Zim rallies behind Take Money

ZIMBABWEANS are rallying behind boxing champion, Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire ahead of her WBC super bantamweight showdown against champion Yamileth Mercado in Chihuahua, Mexico, on Saturday.

Chiwandire was a special guest at a luncheon hosted by Zororo Phumulani, a partner of the Delta Force Boxing Academy, under which she fights, in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Football legend Peter Ndlovu, who is also the team manager of Mamelodi Sundowns, was a special guest at the event.

Delta Force Marketing manager Eric Kandiwa said:

“The Mexican Consulate has issued the travel Visas. We’ll be advised on the updated travelling logistics.”

Asked whether the fight will go ahead as earlier scheduled, Kandiwa said they were waiting to be furnished with further details by the promoters.

“As management, our highest priority remains the insurance of our athletes’ health, prior to and post the event, guaranteeing that they are in the best position possible to perform.

“That, and the safeguarding of their best interests.”

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s pioneer professional female boxer, Monalisa Sibanda, has been given a shot to challenge for the African Boxing Union middleweight title against Ngubani Mapule on Sunday.

The match, one of two title contests, is a surprise dedication to one of SA’s best pugilists ever, Thulani “Sugarboy” Malinga, who debuted as a pro in 1981, and spiked the gloves in 2000, after a colourful record of W44(KO20); L13.

His daughter Nomfundo is promoting the show that will attract no charge at the gate.

The first South African to vie for and win a World Boxing Council title, “Sugarboy” fought the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard and Chris Eubank.

Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board chief executive, Lawrence Zimbudzana, confirmed Sibanda’s itinerary, and said a media conference to officially unveil the contest will be held in Ladysmith, SA, a day before the fight.

Being held under the Sugarboy Malinga Promotions banner, the championship had earlier been scheduled as a World Alliance Boxing Association world title match between Mapule and Emily Kubwalo, also of Zimbabwe.

Sibanda, 40, comes into the fight after having convincingly beaten Valente Aciro of Uganda by KO in Victoria Falls in July last year as she defended her Women International Boxing Association crown.
*H-Metro*