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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

ONE of the most iconic boxing stables in the country, Deltaforce Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Academy, has clinched a lucrative deal with international sports apparel manufacturer Ihsan, worth over US$250 000 for the next three years. 

The deal was announced at a press conference in Harare yesterday. 

Ihsan, which also have footprints in local cricket, will provide kits for four boxers from Deltaforce, including the vastly talented Farai Makombe and Zvikomborero Chemhere, in a deal which is worth at least US$1 000 per year, per boxer, until 2026. 

Deltaforce Academy will also become Ihsan Sports’ exclusive distributing partner for combat sports gear and equipment in the SADC region. 

The deal, which will run for the next three years, is expected to rake in excess of US$250 000 for the stable. 

Chief Operating Officer for Deltaforce Academy Eric Kandiwa said the stable has already started establishing its own shops in Zimbabwe and Malawi for the business.

“Charity begins at home and we have already started establishing our shops in Zimbabwe where we will be operating the business from,” said Kandiwa. 

“We are delighted with this development and we know Deltaforce Boxing and MMA Academy will never be the same again. 

“We are also establishing our shops in South Africa and Malawi”. 

Ihsan Sports regional manager Kingston Makiwa said they were happy to partner one of the country’s leading combat sports stables which has produced such top boxers as the former World Boxing Council super-bantamweight interim champion Kuda “Take Money” Chiwandire. 

“On behalf of Majid Khan, the owner of lhsan International Pakistan, we are happy to sponsor and partner Deltaforce Boxing & MMA Academy. 

“Each of the four boxers will receive a boxing kit worth at least US$ 1000 annually for the next three years and we will also partner Deltaforce Boxing and MMA Academy as our exclusive distributor for Boxing, MMA and combat sports gear and equipment for the SADC region,” said Makiwa. 

“Moreover, we will also award agreed winning bonuses to the boxers when they win any international bouts. 

“We as a brand, believe in executing and delivering excellence at the highest order in whatever we do”. 

Deltaforce Boxing and MMA Academy chief executive Clyde Musonda said his stable will go on a nationwide selection tour to pick two boxers who will join Makombe and Chemhere as beneficiaries of the initiative. 

“We as Deltaforce Boxing & MMA will be going on a nationwide talent scouting initiative to find Africa’s next biggest boxing stars to fill the remaining two slots. 

“We believe that this initiative will not only go far in making sure that our boxers and athletes are well equipped in pursuing their career goals but it will also aid in the ongoing fight against drug abuse which has plagued us as a nation,” said Musonda.

“Boxing and sports in general instil the core values of hard work, discipline and resilience all of which are key in this fight. We believe that everyone of us has a part to play in this fight against drug and substance abuse menace. 

“We are excited for this opportunity and partnership with Ihsan Sport as it provides us with the platform for tangible development on a national and international scale”.