Chikanda turns professional
Former national team boxer, Zibani Chikanda has recently turned professional following a three year absence from the boxing ring. After hanging his amateur boxing gloves in 2017, Chikanda continued assisting his club, EMG Boxing Club in coaching until he decided to change camps this year for the money spinning professional boxing.
The 35 year- old made his debut as a professional a fortnight ago at a Scud Missile Promotions event held at the Grand Palm Hotel in Gaborone.
On his pro debut, Chikanda managed to snatch a victory against Kenneth Otsweleng to open up his new account well. Playing under the Selibe Phikwe Professional Boxing Club, Chikanda fights under the heavyweight category. “Yes, I turned professional just recently on November 27, which was my first professional fight. The reason I decided to turn to the professional game was based on the fact that I decided I am as fresh and active as I was when playing amateur boxing,” said Chikanda.
The Mathangwane native started competing as an amateur back 2009 due to the influence of his brother who was also into boxing at school level. Two years later, Chikanda was a star in the making as he made his breakthrough into the national team setup in 2011 with his debut call up. During his time in the ring from 2009 to 2017 when he hung his gloves, Chikanda has dominated his opponents in the ring as he was the national champion in all those eight years in the Under 75kg division. He has also tasted victory at global level having won two gold medals from Zone 4 championships in 2015 and 2016. From the Africa Boxing championship, Chikanda boast of a bronze, won in 2012 and silver medal in 2015.
In 2015 he represented Botswana at the Africa Games and brought home a bronze medal. The same year, he qualified for the World Boxing Championships in Doha, Qatar, where he couldn’t finish anywhere near the podium. However, in 2016, he was bestowed with Sportsman of the year accolade and recognised as the boxer of the year for two consecutive years ( 2015- 2016) at the Botswana Boxing Association ( BOBA) awards.
Chikanda believes his age will not deter him from playing for a long time in professional boxing ranks. He has even set his eyes on playing for a title belt in future.
“I don’t want to believe that my age will be a deterrent in my pro boxing career. Currently, I am working towards seeing myself fight for a title belt and I’m going to make sure that I arrive at that level, “he said.
Chikanda works for the Botswana Defence Force and he is stationed at Eastern Military Garrison Barracks in Selibe Phikwe.
“I have to make sure that my job is not affected by anything I do, so with that I assure you that I do my professional Boxing on my spare time,” said Chikanda.