Is he the new Kili?

06 Jun, 2021 - 00:06 0 Views
Is he the new Kili?

The Sunday Mail

Sports Reporter

Frustrations and obstacles have not killed the zeal to achieve his target.

Even as he approaches 30, this heavily built amateur boxer still dreams of becoming the next big thing in the local heavyweight division. Weighing 101kg, with a height of 1,95cm, the Rusape-based Anesu Motsi bears some resemblance, albeit little, with former heavyweight champion Proud “Kilimanjaro” Chinembiri, the Mbare-born heavy-hitter who once ruled Africa.

And national amateur boxing coach, Alexander Kwangwari, is convinced he could be the next “Kilimanjaro”, but fears time could be running out for this enthusiastic boxer, who also works as an administrative clerk with a Rusape company when he is not in the gym. There are some who believe heavyweight boxing died with Kilimanjaro, the former African champion who passed away in 1994 at the age of 36 with a proud record of 32 wins, six losses and zero draws.

Since his death, Zimbabwe has never had an international heavyweight boxing champion. But Motsi is determined to change the script.

Now 29, and still an amateur, time could be running out for the boxer, who missed out on another chance to fight on Africa Day after an amateur tournament that was set for a hotel in the capital was cancelled at the 11th hour. The organisers reportedly failed to raise US$200 that was needed for the ring.

He, however, remains defiant and determined to eventually fill in the big gap left by Chinembiri.

“Kilimanjaro was the best heavyweight boxer that Zimbabwe had to offer and to be like him is all I have wished for.

“I can and I will be the best heavyweight boxer in the country,” Motsi told The Sunday Mail Sport.

There was an era when Zimbabwe had an array of heavyweight boxers such as Arigoma Chiponda, John “Bonyongo The Destroyer” Mutema, Juke Box Timebomb, Black Tiger, Anderson Saizi, Kid Power, Walter “Ringo” Star and Hisman “Flash” Chisango. Nowadays, the country only has three active professional heavyweight boxers in champion Vincent Muziri, Collin Nyamambishi and Simon Madanhire.

Motsi is pushing to be in the company of the trio, even as he faces numerous obstacles. One of them is lack of amateur matches in the country.

“I was disappointed and frustrated when the Africa Day tournament was cancelled,” he said.

“I travelled all the way from Rusape, camped in Harare in preparation for the match but at the last minute we were told the tournament was off.

“Everyone in my camp is frustrated, including my company, who assisted me financially. I was ready for the match; all I wanted was to be the hero.”

He is not giving up his quest though.

“(I am) frustrated but not ready to give up.

“Because when life hurts, winners say ‘try me’, while losers say ‘why me’.”

National amateur coach, Kwangwari, wants more matches for him.

“He is so good technically, but I have a feeling time could be running out for him. The good thing though is that the boxer is arrogant in a good way, he is a fighter who will not give up.

“But, the guy is bad news. That’s why we have given him the nickname ‘Unstoppable’, because no one can stop him at amateur level.

“He just needs a little more fights before he turns professional.”

 

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds