Kevin Situmbeko
By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — The Independence Day Boxing Bonanza set for tomorrow at the City Sports Centre has been hailed as a major platform for developing young fighters, with Zambian promoter Kevin Situmbeko saying the event will “play a huge role in uplifting young boxers.”
Situmbeko, promoter and coach at Grayson Boxing Academy, is in Harare with Democratic Republic of Congo heavyweight Joshua Kazadi, who takes on local favorite Liberty Muwani in one of the headline bouts.
“It is a huge honor that we have been invited to be part of this historic Independence Day Boxing Bonanza here in Zimbabwe,” Situmbeko said.
“Our countries, Zimbabwe and Zambia, have good relations and we are happy that we were afforded this opportunity to be here to celebrate Zimbabwe’s Independence and compete in this tournament.”
He confirmed his camp is not just here for ceremony. “Our fighter Kazadi is a heavyweight boxer and he will face Liberty Muwani who is from here, so we are looking forward to the fight and we are here to win,” he said.
Beyond the Kazadi-Muwani clash, Situmbeko used the platform to challenge the next generation. He urged upcoming boxers to take the Independence Day tournament—and sport in general—seriously, warning them not to be “swayed by different devices.”
“Sports is good and will change your lives,” Situmbeko said. “I would like to urge the young generation of today to take sports seriously.”
The Bonanza forms part of nationwide commemorations marking Zimbabwe’s Independence, blending sport with national celebration while giving local and regional fighters a competitive stage.