Tadious Manyepo, Sports Reporter
ICONIC boxer Charles Manyuchi is scheduled to bid farewell to his fans in the capital when he faces-off against highly-rated DR Congo pugilist Jimmy “The Beast” Mabudji at the Heritage Village on November 25.
The Zimbabwean pugilist is holding a series of fights as he officially wraps up his illustrious career.
Manyuchi announced his plans to retire from the game that made him a household name across the globe in April this year.
The original plan was to have a single swansong fight in Harare but after putting some factors into consideration, Manyuchi’s camp decided to hold seven farewell bouts in different centres including Chivhu, Harare, Masvingo, Bulawayo and Gweru among others.
There are also plans for the boxer to have one of his last fights in Lusaka, Zambia where he was groomed into a champion by Chris Malunga of Oriental Quarries Boxing promotions.
He has already won the first of the seven farewell fight series after beating Malawi’s Limmbani Lano in Chivhu two months ago.
And on November 25, the former WBC welterweight champion will be in the capital for a non-title date against Mabundji.
Briefing journalists yesterday, event manager Monica Cheru said they saw it fit for Manyuchi to say goodbye in seven different centres which he has emotional attachment to.
“When we announced Manyuchi’s retirement some five or so months ago, we intended to hold just one fight. But people from all walks of life and in different centres have been demanding that they also want to see him in action for one more time,” said Cheru.
“So we have decided to host six more fights for him after that one held in Chivhu in July. On November 5, we are in Harare and we will be announcing the dates and venues for the other farewell fights”.
Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board acting chief executive officer Priscila Kadungure saluted Manyuchi and challenged the organisers to include more female bouts on the legendary boxer’s farewell fights.
“The hosting of this tournament sets yet another stage for us to showcase the Zimbabwean boxing talent and I hope to see women being included in the tournament bouts in the spirit of inclusion and gender equality,” said Kadungure.
“This event is in sync with the board’s vision of developing an inclusive and excelling combat sport nation that produces world champions in boxing.
“The hosting of this tournament is also in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS) 1 Goal of improving performance from grassroots to elite level in sport”.
Meanwhile there was pomp and fanfare as boxers battled it out for supremacy in the Otto Boxing Promotions tournament held on Sunday in Harare.
Dubbed the “Rise of champions Part 2”, the fiesta lived up to expectations with closely contested duels keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
Tinashe Majoni claimed a fourth round knockout on Malawi’s Yamikani Mukandawire in the main bout with Aliya Phiri also winning his fight against Alfred Kaziwa, also of Malawi via a first round knockout.
Ndodana Ncube recovered from his recent defeat to Phiri when grabbing a technical knockout over Collen Zidumbu halfway through the six-round showdown.
There were also wins for Jeremiah Mhere who dominated Malawi’s Bilal Alexander while Sam Madanhire got the better of Romeo Chibanda with Peter Pambeni winning against Alexander Likani.
Clever Sithole, Tafadzwa Mushando, Shungu Kupani and Ashington Ziwakaya also recorded wins over their opponents
