ORGANISERS of the World Boxing Union (WBU) bantamweight world title fight between Tapiwa Tembo and Zambian Gibon Kamota set for Harare next month have said preparations for the historic event “that will certainly transform the local boxing scene” are well on course.
HENRY MHARA
South Africa-based Tembo and Kamota will battle it out in a 12-round bout on October 26 at the City Sports Centre – the first time such a bout will be held in this country.
Local promoter Clyde Musonda of Delta Force Sports Trust is organising the fight and yesterday held a Press conference to give an update on preparations for the bout.
The belt which the two will fight for is already in the country and was on display at yesterday’s function, with local boxers having a chance for photo shoots with it.
Musonda said besides the main bout, there would be other supporting acts on the night.
Multi-talented Patience Masitara, who also plays football for the Mighty Warriors, will face off with Zambian Rhoda Mushukiyano in the eight-round international female featherweight fight.
Former World Boxing Organisation Africa super-middleweight champion Tineyi Maridzo and Edmos Takawira will square off in an eight-round light-heavyweight fight while Wesley McDade and Noel Mpofu will meet in a six-round light-heavyweight bout.
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Other bouts to look forward to on the night are between Silas Mudeya and Nicola Mutonhora in an eight-round light middleweight fight while Last Magare and Trymore Musire will battle it out in a six-round lightweight fight.
Tinashe Mwadziwane will fight against Anyway Katunga in a six-round bantamweight bout.
However, all eyes will be on Tembo and his opponent Kamota in the main event fight.
“This event will mark the dawn of a new era for Zimbabwean boxing. Never before have we seen a fight of such magnitude and scale in this country. On the 26th of October, the plan is to shake up the City Sports Centre with action-packed bouts,” said Musonda.
Delta Force Sports Trust chairman David Musonda said a budget of $90 000 has been put in place for the fight.
“We have made history and raised the country’s flag high by bringing such a high-profile tournament to the country. As we host this event, it is not only to promote boxing, but to promote all sports as we attempt to set standards,” said David.
Zimbabwe Boxing Board vice-chairperson Lorraine Muringi said: “This is a proud moment for us and hope this event will help open doors for more promoters to bring international boxers into the country.
This is the first step to bring us back to where we were in the early 80s and Delta Force Sports Trust should be applauded for organising this event.”
