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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
CHAMUNORWA “Sting” Gonorenda is itching to get back into the boxing ring at the end of the month when he squares off against Nigerian Tony Salam in defence of the World Boxing Federation Africa cruiserweight championship title at the Harare International Conference Centre.

The 34-year-old has been in stellar form of late and will look to maintain a firm grip on the belt, exactly a year after he delivered a first round knockout on Tanzanian Kaminja Ramadhan in a contest for the vacant continental title at the same venue.

“I am very excited. This is a big chance for me to defend it for the first time. I am so happy to fight in front of my own people. Truly, this is my biggest advantage. I mean, you feel settled and relaxed.

“It’s unlike fighting in a foreign land. So with people behind you and making noise, it makes a huge difference,” said Gonorenda.

The title fight is expected to be decided in 10 rounds. And Gonorenda yesterday sounded upbeat, with his growing confidence stemming from an encouraging run of four straight wins that include three knockouts.

His last fight was a non-title contest against Djokito Sakaji of Democratic Republic of Congo who failed to last the distance at the City Sports Centre back in April.

With a career record of 11-12-0, Gonorenda, however, knows he has to be on top of his game against the England-based Nigerian, Salam, who boast of a better record.

Salam, who is also 34 years old, has a fine record of eleven wins and one loss in 12 professional fights. The boxer is trying to revive his career after serving six years behind bars in England for sexual assault.

He has managed to pick up the pieces with a knockout win over Ghanaian David Okai in 2017 and most recently against Eugen Buchmueller of Germany via unanimous decision.

However, Gonorenda has kept his head high as he intensify his preparations at his base in South Africa.
“The preparations are going on well, I am busy training, I am pushing hard. I am now working on technique and I see I have got good big advantage on this guy.

“Of course he has a good record, but I am much more experienced. I have been in boxing for some time now. He is shorter in height. So I will rock him. I am training hard and pushing hard to make a good fight.

“I want people of Zimbabwe to be proud. We all should come together and support Sting,” said Gonorenda.
The event dubbed “A Fistful of Dollars” comes under the Friday Fight Night Pan African boxing series promoted by Kalakoda in conjunction with Kwesé Sport.

Newly-crowned Zimbabwe lightweight women champion Chiedza Hombakoma is also expected to get her first of international competition when she comes up against Ugandan champion Patricia Apolot.