Zimbabwe’s pioneering female professional boxer, Monalisa Sibanda, is set to step back into the ring on foreign soil when, on March 28,  she competes at the upcoming Gala de Boxe Féminine in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She faces local fighter Marie Joelle in a non-title middleweight contest.

The bout is scheduled to take place at the Attenne Hewa Bora Arena as “The Queen of the Jungle” continues a career largely defined by resilience, cross-border competition and a fight for recognition.

Sibanda, who made history as Zimbabwe’s first female professional boxer when she turned pro in 2005, carries a record of seven wins and twelve losses. While the statistics may appear modest, they mask a career shaped by limited opportunities on the domestic scene rather than a lack of ability or determination.

Particularly, Zimbabwe has over the years struggled to sustain a vibrant professional boxing circuit for women, an area authorities say they are seized with. And the gaps between regular local tournaments have compelled fighters like Sibanda to seek opportunities beyond the country’s borders.

As a result, Zimbabwean boxers have become familiar faces on international fight cards, competing in countries such as Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, and the DRC.

Sibanda’s upcoming fight in the DRC is therefore not new territory. She previously fought in the country a couple of years back, where she secured a notable victory over Mary Mustafa, demonstrating her ability to perform in hostile environments.

That experience could prove crucial against Marie Joelle, a relatively lesser-known opponent whose profile remains limited in international boxing records. Like many emerging fighters from the region, Joelle is expected to rely on home support and familiarity with the local setting.

Despite the challenges, Sibanda remains one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated female fighters. She is a holder of a Women International Boxing Association title, a significant achievement that has, paradoxically, been difficult to build upon. A lack of viable challengers has stalled her ability to defend the belt, highlighting broader structural issues within women’s boxing in the region.

Her prolonged periods of inactivity—often due to the scarcity of opponents—have further complicated her career trajectory. However, these setbacks have also underscored her persistence, as she continues to accept fights abroad to stay active and relevant.

Encouragingly, there are signs that Zimbabwe’s boxing landscape may be on the cusp of change. The country is yet to host a fully-fledged local professional boxing tournament this year, but this could soon shift.

The first major professional boxing event is expected to take place on April 11 in Harare, in commemoration of Zimbabwe’s Independence. Promoted by Delta Force in conjunction with the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board, the event is anticipated to provide a long-overdue platform for local fighters and could mark a turning point for the sport’s domestic take-off.

For Sibanda, however, the immediate focus remains firmly on the task at hand in the DRC. A victory over Joelle would not only reinforce her standing as one of Zimbabwe’s leading female boxers,  but also strengthen her case for more meaningful opportunities which include a long-awaited defense of her WIBA title.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean duo of Aliyah Phiri and Ndabezinhle Phiri had mixed fortunes in their respective contests in South Africa over the weekend.

Aliyah Phiri’s bout ended in disappointment as he suffered a TKO loss in the second round to Japan-based South African John Masamba. An uppercut to the chin sent Phiri to the canvass, prompting the referee to call off the match.

On a brighter note, compatriot Ndabezinhle Phiri—affectionately known as "Good News"—continued his unbeaten streak, improving his record to 10-0.

He defeated George Kandulo in the third round of a scheduled six-round bout. Based in SA and trained by Brad Dayan Norman, (Ndabezinhle) Phiri remains one of Zimbabwe’s top prospects for an international championship, and his continued success suggests that he is a rising star in the global boxing scene.