Boost for local mixed martial artists
Sylvester “Gladiator” Chipfumbu’s recent success in the Extreme Fighting Championship could open doors for local martial artists, with American woman fighter Carla Esparza and martial artist superstar Themba Gorimbo set to embark on a massive recruitment drive in the country this week.
DELTA Force Boxing Academy says preparations for its boxing tournament set for this Saturday are on course as the sport makes a slow return following a year-long disruption caused by COVID-19-induced lockdowns.
Dubbed “Pound for Pound series” and themed Knockout COVID-19, it will be the second national tournament to be held in the country following the successful hosting of Peanuts for Diamonds tourney by Mau Mau Boxing Promotions last month.
The weekend show will be held at Robbie Mupawose Centre at Harare Exhibition Park.
No spectators will be allowed at the venue in observance of COVID-19 restrictions.
Delta Force Academy manager Clyde Musonda said the tourney was meant to promote local boxers and prepare them to meet international standards.
But more importantly, he said this was an opportunity for boxers, who had been idle since last year due to the pandemic, to evaluate themselves.
“The tournament is a plan to promote our local boxers and equip them for international fights. It is also a chance to improve their records because most of them were inactive due to COVID-19, which kept them out of the ring for so long. Most of them are ring rusty,” Musonda said.
He added that the tournament, which is partnered by Manyuchi Boxing Academy, Hardrock Stable and Masters Boxing Promotions, had attracted South Africa-based Zimbabweans who are expected to take part in title fights.
“We have boxers who are based in South Africa coming home to fight. We expect them to arrive tomorrow (today),” Musonda said.
The bout card looks fascinating, with two national titles up for grabs, the lightweight and welterweight.
Patson Mutengwa will battle it out with fan favourite Evans“Vanso” Husayiwevhu for the lightweight title, while Freeman “Bvongwez” Mabvongwe will face off with Peterson Machinjike for the welterweight division bout.
There is also an international flair on the bout card, with heavyweight boxer Ardi Ndembo from Congo-Brazaville set to clash with Vincent Muziriri over six rounds.
A Press conference and weigh-in will be done at the venue tomorrow morning before the boxers go for COVID-19 tests at a local laboratory.
Dalexx Logistics, Stanzee Borehole Drilling, Gypsite Electrical Engineering, Neon Event Management, International Partners Global Boxing Stars and Future Champs are some of the sponsors of the tournament.