Another high-profile boxing match

ZIMBABWE is ready to host another historic African Boxing Union title fight at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale tonight, with the event set to enhance the government’s sports tourism policy, as boxers and officials from different African countries are converging in Harare.

Fast-rising Zimbabwean pugilist, Aliyah “Lantso” Phiri, will defend his African Boxing Union lightweight title against Saidi Mkola of Tanzania, in the main bout of an exciting line-up.

Boxers from Zimbabwe and Malawi will also feature on the undercard while match officials are coming from Uganda, Namibia, Malawi, and Tanzania.

The event is being seen as an endorsement of boxing, a sport that has witnessed remarkable growth in the country, especially in recent years.

Phiri, a 23-year-old boxer who was raised in Hatcliffe, is one of the popular local pugilists alongside the likes of former World Boxing Council Silver champion Charles Manyuchi and Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire.

The spotlight falls on Phiri tonight as he defends his ABU title in front of the home crowd.

Should he successfully defend his belt, the Zimbabwean star pugilist will be well positioned for a shot at the World Boxing Council Africa lightweight title, which is now the official gateway to the more prestigious WBC international belts.

ABU secretary general, Maureen Mulangira, who will be the match commissioner, emphasised the magnitude of the fight at yesterday’s weigh-in.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to the government of Zimbabwe,” she said.

“Professional boxing is business and I would like to assure you that the ABU president and his team mean well for boxing in Zimbabwe.”

Coincidentally, Mulangira was voted the first female secretary of the ABU at a Convention held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in 2022.

One of her major targets is to see more women taking up key positions in professional boxing.

She was delighted when she realised that Phiri’s promoter, Lindsay Earle, is also female.

“I am very happy and I have a smile on my face because there is a lady promoter here. I shouldn’t be in this alone.

“Promotion is usually for men so it’s exciting to have ladies involved.”

The Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB), reiterated government support for the sport.

“I wish to express our profound gratitude to the African Boxing Union for recognising the growth of boxing in Zimbabwe by according us opportunities such as this, where we are entrusted as a country to host high profile title fights,” ZNBWCB acting chief executive officer, Priscilla Kadungure said.

She also hailed promoter Earle and Otto Boxing Academy which groomed Phiri, for making the event happen.

“As you are aware our Minister met with Aliya Phiri last week in recognition of his achievement, we want to thank the Government of Zimbabwe through our Honourable Minister Kirsty Coventry for showing commitment to the boxing sector as evidenced by the gesture shown in appreciation of Aliya’s achievement.

“You will note that as a board, we are striving to contribute effectively towards the attainment of our National Development Strategy (NSD-1) Goal of increased participation in sport and recreation particularly in combat sport and improved performance in boxing and wrestling,” added Kadungure.

Buoyed by the massive backing from the government, Phiri vowed to retain his belt and fly the Zimbabwean flag higher.

“I am feeling fine at the moment, no pressure at all,” he said.

“Local boxing is growing and I want to make sure we keep that way by winning this fight.

“I was trained and groomed by the best. My father Issa and my brother Ali have moulded me into the boxer I am today.

“I want to reach greater heights,” added Phiri.

His opponent Mkola was also bullish. “I am here to teach Phiri boxing,” he declared.

“Phiri is not a boxer, rather he is a fighter. Yes, he might be fighting on home soil but I am at home in every ring, in any country,” said Mkola.

He is a 30-year-old boxer from Dar es Salaam who is unbeaten in 10 professional fights, while Phiri has a 7-2-0 record.

However, Phiri’s stock rose sharply when he won the ABU belt at the expense of Israel Kamwamba of Malawi at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on December 8.

At number 34 in the world, Phiri is now the best-ranked African lightweight boxer on the World Boxing Council ratings.