Sibanda gets shot at ABU title while "Take Money" ...

Sibanda gets shot at ABU title while "Take Money" and "Nsukuzonke" are hosted to luncheon

Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire (R) with Peter Ndlovu

Gilbert Munetsi

Zimbabwe’s pioneer professional female boxer, Monalisa Sibanda, has been given a shot to challenge for the African Boxing Union middleweight title against Ngubani Mapule this Sunday, March 19.

The match, one of two title contests, is a surprise dedication to one of SA’s best pugilists ever, Thulani “Sugarboy” Malinga, who debuted as a pro in 1981 and spiked the gloves in 2000 after having achieved a colourful record of W44(KO20); L13.

His daughter Nomfundo is promoting the show that will attract no charge at the gate.

The first South African to vie for and win a World Boxing Council title, “Sugarboy” during his prime fought the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard and Chris Eubank.

For that feat, he was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the then Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa. At 67, he now spends his retirement life training youngsters in and around Blacksmith.

Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board chief executive officer Lawrence Zimbudzana Tuesday confirmed Sibanda’s itinerary, and said a media conference to officially unveil the contest will be held in Ladysmith, SA, a day preceding the fight.

Monalisa defeats Aciro in Victoria Falls | The Chronicle — Monalisa Sibanda (Centre)

Being held under the Sugarboy Malinga Promotions banner, the championship had earlier been scheduled as a World Alliance Boxing Association world title match between Mapule and Emily Kubwalo, also of Zimbabwe.

However, Boxing South Africa reportedly scuppered the promoter’s proposal on the basis that the sanction body does not recognise WABA, a new sanction body headquartered in Moshi, Tanzania.

Due to that and other undisclosed factors, Nomfundo briefly had her licence cancelled. But it appears she has now been given reprieve, compelling her to exchange Kubwalo with Sibanda owing to the latter’s experience to challenge for an ABU title that has a relationship with the WBC.

Sibanda, 40, comes into the fight after having convincingly beaten Valente Aciro of Uganda by KO in Victoria Falls in July last year as she defended her Women International Boxing Association crown.

An exceptional pugilist who has earned herself the moniker “Queen of the Jungle” because of her bravery, Sibanda has extensively travelled to assignments in Sub-Saharan Africa and the East where she fought the likes of former five-time world champion Esther Phiri, Fatuma Zarika and Congestina Achieng - all regarded as fighters of note.

And she has posted victories in Nairobi, Lusaka, Lubumbashi and Benoni, giving her an upper hand over her opponent, Mapule.

On the other and, the latter has mainly fought the same boxers such as Esther Matshiya (six times), Noni Ntenge (thrice) and Liz Butler four times.

Meanwhile, Zororo Phumulani, a partner of Delta Force Boxing Academy under which Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire fights, today hosted a luncheon for her and her entourage in Pretoria before they resume their journey to Mexico for the boxer’s WBC title fight.

Soccer legend Peter Ndlovu, who is also the team manager for Mamelodi Sundowns, was a special guest at the event. In an update, Delta Force Marketing manager Eric Kandiwa said:

“We are attending a send-off luncheon event powered by our perennial partners Zororo Phumulani (powered by Doves) at which the Legendary Warrior Peter Ndlovu has attended.

“While here, we’re also waiting on the Mexican Consulate to issue the travel Visas. There are a few key documents that are in route from Mexico that the Consulate requested to be resent. Once those are secured we are confident we'll get the visas tomorrow (Wednesday). From there we'll be advised on the updated travelling logistics.”

Asked whether the fight will continue as earlier arranged, Kandiwa said he and his team were waiting to be furnished with further details by the promoters.

“As management, our highest priority remains the insurance of our athlete’s health, prior to and post the event guaranteeing that they are in the best position possible to perform. That and the safe guarding of their best interests,” he said.