Thamsanqa Dube back in the gym
WORLD Boxing Federation (WBF) AllAfrica heavyweight champion Elvis Moyo has promised to facilitate fights for his former sparring partner Thamsanqa Dube if he can shed off some weight and get into shape.
Dube, who goes by the name “Baby Elephant” in the ring, last fought in June 2011 when he was floored by Flo Simba in a non-title contest.
The Bulawayo-based boxer won the Pan-African heavyweight title in 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa when he beat Jack Els in the eighth round.
Dube used to spar with Moyo at Makokoba’s Tshaka Youth Centre under the guidance of renowned trainer Phillip “Striker” Ndlovu.
The bulky Dube, who weighs about 140kgs, has started “rigorous” training under Ndlovu with the hope of shedding off weight before January to be in line to fight in a supporting bout for Moyo, who will be defending his title in January.
“I had a straight talk with Thamu (Dube) when I fought Bernard Adie in a title fight in Harare last month.
“He told me that he wants to fight again and I said to him he has to lose weight because no one can take him seriously if he doesn’t shed off weight.
“I’m willing to assist him make a comeback because I believe he is a great boxer, but everything is in his hands. He just has to train and lose weight,” said Moyo.
South Africa-based Kalakoda Promotions, who pledged to help the Zimbabwe National Boxing Control Board (ZNBCB) develop and market the sport globally following a successful tournament held at the Harare International Conference Centre last month, will stage another tournament in January in the capital.
Moyo will defend the title he won after knocking out Adie.
It is at the January fight where Dube is expected to make a comeback.
Ndlovu said the Pumula-bred Dube is back in the gym.
“Dube is back in the gym and is doing rigorous training to reduce weight. His friend and former training partner Elvis (Moyo) challenged him to work hard so that he gets him a fight.
“Moyo has established contacts in South Africa and believes Dube can easily get into a renowned stable if he loses weight.
“When he won the Pan-African heavyweight title, Dube was about 115kgs. If he gets close to that then he enhances his chances of getting a fight,” said Ndlovu.
Dube is determined to get into shape and says he jogs twice a day in a bid to lose weight.
“I’ve started training and I’m jogging twice a day, covering a distance of between 20 and 25km.
“I’m determined to get myself into shape and who knows, I may even get a sponsor for my training programme as I look to fight again.
“I’m grateful to Moyo efforts in trying to set me up,” said Dube. — @ZililoR