Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE’s first female professional boxer, Monalisa Sibanda, is set to return to the ring on March 28 after nearly a year out, headlining a high-profile non-title bout in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Sibanda will face Marie Joelle in a middleweight contest expected to draw global attention, with boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. set to be in attendance.
“I asked myself, who are you, Monalisa? And I reminded myself that I am a champion, and decided to go back to the gym and prepare for the fight,” she said.
The bout marks a significant chapter in the career of the trailblazing pugilist, whose journey has been shaped by resilience and determination in the face of limited opportunities.
A champion under the Women’s International Boxing Association and once ranked among the top 10 globally, Sibanda has endured long periods of inactivity and frequently competed outside Zimbabwe to sustain her career.
She returns to familiar territory, having previously fought in the DRC, where she secured a notable victory over Mary Mustafa, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure on foreign soil.
“I am happy to step back into the ring, and it is a big honour for me to fight in front of Mike Tyson and Mayweather. It also shows that boxing promoters outside recognise the role that I played in female boxing.”
After nearly a year away, Sibanda’s comeback represents more than just a return to competition but a continuation of a career defined by persistence and the pursuit of recognition.
For the fighter known as “The Queen of the Jungle”, stepping back into the ring is a clear statement that her journey in the sport is far from over.
