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Bukhosi Mangena Sports Correspondent
WORLD Boxing Welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi and the Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) have buried the hatchet and are set to hold a semi-professional boxing tournament in Chivhu sponsored by the pugilist.

The inaugural tournament is scheduled to take place on September 19.

The two parties have not been in good books, with the boxer accusing the federation of not giving him enough respect and consideration he deserves as a professional.

A total of 12 boxers from the country’s five provinces, many of whom failed to travel to the African Games, will be vying for top honours in the lightweight, flyweight and middleweight categories. Manyuchi said he decided to bankroll the tournament as it was an opportunity for him to give back to the community. “I’ve decided to give back to the community starting with this tournament. I saw an opportunity to promote local talent and I came in. I cannot say the federation was not doing much because at the end of the day we are doing this for the sport and the boxers,” said Manyuchi. “When it comes to boxing, I don’t have any problem with anyone because we have to remain professional. There are boxers out there who want to be just like me and having grudges might rob them of the opportunity,” he said.

ZBF secretary-general Godwill Sibanda praised the boxer saying he was setting a good example by promoting the sport.