eBusiness Weekly
Tadious Manyepo
IN a move that could herald a new era for Zimbabwe boxing, the sports stakeholders working hand in glove with tourism players have brought one of the world’s most acclaimed boxing promoters in the country to explore areas that could boost sports tourism in this country.
Already, a bumper tournament, which will be graced by some of the game’s greats has been scheduled for August.
The jamboree, the first of its kind in Zimbabwe and the region, will set the tone for weekly series, which will be staged in Zimbabwe’s resort areas starting with Kariba.
Edward Mendy, manager to Justin Mayweather, heir to the iconic Floyd arrived in the country on Wednesday evening from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he promoted a sound tournament in which a Zimbabwean fighter, Brendon “Boika” Denes also took part in.
His boxing promotions company, Lion Heart Productions hosts “Thursday Nights” series in the United States and it is this concept, customised to Zimbabwe which he will also introduce.
Zimbabwe Wrestling and Boxing Control Board, safari concern, Monkey Safaris and Box Africa partnered to bring Mendy in the country.
They have since roped in the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority as they seek to drive sports tourism in the country.
The tournament expected to be shown in 175 countries throughout the world.
Monkey Safaris Programmes and Communications director, Gilbert Munetsi, said this move could be the game-changer the country has been waiting for.
“As Monkey Safaris through our sports arm Box Africa Limited, we have known Lionheart for more than 10 years and our relationship goes deep in terms of both sports and business,” said Munetsi.
“We view the upcoming tournament in August as the breakthrough event for Zimbabwe and the entire Southern Africa region.
“The event has been in the pipeline since 2015 and we are happy to finally announce that it’s on this August.
“A lot of Zimbabwean boxers have been lying idle without competitive and paying tournaments and this is the opportunity for them to fully utilise their potential and get a chance to make big money.
“It’s not only boxers who will benefit from the weekly series to be introduced in August but its a boost for sports tourism as well.
“Monkey Safaris will host some of the tournaments in Kariba and eventually the tournaments will be decentralized to other resort areas around the country.
“We are talking with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and everything looks pretty promising.
“Our local boxers will have the chance to face off against the world’s best and that means they will get a chance to improve their rankings.”
Zimbabwe Wrestling and Boxing Control Board general secretary Lawrence Zimbudzana said his board has always been advocating for opportunities like these.
“We have always said we need to create lucrative opportunities for the boxers and wrestlers,” said Zimbudzana.
“We are glad that a huge opportunity has come out way. It’s good for boxing and sports tourism in the country.
“This will go a long way in restoring the lost glitz of the sport in the country.”
Monkey Safaris Managing Director Kuda Magezi said his company has always supported sports and this latest initiative could change the sports tourism landscape for good.
