The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
UPCOMING female boxer Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire took her first step to stardom last weekend by registering her first professional win in Malawi.
The 19-year-old lightweight, touted by her Malawian handlers as a future champion, floored local girl Duduzile Kamukwamba in the second round at the Iron Fist Knockout Extravaganza in Blantyre.
The card was put together by Chiwandire’s Malawian promoters, No Pain No Gain, and her trainers Delta Force of Zimbabwe.
Chiwandire’s promoters have laid out a plan to make her an African champion by September 2016.
“I am still new in professional boxing but with the kind of training and management I am getting, I am confident I can fulfill my dream.
“This victory has removed the fear I had before, and I have gained a lot from the three professional bouts I have fought,” said Chiwandire who now has a record of 1-1-1.
Chiwandire is a product of the National Youths Games and she turned professional in September, a few months after she traded football boots for the gloves.
She featured for Women’s League Soccer side Cyclone Stars before taking up boxing.
“In terms of financial rewards, boxing is better than women’s soccer. At least now I can earn a living,” said Chiwandire.
Her next assignment is against South African champion Bukiwe Nonina in February 2016.
Chiwandire’s trainer Clyde Musonda of Delta Force Boxing Academy, is confident the boxer will not disappoint.
“Chiwandire’s skill is unique, very peculiar and I am quite sure she will go far in her category. We have a special program for her, the target is to get 10 fights before she can challenge for an African flyweight title,” said Musonda.
Chiwandire drew against Kamukwamba in her first professional fight in October before she lost to Zambia’s Barbra Banda on November 28.
