“The Hawk” Cruises To Victory In Debut EFC Fight

“The Hawk” (R) deals a right punch to opponent Tshepo Majuba in their EFC contest

Bridget Mabanda

South Africa-based Zimbabwean boxer-turned EFC fighter Simbarashe "The Hawk" Hokonya on Thursday, October 3, was the winner of an Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) Worldwide featherweight contest against Tshepo Majuba of South Africa.

EFC Worldwide tweeted after the fight: “ZIMBABWE, STAND UP! Simbarashe ‘The Hawk’ Hokonya gets the W in his debut fight!”

Hokonya told Zim Now he is very excited to have been declared champion as it is his first professional EFC assignment.

"I would like to thank God for giving me the strength to fight and win. EFC is not an easy sport, during training you may have injuries, more so during games," he said.

Hokonya defeated Tshepo Majuba via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) in the individual games, making him a winner for Zimbabwe.

He also attributed the victory to his teammates and technical staff.

"It was by God's grace. I would like to thank my team, Ultimate MMA Fitness, my coaches Temba Gorimbo and Demarte Pena as well as my brothers and sisters out there for their support," he said.

He added that he has been training for initiation into EFC since last year.

Hailing from St Mary’s, Hokonya first enrolled as an amateur boxer with a local stable, Box Africa, through which he graduated into the professional ranks under the tutelage of Jeremiah Chiyangwa.

He fought six pro fights, won five by way of knockout and drew one. Before the Covid-19 outbreak, he migrated to SA where he switched from boxing to EFC.

He is looking forward to continue fighting in the 61kgs category (lightweight).

Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, EFC is a world leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation. It produces 10 live events annually at sold out arenas.

EFC showcases the greatest warriors on the planet as it has over 150 athletes excluding those contracted to the organisation.