Rusape heavyweight boxer aims high

Langton Nyakwenda

Zimpapers Sports Hub

TIME might be running out for heavyweight boxer Anesu Motsi, but the Rusape pugilist remains hopeful.

The 32-year-old is yet to lay his hands on any belt, but the heavily built pugilist is looking forward to a fruitful year.

He missed some opportunities to fight last year, but chances are high he will get a match in an upcoming tournament set to be organized by veteran promoter Stalin Mau Mau.

The promoter revealed late last year that he would be sponsoring a couple of tournaments this year.

Mau Mau has been worried about the dwindling number of heavyweight boxers in Zimbabwe and is grooming one at his stable — Kudzaishe “Black Bomber” Chigoma.

Chigoma could clash with Motsi early this year, and the latter is relishing the opportunity.

“This year, I’m setting my sights on a packed schedule of international and national matches,” Motsi told Zimpapers Sports Hub.

Zimbabwe used to boast a decent number of heavyweight boxers back in the day.

Former African champion Proud “Kilimanjaro” Chinembiri, Arigoma Chiponda, John “Bonyongo The Destroyer” Mutema, Kid Power, and Anderson Saizi are some of the heavyweight boxers who rocked in the 1980s and 1990s.

Juke Box Time Bomb, Black Tiger, Walter “Ringo” Star, and Hisman “Flash” Chisango are some of the yesteryear heavyweight boxers.

But the number has shrunk.

And the country now has less than five active heavyweight boxers.

However, Motsi believes the good old days could bounce back.

“I’m not just looking to participate; I’m looking to dominate.

“My ultimate goal is clear; that is to claim a championship belt and solidify my position as a top contender in the sport,” said Motsi.

“I’m focused, I’m driven, and I’m ready to put in the hard work necessary to make this vision a reality,” he added.

But fights in this category are few and far between.

“In a country like Zimbabwe, where you have three or four heavyweight boxers, it is difficult because a boxer can’t keep fighting the same people every time,” Mau Mau once told this publication.