Zimbabwe's boxing scene is buzzing with a renewed energy, and the country is poised to produce a new generation of champions.
This resurgence will be on full display at the "Rise of Champions 6" boxing tournament, which will take place on August 30 at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare.
The event, organised by Otto Boxing Camp, will feature a packed card of ten bouts, including two title fights.
The highlight of the evening is a World Boxing Federation (WBF) championship battle between Zimbabwe's Bongani Makovora and Malawi's Musa Kananji.
In a national title fight, Shungu Kupani from Otto Boxing Club will face Fania Musekwa from Masvingo for the National Super Bantamweight title.
The tournament will also mark the return of former African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, Issa Aliyah Phiri.
After a period away from the sport due to an anti-doping ban, Phiri will step back into the ring to face Jonathan Longato from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to his coach, Allie Otto, Phiri has continued his training diligently and is ready to make his comeback.
- Zim to host world boxing indabas
- Zim boxer promises fireworks ahead of bout
- New Generation steps into the ring at Rise of Champions
Keep Reading
Event organiser Allie Otto highlighted that the event will feature eight supporting bouts, giving both local and international fighters a chance to showcase their skills.
The new crop of boxers has big shoes to fill. Zimbabwe has a rich history of boxing champions, including Proud Chinembiri, Charles Manyuchi, Dereck Chisora, Langton Tinago, and Alfonso ‘Mosquito’ Zvenyika.
The legacy of these legends serves as both an inspiration and a challenge.
In a recent interview, Zimbabwean champion Beaven Sibanda, who recently won the International Boxing Federation (IBF) championship, spoke about the importance of role models.
He acknowledged Charles Poggi as a major inspiration, stating, "He became the most known champion in the world.
“For that, Zimbabwe was put on the map. We've been following in his steps trying to reach what he achieved."
Sibanda emphasised that becoming a champion is not easy and requires dedication and perseverance.
As these fighters step into the ring, the question on many fans' minds is: will this new generation live up to the legacy of their predecessors and once again raise the Zimbabwean flag on the international stage?
The future of boxing in Zimbabwe may well be determined by their performance on August 30th.
Rise of Champions 6 Full Bout Card
* Featherweight (4 rounds): Hilton Mugova (BST) vs. Talent Munda (Aliya Boxing Club)
* Bantamweight (6 rounds): Alfonso Zvenyika Jnr (OBC) vs. Ephraim Dzingisai (Masvingo)
* International Lightweight (8 rounds)
* National Super Bantamweight Title Fight (12 rounds): Shungu Kupani (OBC) vs. Fania Musekwa (Masvingo)
* International Super Flyweight (8 rounds): Tinashe Majoni vs. Moses Banda (Malawi)
* International Welterweight (8 rounds): Mike Mukariri (Zim) vs. Hillary Kataya (Zambia)
* International Super Bantamweight (8 rounds): Hassan Milanzi (Zim) vs. Hamidu Kwata (Tanzania)
* International Middleweight (8 rounds): Freeman Mabvongwe (Zim) vs. Charles Misanjo (Malawi)
* International Lightweight (8 rounds): Issa Aliya Phiri (Zim) vs. Jonathan Lotango (DRC)
* Main Bout - WBF Bantamweight Africa Title Fight (12 rounds): Bongani Makovora (Zim) vs. Musa Kananji (Malawi)
