The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
TOUCHED by the plight of local female boxers, most of whom are contemplating hanging up their gloves due to economic hardships that have been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, a Good Samaritan, who has emerged from the blue, has since made a bold declaration to support the girl-child.
A number of female pugilists, including bright prospects Zvikomborero Danzwa and Chiedza Homakoma, have been mulling abandoning the sport due to the effects of Covid-19, which has stalled local boxing for over 12 months.
The deadly pandemic almost derailed Revai Madondo’s preparations for an upcoming international fight in Tanzania, until a local businesswoman intervened.
Super-flyweight boxer Madondo is scheduled to fight Stumai Muki Paulo of Tanzania in one of the supporting bouts for the vacant World Boxing Federation International super-featherweight title fight between Tanzanian Ibrahim Class and Dennis Mwale of Malawi in Dar es Salaam on Friday.
The 25-year-old Madondo, who still has a modest record of 2-2-1, received a boost last week when businesswoman Alexia D’Almeida took over the boxer’s expenses.
“My heart bled for female boxers when I heard about their plight, and I want to make sure I take care of them, especially Revai Madondo who has an upcoming international fight.
“So, I felt I had to chip in to the best of my capacity. For now, we will cater for the boxer’s kit, training costs, bus fare and food so that she maintains the right shape ahead of this match,” D’Almeida, who runs Antonio Holdings Group, a company that is into wines, event management and logistics.
“We heard that the boxer’s airfares and accommodation in Tanzania are sorted, so for now we will cater for all her training expenses.
“I have also been rallying some captains of industry to come in and assist. With time we will be able to come up with more support for these female boxers. It is my mission to see these girls prosper in sport.
“The sad part is that most of these captains of industry do not even know we have female boxing champions here in Zimbabwe. They were not aware we have a female boxer with a national assignment in need of serious help,” said the 33-year-old businesswoman.
Government, she added, needs to do more to support athletes.
The 25-year-old Madondo leaves for Dar es Salaam on Wednesday in the company of veteran trainer Clyde Musonda.
She is confident of upsetting the 20-year-old Paulo in her own backyard.
“The upcoming fight is very crucial for my career and I am very grateful for the sponsorship that I have received,” Madondo said.
Her last fight was against Kudakwashe Chiwandire in what felt like an exhibition match at the Harare International Conference Centre on December 26.
Chiwandire ominously quit boxing last year, but Madondo soldiered on and has set her sights on Friday’s fight.
“The match in Tanzania is the real deal and I have to be at my best. A victory will improve my record and international status.
“I had challenges training, but the situation has improved. It has been intense in the last few days and I am confident I will do well,” the Highfield-based pugilist said.
Although matches have been on hold for over 12 months because of the coronavirus, she has never thought of abandoning the sport.
“Boxing is my life!” she declared.
