FORMER World Boxing Association (WBA) Pan African Boxing champion Thamsanqa Dube says he is excited of the opportunity to return to the ring after a three-year absence. Dube is expected to trade leather with Trevor Mpofu in a non-title contest at Harare Showgrounds in Harare on March 28.
BY SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA
The Zimbabwe heavyweight champion would want to erase the memories of his last fight when he lost to Democratic Republic of Congo-born boxer Flo Simba at Emperors Palace on August 29 2011 in South Africa.
Since then, Dube had not had any fight. But promoter Clyde Musonda has arranged a fight for the two with Dube expressing he is ready for the upcoming challenge.
“It is okay that Trevor is challenging me. I am happy because this is an opportunity for me to fight again after three years. It will help me see if I can still fight. I am hoping that the sponsors can still raise the purse,” Dube said.
“However, I am working very hard because I need to shed weight. But I am looking forward to the fight. I can still pose danger to opponents in the ring.”
Dube added: “There is no sponsorship in Zimbabwe boxing. I can’t even plan or set any targets at the moment because after this fight, there is no assurance that I can fight anytime soon. I just have to take things as they come.”
He said the government should assist sports people.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“At some point, Manyuchi (Charles, WBC international welterweight) champion wanted to quit boxing because he was not being recognised (by the government),” he said.
The winner of the contest is expected to fight South Africa-based heavyweight boxer Elvis Moyo in Bulawayo on June 27, but Dube said he would only accept that challenge if there was good sponsorship for the bout.
Dube lost the WBA Pan African Boxing title in 2011 after failing to secure a fight to defend the title he won when he beat South African Jack Els in 2009.
He will come up against Mpofu who had always wanted to lay his hands on the celebrated boxer. In 2013, the then 20-year-old Mpofu said: “I want to fight Dube next year (2014). I want to challenge him for the national title fight because he has held that title for too long.”
