‘Bout learning chance for upcoming boxer’

Sport
ORGANISERS of the Trevor Mpofu bout against Thamsanqa Dube now set for April 25 in Harare say they want to give the upcoming pugilist a chance to fight as there are a few heavyweight boxers in the country.

ORGANISERS of the Trevor Mpofu bout against Thamsanqa Dube  now set for April 25 in Harare say they want to give the upcoming pugilist a chance to fight as there are a few heavyweight boxers in the country.

SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER

The fight was initially set for March 28, but has been pushed to April  25.

Mpofu and Dube are set to clash in a non-title elimination bout that will see the winner fight  South Africa-based heavyweight boxer Elvis Moyo in Bulawayo on June 27.

The April 25 boxing bill, dubbed the Independence Solidarity Boxing Challenge, will feature boxers from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya and local boxers.

Tournament organiser Clyde Musonda from Delta Force Boxing Promotions yesterday spoke to Southern Eye Sport on preparations for the tournament.

“It is OK that Trevor is challenging me. I am happy because this is the opportunity for me to  fight again after three years,” Thamsanqa Dube
“It is OK that Trevor is challenging me. I am happy because this is the opportunity for me to fight again after three years,” Thamsanqa Dube

“There is a shortage of heavyweight boxers in Zimbabwe,” he said.

“Trevor is a good upcoming  heavyweight boxer. We want to give him the opportunity to fight. We have invited boxers from others countries.”

Dube last fought when  he lost to Democratic Republic of Congo-born boxer Flo Simba at Emperors Palace on August 29 2011  in South Africa.

However, Musonda said he still has confidence in Dube.

“I still have faith in Thamsanqa. He has experience and that could work in his favour against Trevor,” he said.

Last week, Dube said he was getting ready for the challenge.

“It is OK that Trevor is challenging me. I am happy because this is the opportunity for me to  fight again after three years,” he said.

“It will  help me see if I can still fight. I am hoping that the sponsors can still raise the purse. However, I am working very hard because I need to shed weight. But I am looking forward to the fight. I am still a danger in the ring.”

Mpofu has previously indicated he is ready to challenge Dube for the heavyweight title belt as he has held onto it for too long.

The boxers are trained by veteran coach Phillip “Striker” Ndlovu at Tshaka Youth Centre with Mpofu attending morning sessions while Dube trains in the afternoon.