Its All Systems Go For “Rise Of Champions” Tourney

By Gilbert  Munetsi

The new baby on the domestic boxing promotion scene  – Otto Boxing Club – yesterday held a pre-weighin press conference at  Body Active Gym in Borrowdale ahead of the “Rise of Champions” showdown  at the same venue today.

Pursuant to speeches deliverered by the hosts, sponsors and emotional solidarity remarks from veteran promoter/manager Stalin Mau Mau, an enticing fight card was unveiled.

Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy captain Evans “Vanso” Husavihwevhu faces one of his toughest tests in his decade-old pro-career as he squares up against Chivhu-based Collen Zidumbu.

Husavihwevhu, who last July came a protocol away from challenging for his first continental title – the WABA Africa lightweight championship – will finally make a return to the ring in a potentially volatile contest.

His contemporary at the CMSA,, Hassan Milanzi, is poised for an own  busy day in the office as he takes on Given Daure of Nashua. Daure is a hard-puncher who has the advantage of a reliable corner in coach Denver.

In yet another come-back, national Middleweight champion Enock Musambudzi will fight Lazarus Sithole over 8 rounds in a bout with all the makings of a main drawcard.

There are a total of 11 contests in the tournament that begins mid-morning and bears all the ingredients of a family show.

Spokesperson for Otto Boxing, counsel Ruvimbo Muzonzini,  assured the convergence tomorrow will be a day to remember for boxing enthusiasts as her club had taken time to put together one of the best match-makings to date.

Otto Boxing spokesperson Ruvimbo Muzonzini, second from right

“We may be new to the game, but promise to add value to boxing as we complement players that have been there long before us.

“It is our wish to see the sport of boxing being the biggest winner and with the support from our corporate partners, good tidings are in store for the sport.”

“This is the first boxing event after announcement of Covid 19 regulations that allow sport to resume.”

Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board Marketing manager Sharon Karwi, speaking on behalf of General-Secretary Lawrence Zimbudzi, said her regulatory body was ready to work with the various stakeholders of boxing.

She said: “We are excited to be partnering Otto Boxing Club in hosting this event as it provides an opportunity for the process of talent identification and development.

“As the ZNBWCB, we are excited by the hosting of the “Rise of Champions” tournament as it is a strategic  platform for boxers to showcase their talent and also build their profiles.

“The opportunity which the boxers are being given through this tournament is in sync with the National Development Strategy (NDS) 1 goal of increasing sport and recreation opportunities and improving perfomance.

“We continue to engage more stakeholders to host events as these are the lifeblood of boxing development.

Karwi noted the bill was being hosted as the country continues to battle the Covid-19 global pandemic and appealed to all stakeholders “not to lower the guard”, but to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution.

 “We continue to emphasise safety and as such all participating boxers and officials will be required to have negative Covid certificates,” she said. Nhau/Indaba