Story by Farai Gwaze
ZIMBABWEAN karateka, Justice Mutyoramwendo, is hoping to fly the country’s flag high once more when he faces South Africa’s Frank Cato in the “Clash of the Warriors II” bout in South Africa this Saturday.
The promising martial artist is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations for the highly anticipated kickboxing debut.
Mutyoramwendo, who is under the guidance of decorated Mixed Martial Artist Lewis Mataya, is confident of a strong performance as he transitions from karate to kickboxing.
“I started fighting in 2015 and I have won so many gold medals in the boys’ open division since then up to now. I was a Karate champion and wanted to shift to try something new. I am a fighter, and I am now going for kickboxing. The guy I am fighting is turning professional in this very fight, and it is going to be my first fight in kickboxing. I am being trained by Kuda and Lewis Mataya, so they are helping me through the process, and I think I am going to win,” he said.
Mutyoramwendo won silver at the 28th Dragon Cup International Karate Friendship last year in Japan and successfully defended the Men’s Open Division title at the Limpopo Shinkyokushin Karate Annual Championship in South Africa, also held last year.
The upcoming bout presents yet another chance for the 26-year-old to continue making his name, amid Zimbabwe’s growing presence in global combat sports.
