Story by Mthokozisi Dube
BULAWAYO’s boxing scene is gaining fresh momentum, with former lightweight and middleweight champion Mordecai Donga spearheading a national amateur tournament set for March 28.
Known as “Big Fish”, Donga has organised the championship as part of efforts to nurture grassroots talent and revitalise the sport. Now based in Eswatini where he practises law, he has established Big Fish Boxing Promotions to support boxing development in Zimbabwe.
The promotion will host its inaugural national tournament, with Secretary Deanee Nyoni outlining its focus on creating opportunities for emerging fighters.
“Our goal is to provide a professional, safe and competitive environment for boxers to showcase their talent.”
Amateur boxers have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a platform to test their readiness.
“I am ready for the tournament and credit should go to the coaches who are training us ahead of the tournament,” a boxer said.
Donga, who began his career at 15 while still in Form Two, said the initiative is rooted in his own experiences growing up.
“We saw it fit to promote amateur boxers and bring them together through a national tournament. I am using this event to help boxers realise their potential. We want to give them something constructive that keeps them focused. This initiative is inspired by experiences we had growing up in Makokoba and Mzilikazi. Boxing kept me off the busy streets, giving me time for the gym and school. Starting from the grassroots is our way of contributing to the sport’s development,” Donga said.
The Zimbabwe Boxing Federation is also leveraging the tournament to prepare athletes for upcoming international competitions.
“The national tournament will help us prepare for upcoming competitions. It is the first tournament of the year, and our main aim is to revive boxing. We have major events lined up, including the Region V Championships in Mozambique in December and the African Championships in Zambia. This is a great platform for our boxers to get ready,” ZBF technical official Steven Masiyambumbi said.
The tournament marks a renewed push to restore Bulawayo’s boxing prominence, recalling the sport’s strong following during the era of the Windermere venue.
