The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
AFTER turning pro in style female boxing protégé Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire is plotting her way to a world title. The 19-year old Chiwandire beat Sibusisiwe Khumalo by unanimous decision in her first professional bout during the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Pungwe at a packed Chivhu Hall last weekend.Her performance was enough to convince Malawian based promoter Craig Rosseau, of No Pain No Gain boxing stable, to sign her.
“She has the potential to become a world champion,” said Rosseau.
“Today you are talking of Manyuchi but soon, you will be talking of this girl.
This girl will rock the world.“We have big, big plans for her.
She will fight three professional fights by December, then fight another three next year before we challenge for the African Boxing Union title.
“Nothing is impossible. Our ultimate aim is to gun for the WBC title in two years time.
Kuda has got age on her side and besides it is easier to rise through the ranks for a lady in the flyweight division.“Zimbabwe has great boxing talent, what the boxers lack is financial support and promotion.”
No Pain No Gain will manage Chiwandire while her local handlers Delta Force will take charge of her training in a deal that is set to earn the boxer an initial $400 monthly allowance.
Chiwandire, a former footballer with National Women’s Soccer League side Cyclone Stars and a boxing gold medalist at the 2014 National Youth Games, was ecstatic after her victory over Khumalo.
“This is a historic night for me. I have always wanted to earn a living through a sport I love and boxing is the sport.
“There was a time I wanted to quit boxing and concentrate on soccer, my other talent, but now I am sure I made the right decision to remain a pugilist.
“I am happy with this arrangement with No Pain No Gain. I pray that it bears fruits. I promise I will not disappoint.
“I know with the right guidance and training, I can be a world champion,” she said.Veteran boxing trainer Clyde Musonda of Delta Force hailed their deal with No Pain No Gain as the dawn of a new era. “Right now I am training two Malawian boxers Salimu Chazamba and Chrispin Moliyati here in Zimbabwe.
“We will also have six Zimbabwean boxers participating at the Knockout Malaria fight night in Malawi next month.
“This is just the beginning of a great partnership that should put Zimbabwean boxing back on the map,” he said.Meanwhile, Manyuchi was impressed with the turn out as well as quality on show during the 37-bout bill that showcased Zimbabwe’s emerging talent.
“I was impressed with the talent I saw, this is what we want for boxing.
These youngsters need exposure and that is what we are trying to achieve here.
“I have been given land here in Chivhu to build a boxing academy and I am happy to tell you that work is in progress,” he said.
Rising welterweight amateur boxer Freeman Mabvongwe of Manyuchi’s recently founded The Bees Academy, Matabeleland North’s lightweight boxer Carlos Ncube and Trade Gomozano (flyweight) were some of the boxers that caught the eye.
