Boika victory lifts Zim spirits: Minister

By Ray Munyoro

Boxer Brendon “Boika” Denes’s victory over Namibia’s Mikka Shonena to win the coveted WBO Africa Championship title, has lifted spirits of the sport’s enthusiasts and the country at large, a Cabinet minister has said.
The 25-year-old defied the odds to wrestle the WBO Africa crown from holder Mikka Shonena of Namibia via a sixth round knock-out at the Windhoek Country Club last weekend.
And speaking at a Press conference to welcome Boika, Sports Minister Coventry said Boika defied all odds by defeating the fancied Namibian who had a perfect undefeated 16-match professional record.
“Brendon Denes’ victory has lifted the spirits of many within the fraternity and indeed across the nation, 2020 has been a difficult year due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Minister Coventry.
She said Boika’s win is a welcome development to the country as he managed to shrug off the Covid-19 setback to emerge victorious.
“The win by Boika is a very welcome development for the entire nation. Allow me to thank the Charles Manyuchi Academy, management and staff – and everyone who played a part in ensuring the grooming of the athlete whom we are celebrating.
“Our very own champion managed the Covid-19 lockdown hangover to land himself his second career title,” she said.
The Minister said she is also making efforts to ensure the sport gets the needed support to continue flourishing.
“It is further proof that boxing is a very low hanging fruit and can take the nation to glory in the field of sport. Brendon also remains undefeated in his eight match professional career. I am reliably informed that this victory puts him in the world’s top 40 in the welterweight category,” she said.
“There is (also the issue of underfunding and limited investment in the sector. This has resulted in many of our professional boxers failing to focus on the sport and engaging in other activities in order to make a living.
“This has impacted negatively on the quality of our boxing and the level of competence of many of our professional boxers.”
She said her ministry is making efforts to improve capacities of sports associations.
“Ministry is making frantic efforts to make sure that we empower the institutions which are responsible for sports development in order to improve their capacities.” Nhau/Indaba