OTTO Boxing Club founder and coach Ali Phiri (pictured) has urged Zimbabweans to embrace boxing as a culture rather than merely viewing it as a violent sport.
His call follows sluggish local and international participation by Zimbabwean boxers over the past year.
In an interview with NewsDay Sport yesterday, Phiri said that the government should be a key player within the boxing fraternity in order to make it a great sport.
"We are working to make Zimbabwean boxing great, but we can't do it alone; we need the government to intervene. Last year we tried, and nothing happened; we hope this year is different and we will succeed,” he said.
Phiri said many Zimbabweans misunderstood the sport, associating it only with pain and physical punishment.
"Boxing is hard, it's true. It requires a lot of work and discipline, but it's a good sport; everyone is free to join. However, some people join and surrender due to training difficulties,” he said.
Phiri pointed to countries like Tanzania, where boxing competitions are held week in and week out, and encouraged Zimbabwe to follow suit.
He pointed to countries such as Tanzania, where boxing competitions are held regularly, urging Zimbabwe to adopt a similar approach.
- Ali Otto pushes to make boxing a culture in Zim
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The boxing coach highlighted that the sport helps individuals with their well-being and living a healthy life.
“To individuals, boxing helps people stay physically fit and healthy, and if someone succeeds, they'll build a lifetime career that brings food to the table,” he noted.
Due to doping restrictions, Phiri celebrated boxing as a tool to stop drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe.
"This sport brings entertainment to society and keeps the youth busy, so they'll stay away from drugs,” he added.
The Otto Boxing Promotions camp is expecting to host a tri-nation competition at the end of March, which may involve Zimbabwe (the host), Zambia and Malawi.
"We're planning to have a tournament on the 28th of March, so we're still working on it, and we're going to invite Zambia and Malawi boxers."
Boxing schools are expanding countrywide to promote grassroots development, with areas in rural areas like Mvurwi confirmed to have active clubs.
