Thamsanqa Dube pulls out of boxing tourney over purse
THE WBA Pan African Heavy Weight champion Thamsanga Dube has pulled out of the 'Fists of Fury' boxing tournament set for tomorrow citing low prize money.
The tournament is expected to feature five bouts of professional boxing while Dube was supposed take on Arigoma Chiponda in a warm up match as he prepares for his international matches scheduled for early next year.
However, Dube said he was suppose to take on Noel Mpofu from Bulawayo not Chiponda.
"I was told that I was going to fight Noel Mpofu and I can not fight Arigoma considering the money they are giving us it is too little. I am not going to take part in the tournament, I have been preparing for the fight against Noel and boxing is not for taking chances," said Dube.
On the other hand, the Zimbabwe Board of Boxing and Wrestling Control secretary, Patrick Mukondiwa said they are still waiting for Chiponda to submit his medical records to the mother body for him to take part in the tournament.
"To be frank, currently Dube is the only heavyweight who has submitted his medical records and is recognised by the mother body. We are still waiting for his (Chiponda's) medical records He can not fight if he has not submitted the records," said Mukondiwa.
Mukondiwa however, commended Ochi City for coming on board to promote the sport.
"It is a positive move for them coming into promoting boxing. We have few promoters and they have just come at the right time when tournaments are few.
"This year we had three tournaments only and this will be our fourth competition. It will help to keep boxers active and we are happy with the move," said Mukondiwa.
The other bouts will feature Ronald Tamari against Trymore Musira in the super bantamweight division over 12 rounds while Charles Manyuchi has a date with Clemence Mutiyala in the welterweight division.
The lightweight bout will feature Farai Master and Enock Msambudzi while Tinashe Mwadziwana battles it out against Batanai Ruwizhi in the bantamweight category.
The women's category has one bout between Diana Makumbe and Cicilia Pitiseni and they will exchange blows in the lightweight division over 10 rounds.
Ochi City general manager, Simbarashe Rukanzakanza who are the promoters said their aim is to help revive boxing which has gone into doldrums because of lack of sponsorship.
"This is our first time to promote boxing, we are working with boxers and e look forward to staging more tournaments. This is a sport that has just been neglected and we hope to have other promoters coming on board.
Rukanzakanza said they are starting holding tournaments in Harare before they move to other provinces.
"Definitely this is a sport that has been left outside and we want to be able to host big events the nation-wide," said Rukanzakanza.
