Zimbabwe-Zambia Boxing Pact Targets Continental Titles as Deltaforce, Grayson Academies Join Forces
By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — Zimbabwean boxing has landed a regional corner man.
Top promoter and manager Clyde Musonda of Deltaforce Boxing Academy and MMA has entered a cross-border partnership with Zambian promoter Kevin Situmbeko of Grayson Boxing Academy, in a deal aimed at pushing local fighters onto the continental stage.
The partnership was unveiled in Harare on Wednesday, with both camps committing to co-train, manage and promote boxers from Zimbabwe and Zambia for a run at African titles.
Situmbeko said the move was inspired by what he saw at the recent Independence Boxing Bonanza. He was in the country with one of his fighters on the card.
“After seeing the performance of different boxers at the just ended boxing bonanza tournament, I saw huge potential in Zimbabwean boxers and I can tell you they are very impressive,” Situmbeko said.
“So, me and Clyde we have decided to work together to promote our boxers from here and Zambia and we work towards capturing all the continental titles out there.”
He added: “Our aim is for this part of the region to dominate boxing here in Africa, so after capturing all these titles we will go for the big guns out there in different parts of the world.”
Under the agreement, a stable of Zimbabwean fighters will fall under the joint Deltaforce–Grayson banner. Names on the initial list include recently crowned Zimbabwe Independence Boxing champion Marlon ‘Flyboy’ Chemhere, former WBC interim super bantamweight champion Kudakwashe Chiwandire, and Tinashe Mwadziwana.
Musonda said the partnership plugs gaps in exposure, matchmaking, and resources that have kept local talent from breaking through.
“Our fighters have the heart and the skill. What they’ve lacked is consistent, quality opposition and a pathway to rated bouts,” Musonda said. “Kevin brings a network in Zambia and across the continent. We bring a hungry gym. Together we can move our boxers into ABU, WBA Pan Africa, and WBO Africa title fights.”
The Independence Boxing Bonanza has become a key date on the local calendar, giving amateurs and pros ring time in front of home crowds. Promoters say the new alliance will use that platform to scout and test talent before moving them into regional cards co-promoted by the two academies.
Training camps will rotate between Harare and Lusaka, with shared strength-and-conditioning programs, sparring exchanges, and medical support. The academies also plan joint fight nights in both countries to keep boxers active.
Zimbabwe has produced continental champions in the past, but activity slowed as costs and sanctioning hurdles rose. Zambia has maintained a busier pro circuit, with Lusaka regularly hosting title bouts.
Situmbeko said the partnership is about scale. “If Southern Africa speaks with one voice in boxing, we can negotiate better purses, better rankings, and more TV slots. Our fighters shouldn’t have to leave the continent to be seen.”
Musonda echoed the sentiment: “We want belts in Harare and Lusaka, then we go global. Step by step.”
The academies said the first joint card under the partnership is being lined up for mid-year, with Chemhere and Chiwandire earmarked for headline slots against ranked regional opponents. Title eliminators for ABU and WBA Pan Africa belts are on the table.
For boxers like ‘Flyboy’ Chemhere, who claimed the Independence crown last month, the deal means a clearer road to continental contention. For Zimbabwean boxing, it signals a push to return to regular championship conversations.
“Partnerships like this are how we bring back boxing,” Musonda said. “Our boys will do the fighting. Our job is to get them the right fights.”
TOP PIC: Left; Kevin Situmbeko, Zambian boxing promoter and coach right Clyde Musonda Zimbabwe Boxing Promoter
