Money engages a higher gear ahead of Mercado duel

Stars speak on holiday plans -Newsday Zimbabwe

Bridget Mabanda and Philemon Jambaya

World Boxing Council interim super-bantamweight female champion Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire - who started preparations for the gold title challenge bout to be fought for in March this year - says she is working so hard to win.

“Take Money” is scheduled to meet the Mexican holder, Yeimi Yamleth Mercado, in two months’ time in Mexico City at a date yet to be confirmed.

Speaking at a press conference held Thursday at the Invictus Fitness Centre at Westgate Mall in Harare, “Take Money” said she is putting her all ahead of this epic duel.

“Everything is going on flawlessly. I started training in December last year and I did not mind that it was holiday time. My focus has always been to prepare for the fight and bring the title home.”

She said she cannot underate her opponent, but, regardless, she is optimistic she will win.

“What I know is for all the preparations I did and what I’m still doing, nothing has changed. I’m working on power, technique and endurance and I can safely say so far so good,” she added.

Chiwandire said from the last fight she learnt to be strong, harping it was not easy for her psychologically because of the numerous postponements to her previous fight.

“This time, I have to make sure that I’m fit and strong. Now that we are going outside the country, there is no need for us to stop training. I will not have more supporters but like what I did in Zambia, I am optimistic I will still conquer.

Delta Force Academy founder Clyde Musonda, who is also the coach and manager to Chiwandire said his camp and the championship defender have agreed on the purse and other stuff and negotiations are ending today.

“We are expecting the contract to arrive today and hopefully, I will be able to tell the exact date and venue of the fight next week.

“We are ready for the fight. I want to thank the Invictus fitness centre that provided us with their training facility as well as physical trainers, but we need some more partners on board to make sure that we go to Mexico adequately prepared,” he said.

Invictus Fitness Centre pledged to continue assisting “the girl child” stressing they have the right equipment for her drills. They are also providing emotional support, diet support and relevant trainers.”

Tinashe Gandari, Chiwandire’s strength and conditioning trainer said they are focusing more on strength so that when she gets to Mexico, she does not suffer from lack of endurance. Kelly Mtisi is taking her for flexibility.

“Take Money” in August last year retained her WBC Interim Super bantamweight title after beating another Mexican pugilist, Zulina Munoz, by a unanimous judge’s decision. Prior to that, she had shocked Zambian Catherine Phiri by defeating her for the inaugural championship right in her backyard.

Winning against Munoz catapulted Chiwandire’s world rating to sixth out of 168.

In a letter dated December 9, 2022, WBC Women’s Championship chairperson Malte Muller-Muchaelis gave Chiwandire and Mercardo’s camps January 13, 2023, as the deadline for submission of signed contracts.

“Take Money” is one of a few athletes to have had a go at soccer, karate and now boxing, reaching high levels with each although it is with boxing that her stock has risen of late.