Sports News Correspondent
Harare, Zimbabwe – The country’s boxing scene is abuzz with excitement as the “Rise of Champions 6” tournament approaches. Scheduled to take place on August 30 at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare, the event promises to showcase the talents of Zimbabwe’s next generation of boxing champions.
The highlight of the evening will be the World Boxing Federation (WBF) championship battle between Zimbabwe’s Bongani Makovora and Malawi’s Musa Kananji. In a national title fight, Shungu Kupani from Otto Boxing Club will face Fania Musekwa from Masvingo for the National Super Bantamweight title.
“We’ve got a packed card of ten bouts, including two title fights, and we’re expecting a thrilling evening of boxing,” said event organiser Allie Otto.
“Our new crop of boxers has big shoes to fill, but we’re confident they’ll make a strong impression.”
The tournament will also mark the return of former African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, Issa Aliyah Phiri. After a period away from the sport due to an anti-doping ban, Phiri will step back into the ring to face Jonathan Longato from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“Phiri has continued his training diligently and is ready to make his comeback,” said his coach, Allie Otto.
“We’re expecting a strong performance from him.”
Zimbabwean champion Beaven Sibanda, who recently won the International Boxing Federation (IBF) championship, spoke about the importance of role models in the sport.
“Charles Poggi became the most known champion in the world, and for that, Zimbabwe was put on the map,” Sibanda said.
“We’ve been following in his steps trying to reach what he achieved.”
Sibanda emphasised that becoming a champion requires dedication and perseverance.
“It’s not easy, but with hard work and determination, anything is possible,” he added.
The “Rise of Champions 6” tournament promises to be an exciting event, with fans eagerly anticipating the performance of Zimbabwe’s new generation of boxers.
Rise of Champions 6 Full Bout Card
- Featherweight (4 rounds): Hilton Mugova (BST) vs. Talent Munda (Aliya Boxing Club)
- Bantamweight (6 rounds): Alfonso Zvenyika Jnr (OBC) vs. Ephraim Dzingisai (Masvingo)
- International Lightweight (8 rounds)
- National Super Bantamweight Title Fight (12 rounds): Shungu Kupani (OBC) vs. Fania Musekwa (Masvingo)
- International Super Flyweight (8 rounds): Tinashe Majoni vs. Moses Banda (Malawi)
- International Welterweight (8 rounds): Mike Mukariri (Zim) vs. Hillary Kataya (Zambia)
- International Super Bantamweight (8 rounds): Hassan Milanzi (Zim) vs. Hamidu Kwata (Tanzania)
- International Middleweight (8 rounds): Freeman Mabvongwe (Zim) vs. Charles Misanjo (Malawi)
- International Lightweight (8 rounds): Issa Aliya Phiri (Zim) vs. Jonathan Lotango (DRC)
- Main Bout – WBF Bantamweight Africa Title Fight (12 rounds): Bongani Makovora (Zim) vs. Musa Kananji (Malawi)
Zim GBC News 2025