Story by Tichaona Kurewa
Zimbabwe has given local athletes more game time ahead of international assignments after hosting such a tournament in Victoria Falls this Saturday.
Hosted by the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy, the tournament saw 60 boxers from across the country battling out for selection to represent the country at events such as the Women’s World Championships in India next month and African Union Sports Council games in Mozambique next year.
“A number of provinces are represented here, although some did not make it because of the Cyclone Freddy scare. The tournament, which includes all age groups, will help in selecting teams to represent Zimbabwe at the All Africa Games in Ghana around July. From this tournament, we then select boxers for the Olympics Games 2024 in Paris, France,” said
Zimbabwe Boxing Federation Technical Director, Steven Masiyambumbi.
Victoria Falls Boxing Academy says it is honoured to host the tournament.
Victoria Falls Boxing Academy director Tobias Mupfuti noted, “We are excited to host this tournament. It will put our academy on the spotlight and Victoria Falls in process.”
The fans enjoyed the pugilists trading leather.
“This is exciting and beneficial to the community as it will also boost sports tourism,” one told the ZBC News.
Another said, “It’s exciting to watch our beautiful game live, we used to watch on television. We need more of these matches in this city.”
Zimbabwe has a rich boxing history and the federation is hoping to revive the sport.
