The Eastern Highlands is on the brink of a historic sporting renaissance as the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy, in partnership with Mutare Municipality, prepares to host a landmark professional boxing tournament on May 23 at the iconic Mutare Sports Club.

Dubbed “The Pride of Mutare,” the event will feature two World Boxing Federation (WBF) title fights and a stacked undercard comprising pugilists from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and Angola.

It marks the first time in more than three decades that Mutare will stage a professional boxing tournament of this magnitude—an occasion widely viewed as a turning point for sport in the region.

Former world champion Charles Manyuchi, whose academy is spearheading the initiative, described the tournament as more than just a night of fights.

“This is not just about boxing for one evening—it is about planting a seed for the future of the sport in Mutare and the entire Eastern Highlands.

“For too long, opportunities have been concentrated in Harare and Bulawayo, so we are now deliberately decentralising the sport so that talent from this region can flourish without having to relocate,” said Manyuchi.

He revealed that the tournament is part of a broader strategic plan to establish a fully-fledged boxing training facility in Mutare in collaboration with the local authority.

“We are working closely with the municipality to set up a permanent boxing facility there. This tournament is the beginning of that journey. It will inspire young people, create pathways for professional growth, and position Mutare as a serious boxing hub in Southern Africa,” he added.

Mutare Town Clerk Blessing Chapesuka welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the broader socio-economic benefits tied to hosting such a high-profile event.

“This tournament comes at a very important time for Mutare as we seek to reposition the city as a centre for sport, tourism and youth development. Bringing professional boxing back after more than 30 years is a bold statement of intent.”

The TC noted that the city stands to gain significantly from the influx of athletes, officials and fans from across the region.

“Events of this nature stimulate local business—from hospitality and transport to retail and informal traders. But beyond the economic benefits, we are investing in our young people. Sport is a powerful tool for discipline, employment and community cohesion.”

The municipality also confirmed that a press conference to officially launch the event will be held at its head office this week on Wednesday, where final preparations and partnerships will be unveiled.

At the top of the bill are two WBF title bouts expected to deliver fireworks.

Malawi’s Sakina Ibrahim faces Zambia’s Elizabeth Phiri in a highly anticipated WBF super flyweight championship clash, pitting two of the region’s top female fighters against each other in what promises to be a technical and fiercely contested encounter.

In the men’s division, Malawi’s Clifford Antafu squares off against Zambia’s Ignitious Mutale for the WBF featherweight crown over 12 rounds—a bout expected to test endurance, ring IQ and punching power at the highest level.

The supporting card reflects a rich mix of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners:

Zimbabwe’s Hassan Milanzi takes on Malawi’s Yamikani Mtambo in an eight-round featherweight contest likely to set an explosive tone for the evening.

Aliya Phiri meets Harvey Mkacha in a lightweight bout that could showcase speed and tactical precision.

Yobe Kamyonyo (Malawi) faces Bongani Makovora in a six-round featherweight clash expected to be fast-paced.

A 10-round middleweight contest between Aristote Kabeya and Angola’s Ceda Cadima adds international intrigue.

Zambia’s Gracious Simwalizi battles Malawi’s Bernard Kundayi in a super bantamweight duel.

Simon Ngoma (Zambia) faces Osgood Kayuni (Malawi) in an eight-round light welterweight contest.

Mary Mwango of Zambia meets Patience Mastara in a six-round super bantamweight bout.

Christopher Lichaha (Zambia) goes up against Zimbabwe’s Lloyd Mujibilikwa in another light welterweight contest.

Local hopeful John Andrew takes on Malawi’s Alick Mbemba in a welterweight fight.

Evans Husavihwevhu (Zimbabwe) squares off against Dziko Venes (Malawi) in the light welterweight division.

Emily Kubwalo (Zimbabwe) faces Zambia’s Lolita Muzeya in a super middleweight bout, while Mbachi Kaonga (Zambia) meets Chikondi Makaya (Malawi) in the same division.

Isaac Mangesa (Zambia) takes on Zimbabwe’s Nyasha Hwata in an eight-round light welterweight fight.

William Musonda (Zambia) battles Jeremiah Mhere (Zimbabwe) in a lightweight contest.

Albert Mwelwa (Zambia) rounds off the bill against Lawrence Chiyangwa in a light middleweight clash.

Manyuchi believes the diversity of the fight card reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen regional boxing ties.

“We are bringing together fighters from across Southern Africa to raise the standard of competition. This is how we grow the sport—by giving boxers exposure and fans quality entertainment,” he said.

For Mutare, the event represents more than a return to the boxing spotlight—it is a strategic investment in sport-led development.

“The rewards will not just be measured in ticket sales or titles won,” the municipal executive added. “They will be seen in the opportunities created for young athletes, the growth of local infrastructure, and the pride of a city reclaiming its place on the sporting map.”

As anticipation builds, The Pride of Mutare is shaping up to be a defining moment—one that could well usher in a new era for boxing in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands.