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Langton Nyakwenda-Sports Reporter

LOCAL boxing authorities are on a drive to build international synergies that will enhance growth of the sport. 

And they want to capitalise on the upcoming African Boxing Union Convention that begins in Kampala, Uganda on Monday. 

The five-day boxing indaba attracts big names in the sport, including African Boxing Union leadership, promoters, and retired boxers. 

Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB), chairperson Vee Chibanda will lead the delegation to Kampala. 

“The event will also provide an opportunity for the Zimbabwean delegation to meet with the African Boxing Union president and World Boxing Council vice-president,  Houcine Houchi, and other high level,” said the boxing board’s acting chief executive officer, Priscilla Kadungure .

The ABU Convention brings together delegates from all the boxing-sanctioning bodies in Africa and is the platform to nominate the executive of the Africa Boxing Union and discuss the development of boxing in Africa. 

Added Kadungure: “Participation in the event will also provide an opportunity to enhance co-operation in boxing development as well as create synergies for the promotion and hosting of ABU championship fights in the country in the future.’’

The ABU Convention is running concurrently with the Ring Officials training to be conducted by high-level World Boxing Council officials. 

The Ring officials’ seminar will also update on new rules and regulations to technical officials as well as provide a platform for technical officials to network.

Zimbabwean boxing has been on the rise and the country has had some high-profile tournaments. 

Hatcliffe-bred lightweight boxer Aliyah Phiri, of Otto Boxing stable, is the current ABU champion. 

He won the belt at an event hosted at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare last December. 

Hassan Milanzi, who also hails from the same stable as Phiri, is a SADC ABU champion and so is Monica Mkandla who comes from Gwanda. 

Famous boxer, Charles Manyuchi, is a former African Boxing Union champion.

 Manyuchi rose to become the World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion in 2016. 

He lost the belt a year later.