Baba hosts tournament in Njanji, Gwanda

BOXING fans will be treated to a fiesta when the Bulawayo Amateur Boxing Association (Baba) stages a tournament at Njanji Centre in Gwanda featuring teams from five provinces.

Gwanda boxers will fight in different weight divisions against Bulawayo clubs, Nketa, Lobengula, Tshaka, Sikhulile, Inyanda, Youth Arts, Nkulumane and Bulawayo West, as well as pugilists from the Midlands, Matabeleland North and Masvingo.

According to Baba spokesperson Arvian Mathe, the competition will also feature boxers that are part of the 2016 African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region Five Under-20 Youth Games squad.

“This is an opportunity for the young boxers to make final preparations before they go into camp. We hope they will be able to identify their strengths and work on their weaknesses before representing the country,” said Mathe.

Baba has also invited WBC welterweight silver champion Charles Manyuchi to be guest of honour at the event.

“This is another way of encouraging youngsters that they can also achieve bigger things just like Manyuchi. As a sport which I believe is at the stage of rebirth, this time we are promoting it in Gwanda district.

“This competition is good for everyone involved and it’s important that fans get to know boxers early and follow them throughout their careers.” — @khumzallen.